Department: Residential Ops & Services
Salary/Grade: NEX/14

Northwestern University's Residential Services helps build a community environment for students through housing-related services, intentional learning opportunities and residential settings that include residence halls, residential communities, and residential colleges. Learn more about the Residential Services department and the Operations and Services team here:

About Student Affairs: By pursuing justice, equity, and belonging, Student Affairs cultivates student programs, services, and skills; disrupts barriers; and partners across Northwestern and neighboring communities to create an inclusive culture in which all students can thrive. Learn more about the Division of Student Affairs here:

Job Summary:

Northwestern University is looking for a 1st Shift Maintenance Supervisor. The schedule for the position is Monday-Friday, 7:30AM to 4:00PM.

The Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for high-quality general maintenance operations of Northwestern University's student residence halls located on the Evanston campus. The primary job duties for the Maintenance Supervisor include responding to service requests, preventive maintenance programs, staff supervision, fulfilling work assignments, etc. while upholding safety and customer service standards.

Pay: The pay range for this position is $24.87 - 25.87 per hour.

Specific Responsibilities:

* Prioritize and assign service requests to maintenance team; monitor completion of service requests and follow up on any outstanding items; assist in the completion of service requests as necessary.

* Handle all escalated general maintenance requests in a timely manner.

* Supervise employees, ensuring a motivated and engaged workforce by providing positive reinforcement and mentoring; prioritize and inspect the work of the Maintenance employees.

* Address student residents' concerns and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner.

* Inspect grounds, housing facilities, and other community features daily to minimize liability concerns and future repairs

* Manage maintenance supply inventory while adhering to guidelines for distribution and use.

* Observe safety and security procedures and determine the appropriate action beyond guidelines and reports unsafe conditions to appropriate staff.

* Address student residents' concerns and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

* High school diploma, or equivalent is required.

* All Maintenance Supervisors must meet eligibility requirements for Certified Drivers: 1) Have a valid driver's license; 2) Have a driving record with no more than one major moving violation or one accident in the past year (whether damaged caused either to or by the vehicle), and 3) Have a driving record with no serious events. Serious events include but are not limited to any alcohol or drug related offense(s), failure to report an accident, and operating during a period of license suspension or revocation. Learn more here: https://www.northwestern.edu/risk/services/university-vehicle-use/safe-driver-program-page.html

* Minimum of 3 years' work experience in general maintenance, building maintenance, renovation, or construction. University housing general maintenance work experience is preferred.

* Must have the physical skills and endurance to move about campus and the buildings in order to fulfill daily maintenance tasks and activities.

* Knowledge and experience with various cleaning products and equipment in field.

* Must have familiarity of safety requirements and precautions and able to set examples for proper safety measurements for employees.

* Ability to: stand for up to 7.5 hours, bend, climb, stoop, manipulate and operate moderately heavy equipment, climb up to 5 flights of stairs at one time, kneel, reach/extend to reach ceilings and corners, push/pull carts and vacuums.

* Ability to lift and/or move items weighing up to 50lb.

* Ability to transport items outdoors during all types of weather

* Ability to perform cleaning of bodily fluids

Preferred Qualifications:

* Good communications skills with a good command of the English language; Ability to maintain effective working relationships to meet and deal tactfully, professionally, and courteously with students, staff, and general maintenance staff.

* Fluency in Spanish, or other language, is helpful but not required.

* Some trade school/training is preferred.

* Previous supervisory or lead general maintenance work experience preferred.

* Knowledge of institutional or commercial cleaning methods, techniques, cleaning chemicals, supplies and equipment

* General knowledge of the tools, equipment, and setups for use with conferences

* Basic knowledge of the activities and services necessary to efficiently provide services for conference activities

* Knowledge of procedures for accident reporting

* Ability to perform duties promptly and efficiently under pressure of deadlines and with interruptions

* Ability to be flexible in order to meet the needs of the residences

* Ability to work independently and use sound judgment

* Ability to lead a group of employees

* Ability to give basic instructions to others

* General math comprehension

* Ability to follow written and oral instructions

* Knowledge of hospitality industry with key emphasis on quality service

* Ability to maintain adequate attendance

* Ability to adapt to changing duties and responsibilities with the advancement of technological improvements.

* Self-motivated and shows initiative to start and complete tasks.

Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.


Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.