School Facilities Specialist (Custodial/Maintenance): Newark

About KIPP New Jersey:

KIPP New Jersey is part of the nationally recognized “Knowledge Is Power Program” network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. In 2002, KIPP New Jersey first opened its doors in Newark’s South Ward as a single class of 80 fifth graders and has since grown to educate 7,035 students in grades K-12 across 15 schools in Newark and Camden. More than 90% of KIPP New Jersey students currently qualify for free or reduced meals. 

By 2025, KIPP New Jersey will have fifteen schools in Newark and five in Camden providing a world-class education to over 10,300 students. To learn more, visit www.kippnj.org.

We’re seeking a School Facilities Specialist to ensure our Newark schools are clean, safe, and well-maintained. If you're a hands-on professional with expertise in facility maintenance, we want you on our team. This role involves daily custodial duties, maintenance management, and oversight of facility-related vendors. Your proactive approach and technical skills will make a lasting impact on the safety and comfort of our school community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Daily cleaning of school buildings and grounds, adhering to best practices.
• Respond promptly to urgent maintenance needs, including spills and student accidents.
• Inspect school buildings and address maintenance issues in a timely manner.
• Manage work orders for preventative maintenance and compliance tasks (using tools like School Dude or ZenDesk).
• Cafeteria setup, event preparation, and general facilities upkeep.
• Manage special projects related to building maintenance, such as small capital improvements.
• Ensure timely scheduling of required inspections (fire alarms, HVAC systems, etc.).
• Serve as the first point of contact for building alarms and security camera issues.
• Manage vendor relationships, including daily oversight of external cleaning crews and coordinating school deliveries.
• Ensure invoices and payments related to facility vendors are processed in a timely manner.
• Support region-wide vendor relationships and manage vendor contracts as needed.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in custodial or facilities management, preferably in a school setting.
• Availability to handle school emergencies 24/7.
• Ability to lift, bend, and pull more than 50 pounds.
• Strong carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills
• In-depth knowledge of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Experience using work order systems.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish (preferred)
• OSHA 30 certification (preferred)
• Black Seal Boiler License (preferred)

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $45,000–$73,000, based on relevant experience in school-based facilities management. Candidates must hold a Black Seal license and have equivalent school-based experience to be eligible for a salary above $60,000.

In addition to a competitive salary, KIPP New Jersey offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, retirement, a school laptop and transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into New Jersey from the New York City area. 

KIPP New Jersey | KIPP Miami is an equal opportunity employer