Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

DIRECTOR

WORKING TITLE

Director-Environmental and Grounds

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Maintenance and Operations (M&O)

LOCATION

Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC

PAY GRADE

Director Band 2

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is not available for a hybrid telework workweek.

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides strategic leadership and oversight of programs that ensure safe, compliant, and well-maintained outdoor and environmental conditions across all district facilities. Directs comprehensive services including grounds maintenance and integrated pest management, while ensuring systemwide compliance with environmental regulatory programs, including the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), indoor air quality standards, lead-based paint regulations, hazardous materials management, underground storage tank monitoring, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining compliance plans in alignment with federal, state, and local requirements and serves as the district’s AHERA designee, ensuring proper documentation, inspections, and training. Oversees budget planning, fiscal management, and resource allocation to support operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Extensive knowledge of North Carolina environmental laws for educational facilities and other environmental health and safety regulations;
Considerable knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards;
Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point; Google Apps;
Skills in effective leadership of adults, including coaching, evaluation, and team building among a variety of stakeholders;
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
Ability to understand and implement relevant laws, codes, policies and procedures;
Ability to read and interpret technical guidelines, project specifications, and design drawings;
Ability to analyze system processes to identify and correct inefficiencies, optimizing use of limited resources;
Ability to meet deadlines;
Ability to assess department needs and develop and implement long range plant to meet goals;
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts and feedback;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, contractors, vendors, and external agencies.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences, a related field, or equivalent;
Five years of professional work experience in environmental health and safety, with at least three years managing multi-faceted environmental or grounds management programs;

Demonstrated successful leadership and managerial experience;
Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Must meet the requirements to be the AHERA designee for the school system;
Within twelve months of employment complete safety training according to OSHA standards;
Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Hold or the ability to hold within one year a registration as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) in North Carolina;
North Carolina lead risk assessor certification;
North Carolina asbestos inspector and/or management planner license;
Experience conducting Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides overall management of maintenance and operations environmental & grounds program.
Develops and implements a comprehensive annual work plan.
Develops methodologies to continuously improve department efficiencies, including identifying lessons-learned and proposing guideline changes.
Contributes to development and review of plans for capital projects.
Remains abreast of developments in school facility maintenance and operations.
Prepares and manages the department budget.
Reviews for accuracy and consistency all documents for publication.
Effectively educate and communicate long range needs and plans for the district.
Provides oversight of the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) procedure and policy compliance to ensure sound business principals.
Manages work and tracks departmental performance.
Collaborates with WCPSS departments to identify needs.
Responsible for staff selection, placement, development, training, and employee performance management.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job operates in an indoor and outdoor environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, contractors, vendors, and external agencies. Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 25 pounds of force. The work occasionally requires driving automotive equipment.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/2026

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.

Wake County Public Schools

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Director- Environmental and Grounds