Buildings and Facilities Manager - South Street Seaport Museum
New York, NY 10261
About the Job
South Street Seaport Museum, located in the heart of the historic seaport district in New York City, preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city.
Founded in 1967, the Museum houses an extensive collection of works of art and artifacts, a maritime reference library, exhibition galleries, and education spaces, working 19th-century print shops, and an active fleet of historic vessels that all work to tell the story of “Where New York Begins.” seaportmuseum.org
Job Summary
The Buildings and Facilities Manager is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and general upkeep of the Seaport Museum’s historic buildings, facilities, and pier in Lower Manhattan.
This position plays a vital role in ensuring a safe, clean, and ef?cient environment for Museum visitors and staff. Key areas of responsibility include supervising maintenance staff, managing vendor and contractor relationships, supporting Museum events, maintaining compliance with all safety and workplace standards, and tools-in-hand repairs.
This role requires evening and weekend hours and to be on call for all emergencies, ensuring swift and effective responses to urgent facility issues.
Reports to: Senior Director of Facilities and Operations
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Maintenance and Repair
? Under the direction of the Senior Director of Facilities and Operations, oversee and manage the Museum’s HVAC system, including a chilled water setup, cooling tower, and Building Management System (BMS). Use the BMS to monitor and adjust settings for optimal performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure ef?cient energy use.
? Work closely with the Economic Development Corporation to coordinate maintenance of boilers and a set of ?re systems (sprinklers, smoke heads), while independently managing the other set to ensure all ?re systems are operational and compliant.
? Ensure regular inspections of the Museum’s elevator systems, coordinating both yearly and semi-annual inspections as required.
? Conduct routine preventive maintenance and inspections on plumbing, electrical, and pest control systems, identifying issues early to maintain functionality and a high standard of facility upkeep.
? Perform minor repairs, including carpentry, plumbing, painting, and electrical work, and coordinate with external contractors for specialized repairs or larger projects as needed.
Contractor and Vendor Management
? Supervise and train custodial and maintenance staff.
? Schedule part-time custodial workers, pest management services, and external contractors as needed.
? Assist with tracking the facilities budget to ensure ef?cient spending.
Facility and Event Support
? Collaborate with Museum departments to prepare facilities for public programs, rentals, and educational activities.
? Receive and manage deliveries for Museum buildings.
Security and Emergency Response
? Maintain building access and security protocols.
? Respond to unexpected issues or emergencies at any time to ensure the safety and security of Museum facilities.
Workplace Compliance
? Ensure compliance with workplace safety standards and manage inspections by NYC agencies (FDNY, DOB, etc.).
? Serve as a liaison for facilities-related issues with neighboring properties, tenants, and the City of New York.
Personal quali?cations
? Pro?ciency in building maintenance, equipment operation, and troubleshooting.
? Pro?ciency in Microsoft Of?ce Suite to support reporting, budgeting, and tracking tasks.
- Thorough knowledge of preventive maintenance programs, including experience with scheduling and managing staff.
? Strong organizational skills to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks effectively.
? Strong computer skills, ability to read blueprints, and familiarity with building monitoring systems.
? Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with staff across all levels.
? Ability to respond tactfully and ef?ciently in all situations.
Preferred but Non-Mandatory Quali?cations
? Bachelor’s degree in a related ?eld or demonstrated equivalent experience in building operations and management.
? Experience working with Museums and Cultural institutions.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Applicants must be able to:
? Work in varying conditions, including heat, cold, and inclement weather, with possible responsibilities for snow removal.
? Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and handle physical tasks as needed.
? Ability to climb up and down stairs frequently as part of routine building checks and emergency responses.
Compensation/Bene?ts
The Buildings and Facilities manager position is full-time, year-round, with PTO, Medical/Dental/Vision bene?ts, an employee-funded 403b retirement plan, and other bene?ts.
The salary range is $65,000-$70,000, but compensation will be commensurate with experience.
How to Apply
Email your resume and cover letter with “Buildings and Facilities Manager” in the subject line to: careers@seany.org. Applications without an attached cover letter will not be considered.
No phone calls, please.
Position open until ?lled, with priority given to applications submitted by November 30th.
South Street Seaport Museum is an equal opportunity employer. Non-traditional applicants and/or those with suitable alternatives to the above criteria are encouraged to apply. The Seaport Museum strongly encourages applications from members of groups underrepresented in careers related to museums; we seek to foster a collaborative and respectful work environment with a staff as diverse as New York City and our audience.