General Maintenance Supervisor

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Positional Summary

The Student Affairs Facilities, Planning & Operations (FPO) Department is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming, and functional environment for all students, faculty, and visitors. Our team manages a diverse portfolio of residence halls, ensuring they are well-maintained, accessible, and conducive to student life and learning. The General Maintenance Supervisor (GMS) provides leadership and oversight for a team of general maintenance personnel responsible for the upkeep, safety, and functionality of the residence halls at Duke University. This role ensures timely response to facilities issues, coordinates preventative and corrective maintenance efforts, and collaborates with campus stakeholders to support a safe and welcoming residential environment. The GMS promotes high standards of service, fosters team development, and upholds inclusive and equitable workplace practices while maintaining compliance with campus policies and safety regulations.

Key Position Duties

Supervision of Maintenance Mechanics

• Supervise and participate in activities of personnel engaged in the maintenance of the residence halls on the assigned Campus, equipment and furnishings to include refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, electrical equipment, plumbing fixtures and lines, mechanical equipment, carpentry work, general glass and masonry work.
• Conduct regular inspections of residential buildings, areas, equipment and furnishings to determine maintenance needs and to ensure quality control on work performed.
• Meet regularly with direct reports, including monthly 1:1 meetings, weekly campus team meetings, and quarterly feedback and review sessions.
• Meet with Bargaining Unit leadership, as needed, to discuss and address personnel related issues or concerns.
• Lead and participate in the ongoing training and development of Facilities Operations personnel, including direct reports. Facilitate trainings on a variety of topics including processing EAM work orders, annual safety trainings, training for new maintenance/repair processes, etc.
• In consultation with the Assistant Director for Facilities, or their designee, recommend various personnel functions including, but not limited to, hiring, promotions, disciplinary actions and vacation schedules.

Maintenance Oversight

• Have an awareness of and follow all departmental, divisional, and university safety and personnel possibilities, as well as local, state, and federal laws.
• Ensure compliance of all established safety and personnel policies, collective bargaining agreement guidelines, and relevant laws by direct reports, departmental personnel, and external contractors performing work in the residence halls.
• Plan and schedule work for staff ensuring proper distribution of assignments and adequate manning, space and facilities for subsequent performance of duties.
• Establish and maintain liaison with administrative and professional staff regarding general maintenance requirements which support the residential community.
• Assist in the establishment and implementation of preventive maintenance programs.
• Liaise with external contractors performing work within the residence halls, including scheduling, arranging for access to residential facilities, and assisting in troubleshooting issues and concerns.
• Collaborate with Housing and Residence Life (HRL) staff in responding to, triaging, and addressing residential student maintenance issues and concerns.
• Conduct quarterly walkthroughs and inspections of apartment residences occupied by faculty, Residence Coordinators, and graduate student staff; lead the coordination of walkthrough schedules and resolution of identified issues.
• Regularly inspect the completed work of university maintenance staff and external contractors to ensure compliance with established standards.
• Play an active role in the timely procurement, selection, maintenance, and replacement cycle of necessary tools, equipment, and supplied required by GMMs to perform daily mainten