Property Operations Assistant

Overview

Harvard University Housing & Real Estate (HUHRE) is a department within Harvard Campus Services, part of Harvard’s Central Administration. HUHRE supports housing and real estate services for Harvard affiliates in University-owned properties in the Cambridge and Greater Boston area. The organization manages a broad range of initiatives and assets to support the Harvard community, including leasing, relationship management, and policy coordination.

Note:

This is a maintenance position.

Reporting to the Property or Area Manager, the Property Operations Assistant (POA) oversees day-to-day maintenance of a subset of buildings within the HUH portfolio. The POA coordinates maintenance of building services and systems (e.g., HVAC, MEP) to support the smooth operation of one large building or a small group of buildings. The role supports ensuring properties are operated in alignment with Harvard Housing, Campus Services, and Harvard University standards.

• Ensure properties are maintained to safety and quality standards for all building systems and grounds.
• Monitor buildings daily and log activity to maintain mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, fixtures, carpentry, doors/locks/windows, and related systems.
• Identify, diagnose, and coordinate resolution of technical issues.
• Oversee repairs to systems and equipment by coordinating work with outside contractors.
• Receive, process, and prioritize maintenance/service requests and work orders; document activity via a web-based work order system.
• Monitor operation of building-related automated HVAC systems; take proactive measures, troubleshoot, and advise the Property Manager as needed.
• Perform building inspections focusing on preventative maintenance, seasonal changes, and energy efficiency; coordinate inspections to ensure code, sustainability, and safety compliance.
• Communicate building issues effectively with Area/Property Manager.
• Maintain appropriate levels of building inventory and supplies.
• Inspect vacant units and prepare them for new residents.
• Manage inventory and programming of electronic access management systems.
• Attend required position/industry-related training and participate in policy/procedure revisions as needed.
• Strive for positive resident and community relations.
• Liaise with University colleagues inside and outside HUHRE as needed.
• Stay up to date with processes and innovations relevant to multifamily housing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be able to deal effectively with difficult residents and work in conditions that may be dirty, hot, cramped, or uncomfortable.
• Ability to walk extensively on property, including stairs; willingness to work odd hours including nights and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to perform duties in a facilities environment with exposure to noise, temperature extremes, and other conditions; wear appropriate personal protective equipment as required; be physically fit to perform duties up to 65 pounds.

• High School diploma or equivalent, with a technical certification or a minimum of 2+ years relevant facilities experience.
• Demonstrated experience in building operations, construction, maintenance, or facilities management.
• Broad knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and carpentry systems; familiarity with Building Automation Systems and work management systems desirable.
• Experience managing vendor/contract relationships preferred.
• Detail-oriented with good safety practices; ability to follow directions and use common hand tools.
• Strong time management, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to work in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Professional demeanor and customer service experience; ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to handle complex and confidential information.
• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license; willingness to pursue Class 2C License.

• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information:
  Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening:
  Identity, Criminal,…