Director, Facilities Services

Director, Facilities Services

Recognized for its diversity, dedication to inclusion, and strong partnerships with the community, the Richmond School District is among one of the largest districts in British Columbia with some of the highest graduation rates in the province. With a long history of providing high quality experiences for students, the Richmond School District strives to be “The Best Place to Learn and Lead.”

Richmond School District operates 38 elementary schools, 10 secondary schools, alternate programs, continuing education and a number of additional facilities. The district enrolls approximately 21,000 students (K-12) and employs over 3000 dedicated staff.

The Director, Facilities Services plans, oversees, and directs the functions of: building and grounds maintenance, repair, upgrade and renewal; custodial operations; facilities rentals; energy conservation and sustainable operations management; waste management; security, safety and risk management; student transportation and courier services; fleet management; and warehouse operations for the District in a manner consistent with industry best practices, ensuring a clean, safe and effective environment for the delivery of educational services.

This position reports to the Secretary-Treasurer (or designate) and works collaboratively with the Director, Richmond Project Team and closely with other senior district managers.

The Director, Facilities Services shall assume management responsibility for:

1. The overall leadership and direction of the Facilities Services Branch, including:
   • Maintenance Services – building and grounds maintenance, repair, upgrade and renewal; maintenance of life and property safety systems; and stationary school equipment maintenance and repairs;
   • Operations Services - custodial services; grounds maintenance and repairs; trucking services; energy conservation and sustainability projects and programs; waste and recycling management; pest control; occupational health and safety; electronic security; security runner and guard services; student transportation and courier services; warehouse operations; and fleet management.
2. The preparation and administration of the annual Facilities Services Branch operating budget;
3. Working closely with the Richmond Project Team, the preparation, submission, obtaining necessary approvals, maintenance and administration of the District facilities renewal, deferred maintenance and upgrade plan (Facilities Renewal Program);
4. Developing, implementing and maintaining a benchmarking and performance monitoring program designed to positively impact upon service, safety, environmental and cost performance;
5. Overseeing the development and continuous improvement of policies, procedures and programs for functions undertaken by the Facilities Services Branch;
6. Maintaining close liaison with District staff, school-based administrators and stakeholder representatives; and advising on matters of building and grounds maintenance; custodial and rentals operations; energy conservation and sustainability; security, safety and risk management; and student transportation;
7. Applying planning/scheduling techniques and risk-mitigation strategies to ensure effective delivery of a comprehensive program of preventive, predictive and responsive maintenance programs for District buildings, grounds, equipment and vehicles;
8. Developing and overseeing the implementation of the highest possible standards of cleaning and housekeeping for Board-owned and leased buildings;
9. Developing and overseeing a comprehensive risk management program pertaining to facilities, grounds and occupants. Directing the inspection of facilities and related equipment to ensure the safety, security and protection of occupants and property; making recommendations for upgrading unsatisfactory conditions and, upon approval, implementing these recommendations; ensuring the safekeeping, care, and custody of those school district assets for which he/she is responsible;
10. Managing the recruitment, mentoring and professional development of assigned staff and contract employees in a manner consistent with the management style supported by the District;
11. Supervising staff, providing work direction and assignment of duties to meet operational requirements; conducting employee performance reviews and coaching sessions, facilitating goal setting with employees; and identifying training/educational requirements as needed;
12. Developing and monitoring goals and objectives, staff position descriptions, performance objectives, operating procedures and manuals;
13. Ensuring compliance with Board Policy, Ministry of Education policies and regulations, BC Building Code, BC Fire Code, Municipal Bylaws, WorkSafeBC regulations and the terms of the Collective Agreement concerning matters with pertinent unions;
14. Directing the development, administration and leadership of the District Sustainability Program, including compliance with provincial codes and initiatives, implementation of energy conservation measures, review and implementation of alternate forms of primary or supplemental energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and electricity demand, water and waste reduction, recycling and other programs;
15. Assuming the role of Site Manager for the Facilities Services Centre, including development and implementation of safety and emergency procedures, directly supervising warehouse operations and managing fleet acquisition, maintenance and licensing;
16. Working with the District purchasing department to identify, qualify and contract with vendors for contracted materials, works and services; and coordinating, scheduling, overseeing, inspecting and certifying satisfactory completion of contracted work;
17. Actively supporting revenue enhancement initiatives, especially as they pertain to the use of equipment, grounds or facilities;
18. Managing department communications internally and externally, in print and electronically;
19. Reporting to the Secretary-Treasurer (or designate) any deviation from policy, practice or established standards relative to all areas of the Facilities Services Branch;
20. Consulting with management and supervisory staff on matters pertaining to the Director’s responsibilities;
21. Representing the Facilities Services Branch on the District’s executive team and other assigned internal and external committees and task forces;
22. Providing leadership and fostering conditions which will ensure the optimum quality of the programs administered, the efficient and economical use of resources, and the effective performance of personnel in the Facilities Services Branch;
23. Evaluating, or causing to be evaluated, the operation of all aspects of the Director’s departmental responsibilities and provides both written and verbal reports to the Secretary-Treasurer (or designate) relative to the level of functions in those service areas;
24. Providing guidance, leadership and appropriate levels of supervision the Facilities Services Branch personnel;
25. Representing the District on Ministry, provincial and regional committees dealing with facilities or property-related matters;

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and professional designation in a relevant discipline, supplemented with minimum five (5) years recent, related progressive supervisory and management experience in a large, complex unionized environment or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• A proven ability to implement and practice supportive management techniques including, leading and coaching team members, supervising and providing direction to staff, consultants and other contractors.
• A proven track record of creating and sustaining positive client relationships and communications.
• An understanding of and ability to improve effectiveness and ensure efficiency in a unique and complex environment.
• The ability to navigate political, structural, policy, financial and process constraints in a team-based and collaborative manner.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be acceptable.

For more information about Richmond School District 38, please visit www.makeafuture.ca/richmond or our website at www.sd38.bc.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however ONLY those being considered for interviews will be contacted.

Richmond School District is committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Our ability to provide the best education for our student population relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, backgrounds and experiences. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The Richmond School District is the best place to learn and lead.