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ARC/OSRF Supervisor of Maintenance & Infrastructure

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $90,000–$130,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a contractor who was not working out on a live site. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Supervising external contractors, which this posting requires.

Describe a status report you wrote that got a decision made. What was in it?

What they are checking: Reporting to leadership that actually moves a project.

This is in Animal Resources Center veterinary services, asks for five to seven years and prefers two to four years in an academic animal research setting plus computer-aided design skills. What do you want to know about the size of the team and how many projects run at once?

What they are checking: Checking the real span before taking a supervisory seat.

What would you do

This supervises capital projects inside a working animal research facility. How do you plan a renovation when the animals cannot leave and the research cannot stop?

What they are checking: The central constraint of construction in a live vivarium.

Environmental conditions — light, temperature and humidity — drift out of range overnight. What happens next?

What they are checking: Infrastructure failure response where the consequence is animal welfare and lost studies.

You have to coordinate with university and medical center facilities groups who do not report to you. How do you get their time?

What they are checking: Cross-institutional coordination, which this role depends on.

How do you decide when a design standard should be enforced and when a project needs an exception?

What they are checking: Standards judgment on the design and construction standards this team sets.

About the work

Walk me through how you would set a preventative maintenance schedule and forecast when a piece of equipment needs replacing.

What they are checking: Lifecycle planning, which this posting makes a stated responsibility.

How do you run a bid and contractor selection so you get the right contractor rather than the cheapest one?

What they are checking: Procurement judgment on the bidding this role coordinates.

What goes into a project closeout that makes the building actually maintainable afterward?

What they are checking: Punch list, as-built documentation and warranty transition, which this posting names.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department BSD ARC - Veterinary Services 2 About the Department The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at the University of Chicago supports animal research by ensuring humane care and proper use of all laboratory animals. It oversees all research animals on campus, manages six facilities and a business office, and includes husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, and finance/administration. ARC is part of the Office of Shared Research Facilities, which also manages BSD core facilities. Job Summary The job supervises and monitors a team of support staff responsible for the capital projects delivery process, from the design phase through commissioning and close-out. Is responsible for managing the construction and renovation of physical assets and bringing assets online in the most efficient and effective manner. Responsibilities • Oversee the delivery process of all ARC/OSRF renovation/construction projects from the design phase through close out/completion. Coordinates schedules and provides status updates and reports on active projects to the Associate Director. • Oversee preventative maintenance schedules for external vendors. Provides forecasts for expected life of equipment and plans for capital replacements proactively. Responsible for supervising the maintenance & infrastructure team’s assignments, performance and time approval. • Oversee the monitoring of environmental conditions (lights, temperature and humidity) and verifies proper operation of building systems. Manages responses to infrastructural/building deficiencies. Communicates deficiencies to Associate Director and works closely with veterinary faculty to resolve issues. • Responsible for maintaining working relationships with University and UCMC facilities and physical plant groups. Supervises external groups/contractors/service providers while on site to ensure UC construction standards and provides applicable training. Manages requests (RFPs) and assesses quotes from vendors and coordinates the bidding and selection process of outside contractors/vendors and development of budgets with the finance group and University Procurement. • Responsible for developing, organizing and creating reports and presentations relevant to ARC/OSRF infrastructure/renovation/construction projects. Manages activities/visits with external groups, service providers and contractors. • Supervises the development and implementation of the team's design and construction standards to ensure quality, compatibility with sustainability plans, and timeliness. • Coordinates the bidding and selection of outside contractors and development of budgets and project building plans. • Prepares the maintenance and delivery of budgets and schedules on a daily basis. Provides status updates and reports of active development projects. • Plans the project closeout process including final punch list completion, as-built documentation, and transition to Asset Management team through warranty period. • Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Experience: • 2-4 years of experience in an academic environment, preferably within an animal research setting . Preferred Competencies • Advanced computer knowledge and skills such as Word, Excel and CAD drawing software. • Excellent organizational and communication skills. • Willingness to work as a member of a team, ability to communicate effectively with faculty, and various administrative offices at all levels of the University. • Strong decision-making skills and ability to work under pressure of frequent deadlines. • Ability to analyze and solve problems. Working Conditions • Involves a combination of mobility between work areas and time spent in stationary positions, including standing or sitting while performing assigned duties, as well as periods of seated, computer-based work preferred. • Able to lift/push up to 50 lbs preferred. Application Documents • Resume (required) • Cover Letter (preferred) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Facilities Management Role Impact People Manager Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required Yes Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ​ FLSA Status Exempt ​ Pay Range $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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