DIRECTOR, TRADE SHOP - NYC Department of Social Services : Job Details

If you are hired provisionally in this title, you must take and pass the Civil Service Exam, when it becomes available, to be eligible for continued employment.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City by employing a variety of innovative strategies to help families and individuals successfully exit shelter and return to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.

HRA/General Support Services (GSS) provides safe, healthy, and appropriate facilities for HRA's various social service programs. Its many functions include facilities planning and coordination, design and construction, renovation, repair and maintenance, custodial and other building services, health/safety program coordination, lease and property management, land use and environmental review activities, contract administration for facilities services, and warehouse operations. GSS plays a major role in HRA emergency preparedness.

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Bureau of Construction and Building Maintenance (BCBM) with latitude for the exercise of independent initiatives, judgment, decision making and action, the Director of Trade Shop manages approximately 70 trade staff, oversees emergency responses, and ensures compliance with complex regulatory standards, demands focused on leadership. The Director is responsible for implementing the Executive Director's strategic vision at an operational level, while handling the day-to-day and time-sensitive decisions that are crucial for maintaining smooth operations.

Responsibilities:

Coordinate the activities of various trade specialties, including plumbers, carpenters, electricians, cement masons, locksmiths, sheet metal workers, painters, and maintenance workers as well as maintenance shop staff. This responsibility involves managing approximately 70 trade staff who handle cost estimating, scheduling, and monitoring to ensure timely completion of assignments.

Inspect work performed across various trade areas, including services provided by both in-house and contract staff, which includes conducting field visits to HRA facilities, addressing the basic maintenance needs of building occupants, ensuring prompt emergency responses, and overseeing shop activities related to the removal of asbestos, lead paint, fire safety hazards, and the installation of security systems.

Provide guidance for staff on trade-related issues, such as resolving building violations and ensuring proper supervision for work orders and assignments. The role also involves making recommendations on complex issues that require higher-level decision-making or coordination with other departments.

Implement and enforce management controls for assessing the condition of Agency facilities, identifying deficiencies, and initiating corrective actions. Oversees the preparation of written reports detailing area activities, including needed and completed building repairs, outcomes, open issues, and maintaining appropriate documentation for each HRA-occupied building.

Ensure Agency compliance with fire safety requirements and other standards set by oversight agencies, which includes recycling mandates, regular site monitoring and inspections, and providing training to trades staff on current regulations.

Participate in the establishment of appropriate policies and procedures for providing adequate building construction, renovation, repair, and maintenance work at HRA facilities to ensure all work is done according to building codes, and in compliance with Federal, State, and City regulations to meet Agency administrative and program needs.

Supervise the unit temporarily in the absence of the Executive Director of BCBM.

Work Location:

260 11th Avenue, 3rd Floor (ROOM-305), New York, NY, 10001

Hours/Schedule:

Managerial Work Schedule (07:00am-3:00pm with 1 hour Lunch) (Monday-Friday)

Minimum Qualifications

1. Eight years of full-time experience in construction, repair, alteration and/or rehabilitation of multiple dwellings, commercial, industrial or public buildings in the capacity of general contractor, superintendent of construction, procurement specialist, evaluator responsible for cost estimation, or as a field supervisor or as an inspector, at least 18 months of which must have been in a supervisory or administrative capacity involving responsibility for a large number of buildings; or2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to 1 above. Education in an accredited college leading toward a baccalaureate degree in engineering, architecture, engineering technology or a closely related field will be accepted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years. However, all candidates must possess at least 18 months of the specialized supervisory or administrative experience described in 1 above.

Preferred Skills

• Understanding of building maintenance and various trades (e.g., plumbing, carpentry, electrical).
• Ability to estimate costs, plan schedules, and manage projects effectively.
• Knowledge of building codes, safety standards, and regulations.
• Ability to enforce safety measures across all facilities.
• Experience leading and managing a team of approximately 70 trade staff.
• Strong decision-making skills, particularly in emergency situations.
• Skilled in overseeing maintenance, repair, and renovation projects.
• Ability to translate strategic plans into actionable tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate with teams, departments, and external partners.
• Effective at identifying problems and implementing solutions quickly.
• Good analytical skills for handling complex issues.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage records and ensure compliance.
• Adaptable to changing priorities and emergencies.

55-a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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