Facilities Operations Coordinator - Prairie Research Institute

Facilities Operations Coordinator

The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five large scientific surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI's mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and governments of Illinois.

Coordinate and manage the day-to-day facilities operations of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) and implement approved Institute facilities, space, maintenance, and capital-project priorities. Serve as the primary operational coordinator for facility maintenance and repairs, preventive maintenance, facility-condition and asset information, space and relocation activities, facility projects, vendor and contractor coordination, and related operational support. Maintain the records, work-order information, project documentation, and facility data needed for portfolio-level planning and decision making.

Work collaboratively with Survey leadership, PRI Facilities and Safety staff, University Facilities & Services, Capital Programs, and external contractors to ensure safe, efficient, reliable, and well-maintained facilities that support PRI's research, administrative, and outreach missions. The portfolio includes 50+ facilities on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus and an additional 30+ facilities located throughout the State of Illinois. Provide direct management oversight of the PRI Research Lab Shop and fleet-support functions through supervision of the Facility Research Lab Shop Supervisor, ensuring that shop, fabrication, equipment, and fleet services are aligned with Institute facilities priorities, service expectations, resources, and safety requirements.

The work of this position takes place in office, laboratory, garage, shop, field-facility, building-service, and project/construction settings. The work may involve lifting, pushing, and pulling items weighing up to 100 pounds and exposure to grease, gas fumes, loud noise, weather, active work areas, and other adverse conditions. Periodic travel to PRI facilities throughout Illinois is required to inspect facilities, coordinate projects and service needs, and meet with staff, contractors, and service providers.

The position may require entry into laboratories, mechanical or utility spaces, shops, and other operational areas and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. Office work is sedentary and involves sitting for periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions for data entry.

Periodic travel to PRI facilities throughout Illinois is required to inspect facilities, coordinate projects and service needs, and meet with staff, contractors, and service providers. The position may require entry into laboratories, mechanical or utility spaces, shops, and other operational areas and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below:
• A. college course work in facility management, operations management, or a closely related field
• B. training from a vocational, technical, or an armed forces program which includes building operations such as coordination of building maintenance, construction management, hospitality, or closely related…