Facilities Specialist

The Opportunity:

Blue Ridge School is an all-boys, all-boarding college-preparatory school serving 180 students on a 751-acre campus situated along the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just 20 miles from Charlottesville, Virginia, Blue Ridge School is innovative in its approach to educating young men. Passionate teachers, small classes, strong relationships, lots of opportunities to participate in athletics and co-curricular activities, and a rigorous but supportive college prep curriculum empower Blue Ridge graduates to thrive in college and beyond. With an average class size of 10 students and teacher autonomy, faculty members are able to help each student discover the best way to master the course material and challenge each student to reach beyond self-determined limits and fulfill their untapped potential.

The Facilities Specialist worker is a full-time position with a primary responsibility to perform a variety of work concerning the maintenance and repair of the approximately 220,000 sq. ft. of academic, athletic, and administrative buildings, 32 residential dwellings, 760 acres of grounds, 6 school buses, 5 passenger vehicles, and other various equipment owned by the School. This position requires work to be performed in areas including carpentry, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, painting, landscaping, lighting, and mechanics.

The Maintenance department performs manual work necessary to maintain cleanliness, orderliness, appearance, and sanitation of the school grounds, roads, walks, and buildings. Work performed by a General Maintenance worker is done so within established procedures under both written and verbal instructions from the Facilities Supervisor. Some minor decision-making about details of work is exercised.

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; a one-year certificate from a college or technical school is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in plant operations or general building trades with experience and skills in two or more of the following trades: carpentry, drywall, interior and exterior finishes, or mechanics.
• Ability to lift, carry, push/pull a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Ability to operate, maneuver, and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions
• Ability to work in environments with some adverse conditions, including dirt, dust, pollen, odors, sun, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature, noise, machinery vibrations, or pathogenic substances
• Must be a self-starter and able to work independently as well as with the team as needed
• Must be knowledgeable of and follow safety rules, regulations, and policies
• Must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends for special events or emergencies as needed
• A valid Virginia driver's license is required

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform preventative and deferred maintenance on HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems as well as facilities and equipment
• Inspect, test, repair, and maintain systems, machinery, and equipment
• Identify supplies, equipment, machinery, etc. required to perform assigned tasks
• Operate a variety of shop machinery and equipment such as tractors, lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws, welding equipment, leaf blowers/collectors, and complex hand/power tools
• Conduct routine maintenance on school passenger vehicles, including fueling, checking belts, fluid levels, replacing filters, etc., following owner’s manuals
• Diagnose mechanical problems and determine how to correct them, checking blueprints, repair manuals, or parts catalogs as necessary
• Paint and repair roofs, windows, doors, floors, woodwork, plaster, drywall and other parts of building structures
• Completes assigned work orders, which could include replacing various types of lighting, moving furniture and equipment, fixing water leaks, etc. in all academic, office, and residential spaces
• Collects trash from large receptacles throughout campus and places it in the dumpster for removal
• Cleans walkways of debris, leaves, and snow as needed
• Must be able to work independently as well as with the maintenance team on large tasks
• Assists with preparations, logistics, and traffic before and during special events

Why Work at Blue Ridge School?

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or support person, a career at Blue Ridge School can bring the meaning you seek in your work. You’ll work in an incredibly beautiful campus setting, helping to shape the lives of diverse young men from many cultures and communities. You’ll enjoy a work environment that stresses collaboration and innovation. And you’ll be immersed in the Blue Ridge culture—one that is focused on family, community, and mutual support.

All employees have access to many other unique benefits, including:

• Access to BRS fitness facilities and wilderness trails
• Meals in the dining hall for you, your family, and your guests
• A comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package with generous support for professional development and continuing education
• Structured mentorship, collaborative professional development, and support for educators at every career stage; Blue Ridge fosters a culture of innovation and collegiality.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• A valid Virginia driver’s license
• Trade License preferred; not required

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting and carrying (up to 75 lbs.), pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires continuous movement during work hours. The job is performed under moderate to severe temperature variations and under conditions with moderate to severe exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Pay: $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person