Buildings and Grounds Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, the Buildings and Grounds Specialist is responsible for completing assigned construction trade type maintenance tasks including HVAC routine maintenance, light electrical work, painting, plumbing, special event setup, equipment maintenance, purchasing, snow removal. In addition to facilities specific trade work, the Buildings and Grounds Specialist shall assist with the special events team to plan and execute the seasonal set-up preparations necessary for the NHS major events. The Buildings and Grounds Specialist will assist in ensuring facility cleanliness and preparedness of all Naper Settlement buildings and grounds. Regular duties will include custodial and program room setup based on seasonal workload. Additional duties may be assigned by the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor including but not limited to administrative work, operations, IT work etc., rentals, etc.

Job Scope

This position has no direct staff supervision.  Assist in training, guidance, and oversight to volunteers and community service workers assigned to maintenance and grounds projects.  Assists in the successful completion of daily work orders, troubleshooting and repairing building systems and equipment, and providing operational support for museum programs, special events, and campus operations.  Performs tasks related to historic preservation, as well as, but not limited to, modern construction, remodeling, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.  Assists in coordinating contractors, vendors, and service providers to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule and in accordance with contract requirements.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1.      Exhibits versatility, flexibility, and initiative to deal with change

2.      Assist with the oversight of routine maintenance visits from contractors.  Processes vendor invoices for payment on a timely basis.

3.      Develops and maintains positive working relationships among all staff.

4.      Performs routine buildings and grounds maintenance and repair.

5.      Keep necessary records as required and submit them to Buildings and Grounds Supervisor when Records include but are not limited to State and City required Inspections, Monthly Facility Inspections, Daily Security Inspections.

6.      Use computer for word processing, email communications, and facility related Building Automation Software including but not limited to city of Naperville Munis system. 

7.      Responsible for complete records of purchases for maintenance supplies.

8.      Ensures that equipment is properly maintained and operational, and maintains accurate inventory of maintenance supplies, tools and replacement parts.

9.      Engages in competitive pricing to procure services, equipment and supplies.

10.  Carries a Naper Settlement- issued cell phone to communicate with department staff and vendors and is available on a 24/7 on-call basis to fire, burglar, and other facility emergencies as required.  

11.  Participates in 24/7 on-call rotation, and responds to mechanical, utility, grounds and building-related issues or emergencies.  Coordinates response efforts with in-house staff, maintenance vendors, and other essential contractors to ensure timely resolution and continuity of operations.

12.  Performs snow removal and ice control operations during regular and off-hours as assigned.

13.  Actively support established safety programs to control and reduce the frequency and severity of accidents.

14.  Review and summarize incidents and reports relating to health, safety and loss control policies and procedures.

15.  Must be comfortable working at heights/roofs, on mechanical lifts

16.  Use provided safety equipment in all jobs as needed.

17.  Observe and report all unsafe practices and conditions that might result in an accident.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

1.      Demonstrated competencies within multiple trade disciplines such as plumbing, electric, equipment operation, welding, HVAC repair, landscaping, carpentry, commercial painting, basic locksmith skills.

2.      Must Possess a strong and diverse knowledge of facilities maintenance such as but not limited to HVAC, routine maintenance/troubleshooting of various building mechanicals such as sump/ejector pumps, AHU’s, RTU’s, boilers both domestic and heat, motor/belt replacement, light ballast replacement, painting.

3.      Ability to prioritize multiple assignments while meeting established deadlines.

4.      Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while functioning effectively as part of a team.

Demonstrated Capabilities

1.      Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical journals, financial reports, legal documents, and governmental regulations.

2.      Ability to write reports, business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, co-workers, clients, customers, and the public.

3.      Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

4.      Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

5.      Knowledge and proficiency in use of internet software and word processing software required to perform job successfully.

6.      Must possess good interpersonal skills; have ability to manage difficult or emotional customer and staff situations and have ability to balance team and individual responsibilities, exhibit objectivity, give and welcome feedback, and build and maintain positive staff morale

7.      Ability to identify, analyze, develop alternatives, and implement appropriate solutions to problems

8.      The considerations described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee performing the essential functions of the position successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

9.      To be successful, an individual must be customer service-oriented and be able to deal with patrons with various needs. Work has the potential to deal with angry customers.

10.  While performing the duties of this position, the individual is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. Works adjacent to deep water. Potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, open electric panels, trenching operations, airborne particulates, welding arcs and high decibel construction equipment. This position may work at elevated heights or perform confined space entry.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the staff member a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position .

REQUIRED to work Naperville Heritage Society events that fall on Friday and Saturday evenings; Naper Nights (6 days), Oktoberfest (2 days), Family Spooktacular (2 days) and Howlin at the Moon (2 days) and any additional events as determined by NHS.

Experience History at Naper Settlement!
Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum featuring 13 acres of learning and interactive opportunities for all ages. Located in downtown Naperville, Naper Settlement is just steps away from dining, shopping, and the Riverwalk. Visitors are immersed in history as they learn about the past and how it relates to the present, from pioneer times to today. Highlights include special events and programs and activities year-round, both on- and off-site.
Our Mission: Naper Settlement creates community by connecting visitors to Naperville’s history through engaging, unique experiences.
Our Vision: As a reflection of Naperville’s history, the vision of Naper Settlement is to be a vibrant site that fosters visitor, community, and business conversations and enriching, engaging educational opportunities.
Our Values: Naper Settlement values education, preservation, quality visitor experiences, and community and public trust.

More information about Naper Settlement can be found at
REQUIREMENT: PLEASE INCLUDE A COVER LETTER AND RESUME AND FILL OUT EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION at

Company Description

Experience History at Naper Settlement\r\nNaper Settlement is an outdoor history museum featuring 13 acres of learning and interactive opportunities for all ages. Located in downtown Naperville, Naper Settlement is just steps away from dining, shopping, and the Riverwalk. Visitors are immersed in history as they learn about the past and how it relates to the present, from pioneer times to today. Highlights include special events and programs and activities year-round, both on- and off-site.\r\nOur Mission: Naper Settlement creates community by connecting visitors to Naperville’s history through engaging, unique experiences.\r\nOur Vision: As a reflection of Naperville’s history, the vision of Naper Settlement is to be a vibrant site that fosters visitor, community, and business conversations and enriching, engaging educational opportunities.\r\nOur Values: Naper Settlement values education, preservation, quality visitor experiences, and community and public trust.\r\n\r\nMore information about Naper Settlement can be found at \r\nREQUIREMENT: PLEASE INCLUDE A COVER LETTER AND RESUME AND FILL OUT EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION at