Iowa State University is seeking a Supervisor – Plant Services to lead skilled trades maintenance operations within the Department of Residence. This role oversees maintenance teams supporting residential dormitories, ensuring buildings, systems, and equipment are maintained safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. This is a hands-on supervisory role that balances leadership, coordination, and technical expertise in a residential environment that operates year-round.
What You’ll Do
Supervise skilled trades staff including Environmental Systems Mechanics, Facilities Mechanics, Plumbers, and Carpenters supporting residence hall facilities.
Plan and assign work by establishing schedules, managing work orders, and adjusting priorities based on daily needs and emergencies.
Support preventive maintenance efforts to reduce downtime and extend the life of building systems and equipment.
Provide on-call leadership by responding to emergencies and service needs during assigned rotations.
Monitor quality and performance to ensure work is completed safely, on time, and in accordance with department standards.
Assist with staffing needs by interviewing candidates, recommending hires, training employees, and supporting ongoing development.
Coordinate materials and resources by reviewing and approving requisitions, ordering parts, and tracking maintenance needs.
Lead by example by performing duties of the supervised trades as needed, particularly during emergency situations.
Maintain accurate records related to timekeeping, schedules, costs, and work activity.
Schedule
Monday – Friday | 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
On-call rotation
About the Department of Residence
With over 400 full-time, part-time, and student employees, the Department of Residence is one of the largest non-academic departments on Iowa State University’s campus. The department serves thousands of residents each year through housing operations that run year-round across residence halls and apartment communities.
What You’ll Get
Insurance benefits beginning on your first day, with timely enrollment
Retirement benefits with strong university contributions
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay
Tuition reimbursement available after one year of employment
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
Controls the work unit in establishing work schedules, assigning or reassigning duties, effecting transfers, and approving leave and overtime.
Maintains accurate records, including time records, work schedules, and charges.
Verifies and approves materials requisitioned by employees.
Reviews and checks performance of assigned personnel in order to maintain high standards of service and workmanship.
Interviews and effectively recommends hiring.
Evaluates employee performance and effectively recommends disciplinary actions, promotions, merit increases, and termination.
Trains and orients new employees; may conduct formal training.
Reviews and keeps informed of new developments and techniques within area.
Assist in preparing job cost estimates.
Serves as first step in grievance procedure.
Maintains and enforces prescribed safety standards.
Performs the duties and responsibilities of the craft supervised as required and in emergency situations.
Monitors equipment maintenance schedules and assigns maintenance when required.
Orders repairs and parts when necessary.
Acts upon requests and complaints from departments related to custodial services.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to establish goals, schedule work, set deadlines for total accomplishment for self and subordinates.
Ability to measure and evaluate employee performance and conduct reviews.
Ability to interpret and explain policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Knowledge of appropriate interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of and ability to enforce safety standards.
Ability to accurately maintain a system of records.
Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques used in the trade supervised.
Knowledge of building costs.
Knowledge of purchasing policies and procurement practices.
Ability to prepare cost estimates and specifications for facilities, equipment, materials, and repairs.
Ability to communicate and interact with outside organizations and agencies such as municipal and state agencies and numerous private sectors.
Knowledge of personnel policies and procedures.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program