A Facilities Manager manages the facilities of a company or organization, including buildings and grounds, equipment, supplies and staff. Oversees maintenance and security of facilities; oversees renovation projects and monitors work to improve energy efficiency, productivity or employee safety. May work in manufacturing and production, or manage hotels, small apartment buildings, trailer parks or recreational facilities.
Facilities Operations Manager Kansas Children's Discovery Center - 1.0 Topeka, KS Job Details Full-time $50,000 - $58,000 a year 14 hours ago Benefits Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Engineering equipment malfunctions diagnostics Teamwork Contractor management Coordinating with subcontractors on construction projects Team supervision Outdoor work experience Building systems troubleshooting Maintenance Ladder use Driver's License Vendor relationship management Construction vendor management Mechanical systems repair
Full Job Description Job Title :
Facilities Operations Manager Work Schedule :
Monday-Friday; occasional after-hours availability for weather events, emergencies, and operational needs
Classification :
Full Time, Exempt Pay Scale :
$50,000-$58,000/yr
Supervisor :
Vice President of Play and Learning Position Summary The Kansas Children's Discovery Center is seeking a highly organized, hands-on Facilities Operations Manager to manage day-to-day operation, maintenance, safety, security, and appearance of our 4.5-acre campus, buildings, exhibits, vehicles, and equipment. This is a working leadership role that balances operational planning with direct, hands-on execution. The Facilities Operations Manager leads by example, actively executing repairs, groundskeeping, and emergency response while managing maintenance systems, directing contractors, and coordinating preventative maintenance. Operating in a fast-paced, child-centered environment, this role requires an active, visible presence across the floor and grounds. The ideal candidate thrives on variety, remains calm under pressure, and leads with a team-first and guest-first mindset, understanding that a safe, clean, and fully operational museum is essential to inspiring play and discovery. Essential Responsibilities Team Leadership & Personnel Management Directly supervise, mentor, and support facilities personnel, including custodial staff, exhibit maintenance technicians, and facilities support crew. Oversee daily task assignments, prioritize work orders, manage team schedules, and coordinate coverage for weekend operations, special events, and storm responses. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and guest-first service across the facilities department. Provide continuous coaching, conduct performance evaluations, and lead ongoing training related to safe equipment operation, maintenance techniques, and facility protocols. Facility & Grounds Operations Oversee the daily operation of museum buildings and grounds Serve as a hands-on working leader, actively executing repairs, custodial oversight, and maintenance tasks alongside the facilities team. Conduct campus checks after storms, actively direct and perform snow and ice removal on sidewalks and parking areas alongside staff or contractors. Troubleshoot building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry) and manage the staff work order system to ensure timely resolution. Maintain preventative maintenance schedules, seasonal inspections, and accurate repair records. Conduct routine site walkthroughs to inspect playgrounds (fall zones, surfacing), fencing, lighting, drainage, and parking areas, eliminating hazards proactively. Contractor & Vendor Management Serve as the primary point of contact for outside contractors (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, security, grounds, vehicle, and exhibit vendors). Obtain quotes, schedule work, verify insurance certificates, and oversee contractor performance to ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and to museum standards. Ensure all third-party vendors adhere to museum safety protocols and child protection standards. Exhibit Maintenance & Traveling Exhibits Direct and assist exhibit technicians in keeping all permanent and traveling exhibits in top working condition, diagnosing issues promptly to minimize downtime. Lead facility logistics for incoming/outgoing traveling exhibits, including shipping, workspace setup, safe assembly/dismantling, and manufacturer communication.(1-3 times per year) Maintain parts inventories, documentation manuals, and repair history for all exhibit assets. Equipment & Safety Leadership Oversee maintenance, inspections, and servicing for the two museum-owned vehicles, trailers, utility vehicles, tools, and maintenance shops. Serve as operational lead for facility safety and member of the Emergency Response Team; conduct safety walkthroughs and manage security systems, access controls, alarms, and life safety testing. Train and enforce safe work practices for all team members when using tools, chemicals, ladders, or handling heavy equipment. General Leadership & Team Support Communicate clearly with staff and leadership regarding maintenance projects, repair timelines, vendor visits, and operational impacts. Assist with event setups, operational support, trash removal, and site cleanup as required. Continuously recommend workflow, efficiency, and capital improvement opportunities to leadership.
Qualifications Required :
Three years of experience in facilities maintenance, commercial property management, construction, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose and complete routine building, equipment, grounds, and exhibit repairs, and recognize when specialized or licensed contractors are required. Experience managing/communicating with external contractors and vendors. Valid driver's license and ability to pass all required background screenings.
Preferred :
Experience with managing facilities open to the public (museums, parks, schools, or recreational facilities). Direct supervisory experience managing maintenance, custodial, or technical teams. OSHA safety training or equivalent; CPR/First Aid certification. Strong practical knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and mechanical systems. Physical Requirements This position requires active, physical work across a 4.5-acre campus, including: Walking, standing, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and working overhead for extended periods. Lifting up to 75 pounds independently. Climbing ladders and operating hand/power tools safely. Working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions Schedule This is a full-time exempt position. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday; however, flexibility is required to support museum operations. Some weekends, evening event support, and emergency availability may be required. Why Join Our Team? At the Kansas Children's Discovery Center, your work carries real, community-wide purpose. Every fix, every safe walkway, and every well-maintained exhibit directly impacts more than 145,000 children and families who come through our doors each year to learn, discover, and play. More than a dozen access programs provide free and discounted admissions that account for more than a third of daily admissions. The museum has built programs to meet the unique needs of medically fragile children, children with incarcerated caregivers, children with autism, children in foster care, and other vulnerable populations. In our community, we advocate for play, and the importance of informal education opportunities that allow children to chart the course of their own learning.
Benefits:
Generous paid leave policy, including holidays. Company paid short-term and long-term disability. Group medical insurance, 50% of employee's premium paid. Simple IRA Retirement Savings Plan with 3% matching. Full-time employees are entitled to a standard KCDC annual membership.
