Facilities Engineering Manager

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

The Manager of Facilities Engineering oversees Colonial Williamsburg’s Facilities Engineering and Support teams, encompassing trades such as HVAC, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Blacksmithing. This role ensures staff and supervisors are well-trained and equipped to succeed through coaching in safety, technical skills, customer service, policies, and local codes. The manager coordinates priorities, fosters professional development, and serves as a key liaison with leadership to maintain operational excellence across all facilities.

Main Duties:

Duties and Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

• Foster clear and effective communication among supervisors, team members, and internal customers to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Establish and communicate performance expectations for all staff, promoting accountability and excellence.
• Oversee all aspects of employee management including recruiting, hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, advancement, and employee relations in collaboration with Human Resources and organizational leadership.
• Ensure the availability of technical and professional training; develop or enhance training programs as needed to maintain high skill levels and compliance with safety, policy, and code requirements.
• Oversee and maintain accountability for the work order process, including scheduling, procurement of equipment and materials, and disposal procedures.
• Review and approve material and labor estimates prepared by supervisors; compare actual costs to estimates upon project completion and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Complete assigned work orders and coordinate with the METHOS administrator to ensure timely closeout of all requests.
• Maintain a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for mechanical systems and support trades.
• Assign project managers to oversee specific initiatives and ensure timely and effective project completion.
• Assist the Vice President with budget development, capital planning, vendor/service provider management, and other administrative functions as required.
• Provide 24-hour on-call coverage; must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. This position is designated as essential personnel and is required to report to work during emergencies or Foundation closures, regardless of weather or other circumstances.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school graduate or equivalent AND 5-7 years minimum prior relevant experience OR a university degree with a minimum of 3-5 years of prior relevant experience.
• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.
  • Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
  • May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
  • May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing a mechanical and electrical department with a comparable organization
  

Key Skills / Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of mechanical systems, including refrigeration, HVAC, heating, plumbing, conveying, controls, and electrical systems.
• Strong understanding of tools, materials, safety practices, and potential hazards associated with the skilled trades.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and equipment manuals.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to address and resolve complex or sensitive situations effectively.
• Proficiency with computer systems and software, including Methos, Microsoft Word, and other relevant applications.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, manage multiple priorities, and maintain focus under pressure.

Budget Responsibilities: Manages a budget of anywhere from $1-$5 million approximately.

Physical and Environmental Demands: Must be able to lift and carry up to 75 pounds occasionally.

Typical Work Schedule: Provide 24-hour on-call coverage; must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. This position is designated as essential personnel and is required to report to work during emergencies or Foundation closures, regardless of weather or other circumstances.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.