Property Operations Assistant

Harvard University Housing & Real Estate (HUHRE) is a department within Harvard Campus Services, a multi-department organization within Harvard’s Central Administration. HUHRE supports the University’s educational and research efforts by offering Harvard affiliates a wide array of housing and real estate services in University-owned properties which are conveniently located, competitively priced, and professionally managed to residents and tenants alike. HUHRE serves as the asset manager for Harvard’s portfolio of commercial spaces and centrally stewarded institutional assets, overseeing the leasing and operations of University-owned institutional space for Harvard affiliates and commercial spaces for rent by private retail tenants within the Cambridge, and Greater Boston area.

HUHRE manages a broad range of initiatives and assets to help support the Harvard community. These include, but are not limited to:

• Leasing, managing, and renewing Harvard-owned housing as well as Harvard offices/institutional spaces, and commercial real estate portfolios
• Leading community engagement and programming opportunities
• Managing relationships with external partners and vendors
• Working within the larger University community to develop and coordinate University-wide policies and strategies
• Supporting new University housing and real estate development projects across the Cambridge and Greater Boston area

Harvard University Housing & Real Estate and Harvard Campus Services are committed to cultivating an organization that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Reporting to the Property or Area Manager, the Property Operations Assistant (POA) is responsible for the day to day oversight of a subset of buildings withing the HUH portfolio. The main role of the POA is to provide/coordinate the maintenance of building services and systems, (HVAC, MEP, etc.), for the smooth operation of a large building or small group of buildings.

The position plays a critical role in ensuring that the properties are operated in a manner consistent with the physical, financial and service standards of Harvard Housing, Campus Services and Harvard University.

• Ensures that properties are maintained to the safety and quality standards established by HUH, for all physical aspects of buildings, systems, and grounds.
• Monitor buildings daily and log activity appropriately to ensure that all systems are maintained in good working order: mechanical systems and equipment, heating, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, fixtures, carpentry, doors, locks, and windows.
• Must be able to identify, diagnose, and coordinate the resolve to technical issues.
• Oversees the completion of repairs to systems and equipment including, but not limited to: mechanical, electrical, heating, plumbing, carpentry components and appliances by coordinating and managing the work of outside contractors.
• Receive, process, and prioritize maintenance/service requests and corrective/preventative work orders, for common area and in‑unit work, maintenance projects, and operational assignments and documents all activity through a web‑based work order system the work order system.
• Monitor the operation of building‑related automated HVAC systems to ensure the automated systems are functioning properly; take proactive measures to prevent problems; troubleshoot; make recommendations to the Property Manager and Management as needed.
• Perform various building inspections with a focus on building issues, ensuring preventative maintenance is completed, seasonal systems changeover, and energy efficiency measures are being implemented. Coordinates inspections to ensure compliance with code, sustainability, and safety regulations.
• Works closely with Area/Property Manager to effectively communicate building issues.
• Maintain appropriate levels of building inventory and supplies.
• Inspects vacant units and prepares them for new residents.
• Key inventory and programming of various electronic access management systems.
• Attend position/industry related training as required.
• Participate in on‑going revision & implementation of operating policies and procedures.
• Consistently strive…