School Facilities Specialist (Custodial/Maintenance): Newark

Company Description

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 16 schools in Newark, Camden and Paterson. More than 90% of KIPP New Jersey students currently qualify for free or reduced meals. To learn more, visit www.kippnj.org.

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Perform daily cleaning of all interior and exterior school spaces, following regional standards and industry best practices.
• Respond promptly to student accidents, spills, and urgent maintenance needs.
• Inspect buildings and grounds daily, addressing issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain working knowledge of building systems (heating, ventilation, grounds, etc.) to support effective maintenance planning.
• Oversee lunchroom setup, cleanup, and support for school events.
• Manage and update the work order system daily, including preventative maintenance (PM) and compliance tasks.
• Create and manage schedules for small capital and preventative maintenance projects (e.g., painting, electrical outlet installation, boiler repair, or minor interior fit-outs).
• Lead special projects related to building upkeep and improvements.

Safety and Compliance

• Schedule and coordinate all yearly inspections for facility systems (e.g., fire alarms, extinguishers, suppression systems, mechanical systems, elevators, burglar alarms).
• Maintain and ensure compliance with Life Safety systems and state/local permitting requirements.
• Act as first responder for building alarms and manage alarm resets after drills.
• Review security camera footage for facilities-related issues.
• Build and maintain relationships with inspectors, ensuring timely updates and certification renewals.

Vendor Management

• Manage all facility-related vendors, addressing escalated issues with minimal involvement from school leadership.
• Monitor the quality of work performed by contracted cleaning services.
• Support the Director of School Operations with vendor quoting, contract review, and invoice processing.
• Coordinate deliveries of school supplies and equipment.
• Oversee and ensure timely processing of facility-related vendor payments.
• Support region-wide vendor relationships to ensure consistency and quality.

Qualifications:

• Black Seal (low pressure) Boiler License (highly preferred)
• 2+ years of experience in custodial, maintenance 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.
• Proficiency with power tools, facility-related equipment, and general carpentry/handyman work (e.g., repairing/replacing door hardware).
• In-depth knowledge of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Experience using work order systems (preferred)
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish (preferred)
• OSHA 30 certification (preferred)

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $45,000–$85,000, 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