Interim Manager, Maintenance & Operations

College of the Desert

$100K — $145K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school diploma with 5 years of experience in maintenance of grounds/buildings/HVAC/electrical/plumbing systems.
  • Minimum of 2 years supervisory or lead experience.
  • Related college coursework or journeyman training is a plus.
  • Proficient in computer applications including spreadsheets and maintenance software.
  • Knowledge of safety practices related to maintenance and construction.

Responsibilities

  • Support the District's mission and values in daily activities.
  • Plan and supervise maintenance, operation, and repair of District facilities.
  • Coordinate with staff to resolve operational issues and conflicts.
  • Train and evaluate the performance of maintenance staff.
  • Maintain records of maintenance activities and budget compliance.
  • Oversee the application of chemicals and materials for grounds upkeep.
  • Respond to emergencies and manage projects effectively.

Benefits

  • Health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • CalPERS retirement plan eligibility after meeting criteria.
  • Professional development opportunities available.
  • Paid time off for vacations and holidays.
  • Potential for a flexible schedule depending on district needs.
Full Job Description
Salary : $100,572.84 - $145,644.48 Annually
Location : Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: INTERIM
Job Number:
Division: Administrative Services
Department: Maintenance & Operations
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A

BASIC FUNCTION

BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Director of Maintenance and Operations, understand and support the District's mission, values and goals, plan, coordinate, direct and participate in the activities of the maintenance, groundskeeping and other M&O personnel in the maintenance and operation of the Districts buildings, grounds, and related systems and facilities; assure a high quality condition of District facilities; effectively communicate with subordinates, District faculty, staff and supervisor; train supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Essential Functions:
1. Support the District's Mission and Vision.
2. Plan, coordinate, direct and participate in the construction, maintenance, operation, repair, and alteration of all District structures, equipment and related physical facilities.
3. Plan, coordinate, direct, and participate in the operation, maintenance and repair of the District grounds, parking lots, sidewalks, playing fields and other related areas. 4. Confer and coordinate with other M&O supervisory staff regarding methods and procedures of work, supply and equipment requirements and operational problems and conflict.
5. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; recommend transfers, reassignments, discipline, terminations, promotions and other personnel actions as appropriate; inspect work in progress regarding methods and procedures of work, supply of necessary tools, material and equipment; prioritize and complete projects in and effective, timely manner.
6. Maintain computerized work order system, track expenses and time resources, generate reports.
7. Maintain and monitor energy management system.
8. Provide oversight for and/or participation in a variety of skilled grounds, operations and maintenance work.
9. Schedule and supervise the use and application of herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, rodenticides, fertilizers and sterilant in a manner that ensures the health and safety of staff, faculty and students, following accepted health and safety practices and regulations.
10. Provide for the proper care, maintenance and repair of District equipment, vehicles and tools.
11. Plan and implement maintenance programs; maintain records of maintenance, repairs and use of the District's mechanical, plumbing, electrical systems; District equipment, tools, vehicles; and building equipment systems such as chillers, cooling towers, boilers, motor control centers, electrical panels, pumps, and drives.
12. Make determination of ongoing and future levels of stock, materials and equipment; make cost estimates of construction and repair projects and prepare requisitions for needed maintenance and grounds supplies and equipment.
13. Assist in preparation of annual budget; track and project departmental grounds and maintenance budget insuring compliance; provide budget status as needed; participate in preparation of annual budget including facility related projects, grounds and maintenance supplies and equipment.
14. Provide for training and development programs for maintenance and grounds personnel; implement maintenance and grounds operations and training manuals; evaluate assigned employees; review incident reports and accident investigations, make necessary corrective actions or recommendations; assign or reassign personnel to meet the District's business needs or emergencies; interview prospective employees and make recommendations.
15. Remain current on pertinent legal and legislative matters as they relate to maintenance, construction or Cal-OSHA issues.
16. Implement and maintain required or recommended equipment and systems logs and tracking; maintain required permit and certificates for equipment, systems and programs.
17. Direct, supervise and participate in furniture moving, fence mending, emergency repair or cleanup work; assist in the preparation of facilities for athletic and special events.
18. Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administration in carrying out the function, responsibilities and duties of the job.
19. Coordinate and work with vendors, inspectors, and others to ensure facility compliance in regard to hazardous materials/waste, fire and life safety, liability, and emissions.
20. Conduct and attend meetings as necessary.
21. Be available on-call; respond to District emergencies.
22. Meet schedules and timelines, organize multiple projects efficiently and effectively and carry out required project details throughout the year.
23. Seek and participate in professional development activities.
24. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:
  • Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in maintenance of grounds, buildings, and HVAC, electrical or plumbing systems. Two (2) years of supervisory/lead experience required and may be included as part of the five years listed above. Related college course work and/or journeymen training experience desirable.


KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of: Methods, tools, materials, equipment and practices utilized in building and grounds maintenance work; building construction work; plan checking and building inspection as it relates to structural, plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration; turf management, arboriculture, horticulture pest and plant disease control and eradication; irrigation principles and controls; athletic field preparation and maintenance; building equipment systems such as chillers cooling towers, boilers, motor control centers, electrical panels, pumps and drives; computers and applicable software including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email; laws governing construction, repair and regulatory compliance of public school facilities; principles and practices of supervision; and safe work practices and procedure.
  • Ability to: Plan, coordinate, supervise, assign and participate in all aspects of the District's building and grounds maintenance activities; read, interpret and work from drawings and blueprints; estimate material and labor costs; plan, schedule and control a diversified maintenance, grounds and operations work program; inspect and supervise the various repairs, construction, maintenance and grounds work system; supervise the safety and proper operation of District equipment including and not limited to vehicles, welders, lifts, mowers, hedgers, and related power equipment; insure the safety of personnel and the proper care of District property and equipment; apply coatings, adhesives, lubricants, specialized chemicals in a safe, effective and appropriate manner; analyze situations correctly and adopt an effective course of action, using subordinates effectively; meet schedules and timelines, communicate effectively both orally and in written form with supervisor and assigned personnel; operate a computer and applicable software including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email; maintain records; make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; lift, carry, push and pull heavy objects; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch; walk or stand for extended periods of time, climb ladders, operate lifts, tractors or other heavy equipment; work independently and confidentially with minimal direction; exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive or confidential matters; establish and maintain effective working relationships with assigned employees, other staff and faculty and others as it relates to the duties of the position.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS
EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

SALARY PLACEMENT:
  • Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
  • Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:
  • This interim position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. Requires some evening and weekend responsibility, and to be available on-call to respond to emergency situations.
  • The primary location is Palm Desert Campus, but it may travel to other campuses if needed.
  • The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Environment: Both indoor and outdoor work environment. Regular exposure to fumes and noise from equipment operations. Working at heights and in tight, enclosed areas. Be available on-call to respond to emergency situations. Driving a vehicle to conduct work as necessary. Requires some evening and weekend responsibility. This position is housed at main location in Palm Desert campus but, it may travel to other campus if needed.
  • HAZARDS: Working around and with machinery having moving parts. Working with chemicals, adhesives, and coatings.

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

  • Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
  • Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
  • Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.

OPTIONAL UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:
  • College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:
  • List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:
  • Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
  • College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
  • Employment is contingent on residence in California.

  • Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
  • All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be return

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