Laboratory Schools: Facilities Specialist

Overview At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Lab serves Nursery through Grade 12 with a world-class educational journey. Lab emphasizes academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse, with resources and partnerships across the University of Chicago. Lab is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Job Information This position maintains the efficient and smooth operation of assigned facilities at the Laboratory Schools. The role works with the Director, Associate Director, and Operations Manager to deliver facilities activities, including maintenance of the work order system, event support, purchasing, policy/procedure development, prioritizing work requests, inspecting work, and providing guidance to staff, students, visitors, parents and faculty. Acts as liaison with University Facilities Services and may assist with ongoing construction projects. The majority of the workday is spent in areas in and around the buildings. Responsibilities Regular attendance is required to perform all essential functions of this position. Perform non-mechanical repair and other services in common areas, classrooms and offices as directed. Complete work orders (light bulb changes, light carpentry, touch-up painting, minor furniture repair, window treatments, storms, cleaning and installation). Provide best-practice customer service to the Lab Community (students, faculty, staff, and parents). Generate follow-up work orders for engineers or skilled trades as needed. Maintain orderly appearance of adjoining areas and equipment (loading docks, grills, patios, decks, exterior stairs, green roofs, bicycle racks) for safe travel paths. Provide physical support for snow removal, litter policing, and exterior cleanliness. Monitor entrances and lobbies for cleanliness and emergency response readiness. Inspect, coordinate disposal, inventory, and final quality inspection of tasks as appropriate. Complete daily tasks related to loading dock organization, exterior trash, entrance/lobby cleanliness, playground maintenance, and paper delivery. Perform emergency response cleaning, and holiday break and summer cleaning of classrooms and offices. Support event setup and cleanup; assist the IS Department with A/V installations for events. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in office-wide programs and initiatives. Serve as an ambassador for clients and Lab staff, including moves, deliveries, inventory management, and on open days. Support the annual summer maintenance program and coordinate access for scheduled inspections by management, consultants, or contractors. May coordinate activities with janitorial contractors and assist in new staff training orientation. Respond promptly to emergencies (e.g., water leaks, fire alarms). Assist security in missing student building sweeps. Other duties as assigned. Competencies Adhere to core values: collaboration, safety, service, efficiency, credibility, responsiveness, quality, accountability, and respect. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple requests and meet deadlines. Decision-making, communication, and customer service skills. Ability to work with supervision to identify task priorities; work independently and as part of a team. Ability to coordinate and lead the work of others and interact with patrons, staff, faculty, students, and others with clarity and courtesy. Proficiency in English (oral and written). Ability to recognize and resolve problems or refer appropriately. Education, Experience, or Certifications Education High school diploma or GED required. Associate’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field or a certificate from a college/technical school preferred. Experience Two years of relevant work experience required. Lead experience preferred. Experience in facilities support and in a K-12 educational setting preferred. Certifications Valid Driver’s License required; must complete University Motor Vehicle Records process. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements Work in a school and office environment with a diverse group of people. Ability to perform strenuous daily physical activity (snow shoveling/removal, walking, crouching, kneeling, climbing, driving, cleaning). Operate tools of the maintenance trade, snow equipment, and small hand/power tools with dexterity. Requisition materials and supplies for projects; lift up to 25 lbs, 25–49 lbs, or 50–99 lbs as required; push/pull up to 25–99 lbs. Sit up to 2 hours; stand for 4 hours or more; climb stairs up to 5 stories; occasionally work from ladders or lifts. Use standard office equipment and safely operate a vehicle. Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $22.20 – $22.93 per hour. Pay Rate Type: Hourly. Benefit eligibility: Yes. Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Professional References (3) When applying, upload documents via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents. Posting and Notices Posting Date: 2026-05-06. The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or other protected statuses. See the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination for more information. For accommodation requests, call View phone number on click.appcast.io or submit via Applicant Inquiry Form. Offers of employment are contingent on a background check. The University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online and paper copies can be requested. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Chicago