Facilities Manager

Title: Facilities Manager

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Dean - Natural Sciences

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Facilities Manager for the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) is responsible for the safe, efficient, and effective operation of approximately 2.7 m square feet of laboratory, office and classroom spaces for 14 departments, spanning over 18 buildings throughout the campus. The position serves as College Safety Coordinator to Environmental Health and Safety department for all safety issues and decontamination of lab space. The Facilities Manager communicates progress and changes to the CNS Director of Facilities and appropriate department personnel, and oversees the purchase, installation and maintenance of high-end lab equipment.

Essential Functions

Maintain and oversee repair of equipment purchased by the College of Natural Sciences. Perform filter changes, CO2 back-up cylinders. Installs monitoring systems and performs testing, decontamination and disposal for -80 freezers. Assist department staff with troubleshooting, testing and maintenance activities of Autoclaves. Evaluate, assemble, connect, decommission, decontaminate, and troubleshoot various lab equipment including incubators, centrifuges, biological safety cabinets, laminar flow hoods and growth chambers. Assist in decontamination of labs after faculty have relocated in accordance with EHS lab decommissioning policy mandated by campus administration.

Maintain knowledge and understanding of current code requirements pertaining to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. In partnership with Disability Services, inspect and recommend upgrades/changes to CNS buildings to ensure handicap accessibility and compliance for students, staff and faculty. Inspect classrooms several times a year to ensure that facilities are adequately maintained for classes. Coordinate with physical plant to schedule facilities projects around class times and minimize impact of work ongoing throughout the semester.

Act as College Safety Officer by conducting building/lab walk-throughs to identify unsafe practices and hazardous materials. Work in partnership with the Environmental Health and Safety department to resolve issues.

Work creatively, collaboratively, and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness. In the performance of work, take initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction. Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.

Maintain knowledge of decontaminating laboratories in accordance with UMASS Environmental Health & Safety Lab Decommissioning Procedures.


Maintain knowledge of how to decontaminate and identify hazards when disposing of lab equipment and preparing equipment for safe handing when moving.


Maintain working relationships with physical plant staff and Facility Management Coordinators and act as college liaison between physical plant staff and CNS interests.


Enter in work requests and track workflow progress with physical plant to ensure work is completed in a reasonable timeframe and scheduling for CNS interests.


Supervise student workers and ensure they are up to date on safety training with EHS.


Assist with small moves and coordinating with campus Moving Services on larger projects

Other Functions

Fill out work and key requests, attends various trainings for equipment. Attends various construction/renovation meetings.

Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.

Understand responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Cleary and other compliance requirements.

Understand responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with University policy.

Contribute toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.

Understand and contribute to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.

Use access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree with at least two (2) years of work experience coordinating building maintenance and renovation projects OR a high school diploma or equivalent with at least six (6) years of work experience coordinating building maintenance and renovation projects.


Ability to identify hazards in a laboratory setting and mitigate safety issues.

Ability to identify and mitigate issues relating to maintenance and construction activities that may generate excessive noise, dust and vibration that may impact sensitive research facilities such as animal care facilities or sensitive instruments.

Ability to identify proper electrical configurations according to electrical code, appropriate mechanical fasteners and connections to ensure laboratory equipment is properly and safely connected to building utilities.

Ability to inspect public assembly areas such as classrooms and handicap accessible pathways in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

Ability to identify lab equipment that may contain hazardous materials and properly decontaminate laboratory equipment prior to disposal or maintenance by outside contractors.

Demonstrated ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, take initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction in a fast-paced office environment.

Ability to stay abreast with a high volume and wide array of complex curricular information and academic policies and procedures.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of staff and students.

Completion of OSHA 10 Construction training course within 60 days of hire.

Completion of OSHA 40 HAZWOPPER training within 60 days of hire.


Completion of UMass Environmental Health and Safety department's Laboratory Safety and Radiation Safety courses within 60 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Unrestricted Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License.

Trade (carpentry, electrical, plumbing, or Hazmat) experience or knowledge.

Additional Details

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences' Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst's For the Common Good: 2024-2034 Strategic Plan.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

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Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.