Department:     Buildings & Grounds
Reports To:      County Administrator
FLSA Status:    Exempt

Position Summary

The Buildings and Grounds Supervisor is responsible for planning, directing, and supervising the maintenance, repair, and operation of all Passaic County buildings, grounds, and related infrastructure. This position ensures that County facilities are safe, functional, code-compliant, and maintained in a cost-effective manner to support public services and operations.

The Supervisor oversees skilled trades staff and contractors, coordinates preventative maintenance programs, responds to emergency facility needs, and supports capital improvement and renovation projects. The ideal candidate will possess a Certified Public Works Manager (CPWM) credential and extensive hands-on experience in building trades.

Essential Job Duties

The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive:

• Supervises, assigns, and evaluates the work of buildings and grounds staff, including maintenance personnel and skilled trades.
• Oversees maintenance, repair, and renovation of County-owned buildings, facilities, and infrastructure, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and exterior systems.
• Develops and implements preventative maintenance schedules to extend asset life and reduce emergency repairs.
• Coordinates and monitors work performed by contractors, vendors, and consultants; reviews scopes of work and ensures compliance with specifications.
• Conducts regular inspections of County facilities to identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, and code compliance issues.
• Responds to emergency situations (e.g., power failures, plumbing leaks, structural issues) and coordinates corrective action.
• Assists with planning and implementation of capital improvement projects and facility upgrades.
• Maintains records related to work orders, inspections, maintenance activities, and inventory.
• Ensures compliance with applicable building codes, OSHA regulations, environmental standards, and County policies.
• Assists in budget development, cost estimates, and monitoring of expenditures related to facilities maintenance.
• Coordinates snow removal operations in and around County facilities.  Assists the Department of Roads with snow removal operations on surface streets where assigned.
• Collaborates with County departments to address facility needs and operational priorities.
• Enforces safety practices and ensures staff are trained in proper procedures and equipment use.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of building construction, maintenance, and repair practices.
• Working knowledge of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, masonry, HVAC, and general construction trades.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, specifications, and technical manuals.
• Strong supervisory, leadership, and staff coordination skills.
• Experience managing a unionized workforce, including knowledge of labor contracts, grievance procedures and progressive discipline.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance systems and asset management principles.
• Familiarity with public-sector procurement, specifically New Jersey Local Public Contract Law, contractor oversight, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to identify safety hazards and enforce workplace safety standards.
• Strong organizational, recordkeeping, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), work order systems, and standard office software.

Examples of Work

• Supervises a team performing routine and emergency repairs across multiple County facilities.
• Inspects roofs, mechanical rooms, electrical systems, and structural elements to identify maintenance needs.
• Coordinates a contractor-led renovation of a County office building while maintaining daily operations.
• Develops and tracks preventative maintenance schedules for HVAC and building systems.
• Responds to after-hours facility emergencies, such as fire alarms or power outages.
• Reviews contractor invoices and verifies work completion.
• Implements safety improvements to reduce workplace hazards and liability exposure.
• Assists in preparing cost estimates for capital repair and replacement projects.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

• Work involves frequent walking, standing, climbing ladders, and exposure to construction environments.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials consistent with facilities maintenance work.
• Will require availability during emergencies, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training preferred.
• Certified Public Works Manager (CPWM) certification strongly preferred (or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe).
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in general construction, building maintenance, or facilities management, including experience in one or more of the following trades:
• At least five (5) years of supervisory or lead-worker experience preferred.
• Valid New Jersey driver’s license.

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter to Erin Abate via email to erina@passaiccountynj.org.