Director of Maintenance I
Palatka Housing AuthorityBenefits: Competitive salary Free food & snacks Free uniforms Health insurance Opportunity for advancement Paid time off Vision insurance About the Role Palatka Housing Authority is seeking a hands-on Maintenance Director to rebuild and lead our maintenance operation across approximately 422 public housing units and other PHA properties. You will set the standard, hold the team to it, and deliver results residents can see: vacant homes turned fast and right, repairs done the first time, and communities that are safe and well kept. Full-time, exempt. Reports to the Chief Operating Officer. What You'll Do Lead, schedule, and supervise all maintenance staff and contractors; run daily dispatch so work is assigned, tracked, and finished without redirection Turn vacant units to PHA's turnover standard and meet agency turn-time targets, with every unit signed off and documented before it is released for leasing Ensure emergency and health-and-safety repairs are completed within 24 hours and inspection deficiencies within required timeframes Prepare the portfolio for HUD NSPIRE inspections and drive continuous improvement in physical inspection scores Build and run the preventive maintenance program for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, life-safety, and building systems Own the electronic work order system (currently Upkeep, transitioning to PHA Web): every work order logged, closed with notes and photos, and reported Set clear performance expectations, coach and train staff, document performance, and partner with HR on hiring and corrective action Manage contractors to scope, quality, and schedule; ensure HUD wage rate and Section 3 requirements are met Develop and manage the maintenance budget; control overtime, contractor, and materials costs; ensure costs are charged to the correct property and program Work with Procurement & Modernization on specifications, bids, and Capital Fund projects, and contribute to physical needs assessments Enforce OSHA, lead-safe, and PHA safety standards; coordinate annual safety and fire inspections Maintain the vehicle fleet, tools, shop, and inventory Report monthly on turn times, vacancies, work order aging, inspection results, and costs What We Measure Vacant unit turn time, occupancy, emergency response, work order completion and aging, inspection results, resident satisfaction, staff attendance, and budget performance. Requirements 5+ years of residential or multifamily maintenance experience, including 3+ years supervising maintenance staff Working knowledge of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliance, and carpentry systems Proven results in unit turnover and work order management Proficiency with electronic work order and maintenance software, email, and spreadsheets Speak, read, and write English clearly and professionally to lead staff, communicate with residents, prepare written reports, and interpret codes, contracts, and manuals Experience preparing and managing a budget Valid Florida driver's license; pass a background check and drug screen Available for after-hours emergencies Preferred Public housing or HUD-assisted housing experience; knowledge of NSPIRE standards NSPIRE, public housing maintenance management, or property maintenance certification EPA Section 608 and Lead RRP certifications Experience managing contractors under HUD or public procurement rules Bilingual English/Spanish About Us The Palatka Housing Authority provides safe, affordable, quality housing to the residents of Palatka, FL. We are raising our standards and building a team that works with care, integrity, and accountability. PHA is an equal opportunity employer and drug-free workplace. Reasonable accommodations are available. Public housing residents and low-income individuals are encouraged to apply (Section 3).