Laboratory Schools: Facilities Specialist

Department

Lab School Operations

About the Department

At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity.

No less than scholarship, Lab’s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab’s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community.

Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and the wish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. We provide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration, ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positive relationships. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of color, LGBTQ+ identified candidates, candidates from historically marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, and candidates with a demonstrated commitment to a deepening diversity, equity, and inclusion practice. In turn, we strive to ensure that Lab is a joyful, welcoming, and inspiring place to work. Through our connection to the University, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

Job Information

Job Summary:

The Laboratory Schools currently has approximately 600,000 square feet of facilities space, including Historic Campus, Earl Shapiro Hall and Gordon Parks Arts Hall. This position is responsible for maintaining the efficient and smooth operation of assigned facilities at the Laboratory Schools. Work closely with the Director, Associate Directors and Operations Manager to deliver on facilities activities, including maintenance of the work order system and the completion of work orders in a timely manner; event set-up and support; purchasing supplies and equipment; assisting in developing facilities-related policies and procedures; prioritizing and scheduling work requests, inspecting work, and providing guidance and assistance to staff, students, visitors, parents and faculty.  Act as liaison with University Facilities Services. May assist with on-going construction projects. Responsible for driving a shuttle bus between the Historic Main Campus and Earl Shapiro Hall.  This position will require the incumbent be able to continually inspect and evaluate the needs of the facility. The majority of the workday will be spent in areas in and around the buildings.

Responsibilities:

• Regular attendance is required to perform all essential functions of this position. 

• Perform non-mechanical repair and other services in common areas, classrooms and offices as directed.

• Complete work orders, which may include light bulb changing, light carpentry, touch-up painting, minor damage to furniture, window treatments, and storm window and screen removal,  repair, cleaning and installation. 

• Commitment to providing best-practice level of customer service to the Lab Community, which includes students, faculty, staff and parents.

• Generate follow up work orders for requests that require the services of engineers or skilled trades. 

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