Maintenance Lead

International Primate Protection League Maintenance Lead

The Maintenance Lead provides essential leadership for the maintenance team and supports the Curator of Facilities and Animal Habitats. While remaining highly hands‑on, this position serves as the primary point of contact for day‑to‑day operations, ensuring optimal facility function and the safety of our residents.

Schedule: 40 hours per week; includes weekends, callouts, and emergency response.

Team Leadership & Accountability

Lead & Mentor: Train and guide the maintenance team to ensure a collaborative and efficient work culture.

Daily Delegation: Coordinate activities and assign daily tasks to ensure high‑quality, timely completion.

Performance Management: Collaborate with Curator to manage the full talent lifecycle, including hiring, onboarding, and performance reviews.

Quality Control: Monitor ongoing progress and inspect finished work to ensure sanctuary standards are met.

Operational Management

Technical Repairs: Direct and perform repairs across all trades (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Carpentry).

Work Order Systems: Manage and prioritize tasks utilizing digital management software.

Habitat Construction: Lead the build, maintenance, and refurbishment of species‑specific animal habitats.

Proactive Inspections: Conduct regular facility walkthroughs to identify and address infrastructure needs before they fail.

Procedural Development: Collaborate with the Curator to implement efficient maintenance schedules and protocols.

Safety, Excellence & Compliance

Structural Integrity: Ensure the physical security of all primate enclosures and perimeter fencing; prioritize immediate repairs for any damage or mechanical failure.

Regulatory Adherence: Enforce strict compliance with USDA, OSHA, and internal sanctuary safety protocols.

Safety Leadership: Lead safety briefings and serve as a core member of the facility emergency response team.

Professional Standards: Safely operates specialized equipment and set a consistent example of reliability and organization.

Shop Upkeep: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe maintenance shop as a core daily requirement.

Communication & Logistics

Primary Liaison: Act as the central point of contact for maintenance requests from all other departments.

Weekly Reporting: Provide clear, written weekly progress reports and team updates to the Curator.

Contractor Oversight: Supervise external vendors to ensure work meets quality and animal safety requirements.

Resource Management: Manage procurement, research new equipment, and maintain an accurate inventory of supplies and tools.

Trade

Experience:

5+ years in facility maintenance with 2+ years in a supervisory role; expert use of power tools and industrial equipment.

Problem Solving: Advanced "out-of-the-box" thinking to solve complex, unique sanctuary infrastructure challenges.

Digital Proficiency: Comfortable using computers for work orders, inventory tracking, and technical research.

Reliability: Proven ability to manage time effectively and remain calm/adaptable during emergencies.

Physical Needs: Ability to lift 50lbs and work on ladders, at heights, and outdoors in all weather conditions.

Compliance: Valid driver’s license, negative TB test, and current vaccinations (Tetanus, etc.) required.

Mission Fit: Deep commitment to animal welfare and the ethical standards of sanctuary operations.

Applicants may send their resume to craig.

International Primate Protection League
Summerville, SC 29484