Desert Research Institute Looking for Director of Facilities Full Time

DRI is seeking an exceptional and resourceful individual to lead our Facilities department team as Director of Facilities. Reporting directly to the DRI President, this position is a key member of the DRI senior leadership team.

The Director of Facilities leads the Facilities team of approximately 30 employees and oversees the coordination, implementation, execution, and management of all major functions of the DRI Facilities Department. This includes in-house construction and remodel, maintenance, HVAC, carpentry, custodial, grounds, utilities and energy management systems as well as motor pool and mail services. DRI has two main campuses (Las Vegas and Reno NV) as well as satellite facilities in Boulder City, NV and Reno/Stead, NV. DRI’s physical plant is comprised of 22 buildings (~368,000 gsf. total) located on 47 acres. The DRI Facilities Department also helps manage DRI’s 319-acre Research Park adjacent to DRI’s Reno campus. This position will be based in Reno, NV, and will require regular, monthly travel to DRI’s Las Vegas, NV Campus.

Examples of some duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Provides leadership for the facilities team, ensuring positive departmental morale and a productive, team-oriented work environment.
• Serves as a member of the DRI senior leadership team, providing strategic input and guidance from a facilities perspective.
• Attends NSHE Board of Regent’s meetings and delivers high quality and professional presentations to various audiences, as needed.
• Represents DRI at legislative hearings in a professional and collaborative manner, as needed.
• Develops cost estimates for facilities projects including costs for labor, equipment, and materials.
• Oversees construction and design projects to ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, architectural standards, and contractual requirements.
• Performs or facilitates inspections of all parts of the campus infrastructure including physical plant and grounds; approves renovations, maintenance, and installations when necessary.
• Maintains the preventative maintenance and work order system documenting facility use, maintenance schedules, and any other information required by internal policy or by local, state, and federal agencies.
• Maintains a proactive dialogue and working relationship with staff from other departments to ensure facilities needs and problems are quickly communicated, identified, and resolved.
• Maintains a building access system to ensure safety and security of the facilities and compliance with project specific requirements.
• Collaborates with staff and stakeholders to review and update the organizations physical master plan.
• Works collaboratively with the financial services team to develop, track and meet the facilities management budgets.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, or closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 10 years of increasing responsibility with building and facilities management experience
• Minimum of 5 years of direct supervision responsibilities including employee development, training, coaching, mentoring and performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of, and ability to comply with, pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations as they relate to physical facilities, equipment, and related structures.
• In-depth knowledge of safety protocols and procedures and ability to create an effective and strong safety culture.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of budget preparation and controls, including deferred maintenance programs.
• Proven influential leadership, administrative, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with senior administrators, faculty, and staff, balancing the diverse and sometimes opposing needs of different groups, to proactively provide optimum solutions.
• Ability to produce, read, and interpret plans, schematics, and specifications, and working knowledge of materials, techniques and procedures used in the fields of carpentry, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems.
• Advanced computing skills including Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCAD (or similar computer aided design/drafting software).
• Knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of maintenance management programs.
• Experience with principles and practices of complex maintenance and security equipment.
• Strong communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to effectively present information to constituents.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate State of Nevada contractor’s license in one of the building trades.
• Experience with Building Management System and Building Information Model (BIM) software.
• Higher education and/or public administration experience
• Experience in management of real estate planning with the ability to plan, develop and implement financing strategies required to fund projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or license to practice architecture a plus.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, or otherwise move objects. 
• Ability to safely work within construction sites and campus physical plant environments.
• Long and irregular hours and travel may be required on occasion.
• This position is required to be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The minimum annual starting salary is $145,000 and is competitive and commensurate with education and experience. DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance; including 17.5% retirement match, 24 annual leave days, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and the choice of three health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts. Additionally, there is no state income tax and no social security deduction. 

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY

DRI is a recognized world leader in basic and applied environmental research. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students/postdocs who work alongside them, and staff have developed scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in research projects around the globe.

Since 1959, DRI’s research has advanced scientific knowledge on topics ranging from humans’ impact on the environment to the environment’s effect on humans. DRI’s cutting-edge science and inspiring solutions support Nevada’s diverse economy, provide science-based educational opportunities, and inform policymakers, business leaders, and community members. With campuses in Las Vegas and Reno, DRI serves as the non-profit research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY

DRI is deeply committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce and recognizes that encouraging a diverse culture strengthens problem solving skills and creativity and increases productivity. An inclusive and diverse environment improves the workplace culture and encourages employee engagement. DRI also takes measures consistent with Title IX to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students, faculty, and staff. Additional information can be found at DRI’s Diversity and Inclusion Webpage.

REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS

Please upload the following document in the specified section:

1. A current resume/curriculum vita.
2. Cover letter detailing how your experience and professional qualifications prepare you to succeed in this role at DRI.
3. Statement demonstrating your commitment to diversity and inclusion with the ability to create a department that is inclusive and accessible and foster a cooperative work environment.
4. Contact information for three professional references, to be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission.

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately to receive full consideration. This posting will remain open until the position is filled, but hiring may occur at any time . Recruitment will close without notice when a hiring decision has been made.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

DRI employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” report within Workday to find and apply for jobs at DRI and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type “Browse Jobs” in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, “R0141245” in the search box.

For more detailed information about DRI and DRI faculty, research projects, and publications, please visit us at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please email [email protected] or call the recruiting office at 775-673-7431.