DIRECTOR OF GENERAL SERVICES

DIRECTOR OF GENERAL SERVICES

Salary

$140,574.00 Annually

Location

Polk County Admin. Bldg., 111 Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

27-1008

Department

General Services Department

Opening Date

08/03/2026

Closing Date

8/17/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

DH

Hours

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Sat/Sun Off)

Bargaining Unit

Department Head/Director

Salary Grade

18

Location

Administration Building

• Description
• Benefits

Under the administrative direction of the County Administrator, leads and manages Polk County's facilities maintenance, printing, and mail operations. This role provides strategic direction and operational oversight to ensure county facilities effectively support current and future service delivery needs.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Develops and implements short- and long-term goals, policies, and procedures to improve departmental efficiency and reduce costs.
• Develops and manages preventative maintenance programs to preserve facility integrity and ensure safety.
• Leads planning and execution of capital improvement projects in alignment with the county's capital improvement plan.
• Prepares the department's annual budget and strategic plan, aligning priorities and benchmarks with county objectives and community needs; ensures responsible stewardship of county resources through data-driven planning and performance accountability.
• Assess service delivery models and oversees vendor contracts to ensure compliance with specifications, budgets, and timelines.
• Directs and evaluates staff across multiple service areas, including building maintenance, energy efficiency, construction project management, groundskeeping, mail and printing services, motor pool operations, and records management; oversees personnel decisions including hiring, performance evaluation, scheduling, and disciplinary actions; ensures compliance with county policies and procedures.
• Ensures all county facilities meet federal, state, and local codes, regulations, and environmental standards related to design, construction, accessibility, and maintenance.
• Presents recommendations to the Polk County Board of Supervisors on facility-related matters and capital projects; represents the department in interactions with other county departments, professional organizations, and the public.
• Supports the county's goals for energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as directed in the Board's climate resolution.
• Collaborates with departments and offices to maintain safe and secure environments for employees and the public.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of public or business administration, including the principles and practices of personnel management, fiscal oversight, and project coordination.
• Extensive knowledge of facility planning, construction methods, materials, cost estimation, and applicable government bidding and contract laws.
• Considerable knowledge of facilities management, including building design, construction, and maintenance across trades such as plumbing, carpentry, painting, electrical systems, and heating.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes governing the design, accessibility, construction, and maintenance of public buildings and office environments.
• General knowledge in sustainability, including energy management, emissions reduction, and waste minimization.
• Proficiency in budget management, including preparation, forecasting, and financial management.
• Proficiency in interpreting and applying architectural, engineering, and other construction drawings such as blueprints, designs, and technical specifications.
• Ability to lead, manage, and coordinate staff in executing complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Ability to translate policy decisions into actionable technical strategies that drive operational success.
• Ability to establish clear program objectives and performance metrics, and to evaluate progress toward strategic goals.
• Ability to assess and improve departmental operations for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ability to negotiate, administer, and monitor professional service contracts to ensure compliance and value.
• Ability to analyze complex administrative and technical issues and develop sound policy and procedural recommendations.
• Ability to use persuasion, tact, and diplomacy to effectively resolve conflicts and build consensus among stakeholders.
• Ability to conduct personnel investigations and adhere to administrative policies.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing, including the ability to present and explain technical concepts to boards, commissions, and community groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, public officials, county staff, vendors, architects, contractor representatives, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

Training and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Facilities Management, or related field, and
• Seven years of related management experience, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.

Click below for a detailed overview of our benefits package.

Polk County Employment Benefits

Employer Polk County

Address 111 Court Avenue Suite 390 Human Resources

Des Moines, Iowa, 50309

Phone 515-286-3200

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/polkia