Lock And Key Superintendent - Facilities Operations - UTK

Lock & Key Superintendent

The Lock & Key Superintendent provides leadership and strategic oversight of the University's lock and key operations, ensuring the integrity and security of campus facilities through the effective management of access control systems, key distribution, and hardware standards. This position is responsible for supervising staff, managing daily operations, ensuring compliance with all applicable codes and regulations, and maintaining the University's master key system in accordance with established security protocols and standards.

Responsibilities

1. Provides management, direction, and supervision for the Lock & Key unit, ensuring efficient operations, customer service, and adherence to University and Facilities Services policies.
2. Plans, prioritizes, and assigns work to staff, providing technical guidance and support in resolving complex access and key control issues.
3. Oversees scheduling, staffing, and daily operations to ensure the shop is fully operational during business hours and responsive to service needs.
4. Evaluates employee performance, provides coaching and mentoring, and manages recruitment, hiring, training, and leave approvals for assigned personnel.
5. Manages and authorizes key requests, issuance, returns, and borrowing in accordance with university key control policies to maintain a secure campus environment.
6. Oversees the maintenance and accuracy of the University's key database and associated records for building access, renovations, lock changes, and keying plans.
7. Develops and enforces keying standards, ensuring consistent application of key codes, layouts, and hierarchy across campus facilities.
8. Coordinates with other Facilities Services units to ensure access control and door hardware specifications align with university standards and Life Safety, Fire, and Building Codes.
9. Maintains advanced knowledge of lock systems, exit and door hardware, and access control technologies.
10. Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, including Life Safety Codes, Fire Regulations, OSHA standards, and Uniform Building Codes.
11. Reviews and approves material specifications and keying system designs to ensure security, functionality, and long-term sustainability.
12. Oversees material and hardware inventory, procurement, and cost estimating for projects related to lock and key systems.
13. Ensures effective communication and collaboration with campus departments, providing guidance and timely resolution of access-related concerns.
14. Responds to emergencies and after-hours lock and key issues through coordination of on-call staff.
15. Attends meetings and provides regular updates on operational status, project progress, and emerging security concerns.
16. Develops and updates internal procedures and operational standards for the Lock & Key unit.
17. Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance efficiency, customer service, and security compliance.
18. Ensures adherence to university policies, Facilities Services standards, and all relevant safety and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in locksmith operations, access control, or facility security, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Ability to lead others, enforce policies & procedures and practice UT disciplinary action
  • Comprehensive understanding of lock systems, keying plans, and access control technologies.
  • Strong working knowledge of Life Safety, Fire, and Building Codes and OSHA requirements.
  • Proficient in access control software and key management systems.
  • Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to interpret construction documents, access plans, and technical schematics.
  • Skill in resolving operational and personnel challenges effectively and diplomatically.
• Other Conditions: Valid Driver's license

Work Location:

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR12
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division:

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville's largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provide around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.