Director of Facilities

Role Overview

Lead operational management of the Florida State Fair Authority's 330-acre venue, overseeing maintenance, facilities, electrical systems, grounds, and construction projects to ensure a safe and efficient environment for events year-round. This hands-on leadership position demands active field involvement alongside teams to foster operational excellence, preventative maintenance, and continuous improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and evaluate activities across multiple domains including maintenance, electrical, landscaping, and construction, with focus on critical infrastructure and supervision of various personnel and contractors.
• Enhance revenue streams by optimizing processes related to proposals and collaborating with purchasing to efficiently order materials and safety supplies.
• Champion a culture of safety ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, safeguarding public safety during events, and proactively promoting safety awareness and goals.
• Facilitate ongoing staff training to maintain grounds and facilities efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Oversee facility life safety systems, ensuring compliance with annual inspections.
• Monitor utility infrastructure for safety and regulatory adherence, collaborating with external agencies to resolve detected issues.
• Identify opportunities for workforce expansion and cross-training to maintain a skilled, adaptable team supporting organizational evolution.
• Implement and manage an online work order system for facility repairs and capital projects.
• Drive project efficiency by accurately assessing resource needs and preparing recommendations on construction, maintenance, and capital development matters.
• Oversee contract work including reviewing plans/specifications, consulting engineering experts, supervising designers and inspectors to ensure compliance with standards.
• Ensure departmental goals are met through proper facility and equipment maintenance and the timely execution of planned preventive maintenance programs.

Leadership Duties

Directly manage up to five employees, handling recruitment, training, performance assessments, resource allocation, conflict resolution, and fostering a high-achieving team culture committed to exceptional service.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their families.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance for added security.
• Participation in a 457(b) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid leave and holidays to support work-life balance.

Qualifications

Applicants must have an associate degree (bachelor's preferred) or equivalent combination of education and experience, plus six to eight years in facilities management or construction with progressive responsibility. At least two years' managerial experience overseeing maintenance/construction teams, multimillion-dollar budgets, and preventive maintenance program development is desired. Certifications in areas like A/C Refrigeration, EPA, OSHA, Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, or Construction add value.

Skills and Abilities

• Effective interpersonal, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to interpret construction plans and blueprints, and prepare planning documents.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, equipment used in facility maintenance and construction, including building codes.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety regulations and safe operational procedures.
• Good decision-making skills and the capability to provide leadership and foster a positive, solution-minded team spirit.
• Competency in mathematical concepts to handle both abstract and concrete variables.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Willingness to work flexible and extended hours during major events such as the annual State Fair.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Work involves office and field environments requiring physical activities such as standing, walking, lifting over 50 pounds, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, and balancing. Exposure to weather extremes, mechanical hazards, fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, and risk of electrical shock is expected. Use of typical office equipment and strong vision and hearing capabilities are necessary.

Additional Information

The Florida State Fair Authority maintains a drug-free workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.