Director of the Physical Plant
Blackburn College, Carlinville, IL, United States
Blackburn College, a distinctive four-year liberal arts institution with a nationally recognized student-managed Work Program, invites applications for the position of Director of the Physical Plant. Located in Carlinville, Illinois, Blackburn is committed to providing a mission-driven, hands-on educational experience.
This role is highly visible and collaborative, interacting regularly with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners. The Director sets the tone for a service-oriented, solutions-focused approach—working to meet the needs of the community with a “how can we help” mindset while balancing operational priorities and resources.
The Director of the Physical Plant is a senior leader responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and planning of campus facilities, ensuring a safe, efficient, and mission-aligned environment for the college community. This position oversees all aspects of facilities management, including building maintenance / construction, campus grounds, utilities and HVAC systems, and capital projects. The Director supervises and develops departmental professional staff across departments and sustains the College’s student-managed Work Program as a meaningful component of operations.
The role includes responsibility for operating and capital budgets, facilities planning, regulatory compliance, and departmental reporting, and serves as a key liaison to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees on facilities-related matters.
Key Responsibilities
Ensuring safe, functional, and well-maintained academic, residential, and administrative facilities
Leading capital planning, renovations, and new construction projects
Supervising and supporting facilities staff and student workers
Managing departmental budgets and work order systemsSupporting strategic and master planning efforts and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and safety standards
Overseeing emergency response and on‑call operations
Qualifications
5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities operations or a comparable role preferred
Professional degree or equivalent experience in facilities management, construction, or a related field
Working knowledge of campus maintenance, including carpentry, construction, utilities, and HVAC systems
Valid driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record
Salary Range: $67,000–$85,000 commensurate with experience.
Blackburn College is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants should be legally permitted to work in the United States; Blackburn is not able to sponsor visas for employment immigration.
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This role is highly visible and collaborative, interacting regularly with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners. The Director sets the tone for a service-oriented, solutions-focused approach—working to meet the needs of the community with a “how can we help” mindset while balancing operational priorities and resources.
The Director of the Physical Plant is a senior leader responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and planning of campus facilities, ensuring a safe, efficient, and mission-aligned environment for the college community. This position oversees all aspects of facilities management, including building maintenance / construction, campus grounds, utilities and HVAC systems, and capital projects. The Director supervises and develops departmental professional staff across departments and sustains the College’s student-managed Work Program as a meaningful component of operations.
The role includes responsibility for operating and capital budgets, facilities planning, regulatory compliance, and departmental reporting, and serves as a key liaison to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees on facilities-related matters.
Key Responsibilities
Ensuring safe, functional, and well-maintained academic, residential, and administrative facilities
Leading capital planning, renovations, and new construction projects
Supervising and supporting facilities staff and student workers
Managing departmental budgets and work order systemsSupporting strategic and master planning efforts and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and safety standards
Overseeing emergency response and on‑call operations
Qualifications
5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities operations or a comparable role preferred
Professional degree or equivalent experience in facilities management, construction, or a related field
Working knowledge of campus maintenance, including carpentry, construction, utilities, and HVAC systems
Valid driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record
Salary Range: $67,000–$85,000 commensurate with experience.
Blackburn College is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants should be legally permitted to work in the United States; Blackburn is not able to sponsor visas for employment immigration.
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