Eastern Oregon University is seeking a Facilities Operations Manager to provide operational leadership for campus facilities, infrastructure, utilities, and grounds. The position leads skilled trades, maintenance, and grounds staff and works in close coordination with the Director of Facilities & Planning, the Facilities Business Operations Manager, and Capital Projects staff.

This role is designed for an experienced operations and people leader who who excels in navigating complex, safety- and compliance-driven environments. While the position carries meaningful responsibility, it is not an isolated role. Financial administration, capital project delivery, and executive escalation are supported by established department leadership and business operations functions.

Candidates who bring strong operational leadership experience and are prepared to grow into higher-education–specific systems and processes over time are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise skilled trades, maintenance, and grounds staff, including work planning, scheduling, and performance management.
• Direct daily maintenance and repair activities to ensure safe, functional, and service-ready facilities.
• Coordinate response to facility incidents and participate in shared after-hours and emergency response coverage.
• Ensure required inspections, safety protocols, and compliance activities are completed and documented.
• Partner with Business Operations and Capital Projects staff on budget coordination, procurement support, and facility handover.
• Utilize the CMMS to manage preventative maintenance, work orders, inspections, and operational reporting.

This position serves as the first point of contact for after-hors facility-related incidents. The position assesses reported issues, determines the appropriate response, authorizes after-hours call-backs of trades staff when necessary, or directs that issues be addressed during the next scheduled work period when appropriate. Response actions are supported by and coordinated with the Director of Facilities and Safety & Security as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Facilities Management, Construction Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Business/Public Administration, Engineering Technology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• or more years of progressively responsible experience in facilities operations, maintenance management, public works, industrial operations, or a related operational field.
• Five (5) or more years of supervisory experience leading skilled, technical, or maintenance staff.
• Experience responding to operational incidents or emergencies and directing staff under time-sensitive conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage operations in safety-, regulatory-, or compliance-driven environments.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and direct daily operational work while maintaining accountability for safety and performance.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

• Must satisfactorily complete EOU criminal and credential background check. Having a criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Eastern Oregon University will not sponsor applicants for employment visas.

Preferred Qualifications The following qualifications are not required on day one and can be developed on the job with support from departmental leadership:

• Experience in higher education, public-sector, healthcare, manufacturing, municipal, or institutional facilities environments
• Experience working in a unionized workforce
• Familiarity with CMMS platforms, preventive maintenance programs, and inspection tracking
• Experience with building systems, life-safety systems, and regulatory inspections
• Experience coordinating with capital projects, facility handover, or asset renewal planning
• Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, construction management, engineering, business administration, public administration, or a related field
• Professional certification such as FMP, CEFP, BOC, CMM, or similar

Equivalent combinations of operational leadership, facilities experience, and related institutional work will be considered.