Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance

The Palms at Sebring is a premier skilled nursing and rehabilitation center dedicated to providing exceptional care in a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment. Our team is committed to excellence, compassion, and creating a home-like atmosphere where residents can thrive.

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance to oversee the physical plant, life safety systems, emergency preparedness, environmental compliance, and facility operations. This leadership role is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, compliant, and operating at the highest standards.

Why This Role Matters

The condition of our facilities directly impacts resident safety, quality of care, employee satisfaction, and regulatory success. As the Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance, you will lead the team responsible for maintaining an environment that promotes dignity, comfort, and excellence while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements.

Your leadership will play a vital role in protecting our residents, supporting our caregivers, and preserving the integrity of our communities.

Position Summary

The Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all maintenance, repairs, facility operations, grounds, utilities, life safety systems, and emergency preparedness activities.

This position leads the maintenance department, manages vendor relationships, oversees preventive maintenance programs, ensures regulatory compliance, supports capital improvement projects, and works collaboratively with all departments to provide a safe and welcoming environment.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Operations & Facility Management

• Direct the daily operation, maintenance, repair, and appearance of all buildings, grounds, equipment, and utility systems.

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive preventive maintenance program.

• Ensure resident rooms, common areas, offices, parking lots, and outdoor spaces remain safe, functional, and attractive.

• Maintain HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, mechanical, roofing, and building systems.

• Respond promptly to maintenance requests and prioritize repairs based on resident safety and operational needs.

Regulatory Compliance & Life Safety

• Ensure compliance with CMS Conditions of Participation, AHCA regulations, OSHA standards, NFPA Life Safety Code, local fire codes, and applicable building regulations.

• Oversee inspection, testing, and maintenance of:

  • Fire alarm systems

  • Fire sprinkler systems

  • Emergency generators

  • Exit lighting

  • Smoke barriers and fire doors

  • Medical gas systems (where applicable)

  • Elevators

  • Kitchen equipment

  • Utility systems

• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, inspection reports, testing records, and regulatory documentation.

• Participate in regulatory surveys and implement corrective actions as needed.

Emergency Preparedness

• Lead the facility’s Emergency Preparedness Program in collaboration with Administration.

• Ensure readiness for hurricanes, severe weather, power outages, fires, floods, and other emergencies.

• Coordinate emergency drills, generator testing, and disaster response activities.

• Maintain emergency equipment and supplies.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate maintenance personnel.

• Assign work orders, establish priorities, and monitor departmental productivity.

• Promote accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and exceptional customer service.

• Provide ongoing coaching and performance development for team members.

Budget & Capital Projects

• Develop and manage the department’s operating and capital budgets.

• Monitor inventory, equipment, tools, and maintenance supplies.

• Solicit bids, negotiate contracts, and oversee outside vendors and contractors.

• Assist with renovation projects, facility upgrades, and long-term capital planning.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency while controlling operational costs.

Collaboration & Customer Service

• Partner with Nursing, Housekeeping, Dietary, Therapy, Administration, and other departments to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

• Support resident satisfaction by ensuring maintenance concerns are resolved promptly and professionally.

• Maintain positive relationships with residents, families, employees, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical school, trade certification, or college coursework in facilities management, engineering, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of three to five years of leadership experience in plant operations, maintenance, or facilities management, preferably in skilled nursing, assisted living, hospitals, or healthcare.

• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, mechanical systems, and general building maintenance.

• Thorough understanding of CMS, AHCA, OSHA, NFPA Life Safety Code, emergency preparedness, and healthcare facility regulations.

• Experience managing preventive maintenance programs, life safety inspections, and regulatory surveys.

• Excellent leadership, communication, budgeting, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency with maintenance management software and Microsoft Office.

• Valid driver’s license and the ability to respond to after-hours emergencies.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance will:

• Maintain a safe, clean, and attractive healthcare environment.

• Achieve strong regulatory survey outcomes with minimal or no environmental deficiencies.

• Ensure preventive maintenance, inspections, and life safety testing are completed on schedule.

• Minimize equipment downtime and respond quickly to maintenance concerns.

• Lead a professional, responsive, and accountable maintenance team.

• Successfully manage budgets, vendor relationships, and capital improvement projects.

• Foster collaboration across departments while supporting exceptional resident care.

Why Join The Palms at Sebring?

At The Palms at Sebring, every team member plays an important role in enriching the lives of our residents. As the Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance, your leadership will help provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment where residents receive exceptional care and employees can do their best work.

If you are a dedicated facilities leader who takes pride in operational excellence, safety, and service, we invite you to join our team and make a meaningful difference every day.