School Facilities Specialist (Custodial​/Maintenance): Newark

Company Description

About KIPP New Jersey:

KIPP New Jersey is part of the nationally recognized "Knowledge Is Power Program" network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. In 2002, KIPP New Jersey first opened its doors in Newark's South Ward as a single class of 80 fifth graders and has since grown to educate 7,035 students in grades K-12 across 16 schools in Newark, Camden and Paterson.

More than 90% of KIPP New Jersey students currently qualify for free or reduced meals. To learn more, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Job Description

We're seeking a School Facilities Specialist to ensure our Newark schools are clean, safe, and well-maintained. If you're a hands-on professional with expertise in facility maintenance, we want you on our team. This role involves daily custodial duties, maintenance management, and oversight of facility-related vendors. Your proactive approach and technical skills will make a lasting impact on the safety and comfort of our school community.

Qualifications

Cleaning and Maintenance

* Perform daily cleaning of all interior and exterior school spaces, following regional standards and industry best practices.

* Respond promptly to student accidents, spills, and urgent maintenance needs.

* Inspect buildings and grounds daily, addressing issues in a timely manner.

* Maintain working knowledge of building systems (heating, ventilation, grounds, etc.) to support effective maintenance planning.

* Oversee lunchroom setup, cleanup, and support for school events.

* Manage and update the work order system daily, including preventative maintenance (PM) and compliance tasks.

* Create and manage schedules for small capital and preventative maintenance projects (e.g., painting, electrical outlet installation, boiler repair, or minor interior fit-outs).

* Lead special projects related to building upkeep and improvements.

Safety and Compliance

* Schedule and coordinate all yearly inspections for facility systems (e.g., fire alarms, extinguishers, suppression systems, mechanical systems, elevators, burglar alarms).

* Maintain and ensure compliance with Life Safety systems and state/local permitting requirements.

* Act as first responder for building alarms and manage alarm resets after drills.

* Review security camera footage for facilities-related issues.

* Build and maintain relationships with inspectors, ensuring timely updates and certification renewals.

Vendor Management

* Manage all facility-related vendors, addressing escalated issues with minimal involvement from school leadership.

* Monitor the quality of work performed by contracted cleaning services.

* Support the Director of School Operations with vendor quoting, contract review, and invoice processing.

* Coordinate deliveries of school supplies and equipment.

* Oversee and ensure timely processing of facility-related vendor payments.

* Support region-wide vendor relationships to ensure consistency and quality.

Qualifications:

* Black Seal (low pressure) Boiler License (highly preferred)

* 2+ years of experience in custodial, maintenance or facilities management, preferably in a school setting.

* Availability to handle school emergencies 24/7.

* Ability to lift, bend, and pull more than 50 pounds.

* Proficiency with power tools, facility-related equipment, and general carpentry/handyman work (e.g., repairing/replacing door hardware).

* In-depth knowledge of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.

* Experience using work order systems (preferred)

* Bilingual proficiency in Spanish (preferred)

* OSHA 30 certification (preferred)

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $45,000-$85,000, based on relevant experience in school-based facilities management. Candidates must hold a Black Seal license and have equivalent school-based experience to be eligible for a salary above $60,000.

In addition to a competitive salary, KIPP New Jersey offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, retirement, a school laptop and transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into New Jersey from the New York City area.

KIPP New Jersey | KIPP Miami is an equal opportunity employer