Director of Environmental Services - Santa Clara - Sequoia Living

Description

Sequoia Living – San Francisco High-Rise Community

Sequoia Living is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Director of Environmental Services to lead operations in our high-rise community. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for creating a safe, clean, efficient, and beautifully maintained environment for the residents who call our community home.

If you are a hands-on, solutions oriented facilities professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and you are passionate about leading teams, elevating service standards, and improving the daily lived experience of residents this is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Experience in a CCRC, senior living, healthcare, assisted living, or hospital setting is required.

Why This Role Matters

As the Director of Environmental Services, you are the operational backbone of the community. You ensure residents live in a well-maintained, safe, and welcoming environment while leading a diverse and dedicated team across plant operations, maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, landscaping, safety, and construction oversight. Your work directly impacts resident experience, staff satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset preservation.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)

Leadership & Department Oversight

• Lead all Environmental Services functions, including plant operations, maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, landscaping, and safety programs.
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and develop supervisors and frontline staff; foster a culture aligned with Sequoia Living's Mission, Vision, Values, and Commitment to Inclusion.
• Manage administrative operations, staff schedules, training, coaching, and performance review processes.

Facility Operations & Maintenance

• Oversee the community's preventative and corrective maintenance programs, ensuring compliance with all Federal, State, and local regulations (EPA, ADA, OSHA/OSHPD, Titles 8, 19, 22 & 24).
• Review maintenance projects, repairs, and inventory needs; recommend improvement plans to community leadership and the Director of Design & Construction.
• Ensure the community's safety programs (Fire, Disaster, Emergency Response, Hazardous Materials Plans) are up-to-date and fully implemented.
• Train staff in safe work practices, including asbestos and industrial chemical handling.

Construction, Capital Projects & Renovations

• Manage capital project planning and execution, including apartment renovations, building upgrades, and major infrastructure improvements.
• Maintain computerized capital budget tools, plan expenditures, and ensure timely project completion.
• Solicit and evaluate contractor bids; manage vendor relationships, permits, and certificates of insurance.

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Prepare and manage operating and capital budgets; track expenses and ensure cost control.
• Oversee energy conservation and utility monitoring to optimize efficiency.

Resident & Community Engagement

• Serve as a responsive partner to residents and committees on maintenance needs and special projects.
• Communicate professionally and collaboratively with department heads, staff, vendors, regulatory bodies, and Sequoia Living leadership.

Risk, Safety & Compliance

• Act as the community's Safety Coordinator: oversee workplace safety programs, ensure incident reporting, support workers' compensation processes, and lead safety initiatives.
• Identify and report resident concerns related to physical, mental, or emotional well-being.
• Participate in on-call rotation and support emergency response as needed.

What You Bring (Qualifications)

Experience

• 6+ years of hands-on experience in environmental services, facilities management, plant operations, or maintenance preferably in healthcare, senior living, or a residential community.
• 3+ years of supervisory or management experience leading diverse teams.
• Prior experience with building systems (HVAC, boilers, refrigeration, electrical/mechanical systems, automation, and life/safety equipment).
• CCRC or healthcare environment experience strongly preferred.

Education

• High school diploma required; 2+ years of college or trade school coursework in engineering, facilities management, or environmental services preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field strongly preferred.

Key Knowledge & Skills

• Regulatory & Compliance: Deep understanding of building codes, construction regulations, OSHA/OSHPD, Titles 8, 19, 22 & 24, ADA, and environmental compliance.
• Technical Proficiency: Ability to read blueprints, technical manuals, and schematics; strong understanding of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and mechanical systems.
• Safety & Risk Management: Expertise in workplace safety, hazardous materials handling, emergency response, and risk mitigation.
• Operational Excellence: Skilled in housekeeping, maintenance, landscaping, sanitation, and environmental cleaning standards.
• Project Management: Strong planning, scheduling, and vendor management experience.
• Technology Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Office and capable of learning maintenance, inventory, and HR systems.
• Communication & Leadership: Collaborative, calm under pressure, resident-centered, and able to lead with empathy and professionalism.

Why Work at Sequoia Living?

• A mission-driven organization devoted to enriching the lives of older adults.
• An opportunity to lead a critical operations team in an established and respected nonprofit community.
• A collaborative culture where your expertise directly shapes resident safety, comfort, and quality of life.
• A role with variety, challenge, and the ability to influence long-term building health and operational excellence.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are a proactive leader who finds purpose in maintaining exceptional environments, developing strong teams, and ensuring operational excellence we encourage you to apply. Join a community that values integrity, compassion, and innovation.