How to Be Facility Management Generalist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 15, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Proper facility management can have a positive effect on businesses, as it is responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and operations of facilities and equipment. Without proper facility management, businesses can experience costly downtime, repairs, and replacements due to improper maintenance and lack of preventative care. This can lead to decreased productivity, increased overhead, and a decrease in customer satisfaction.

facility managers are responsible for creating and managing budgets, assessing safety and health regulations, and managing staff members. By having a dedicated individual or team in place to manage these tasks, businesses can ensure their facilities are running efficiently and safely, leading to lower costs in the long run.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as business administration, engineering, or facility management. Depending on the degree, you may need to complete additional coursework in facility management.
Gain experience in the field. You may be able to find an entry-level position or an internship in a facility management setting. You can also look for jobs in related fields like maintenance, hospitality, or property management.
Participate in professional development programs and take courses related to facility management. This will help you stay current on trends, technology, and best practices in the field.
Apply for a Facility Management Generalist position. Depending on the organization, you may need to have a certain amount of experience and/or certifications to qualify for the role.
Keep up with industry trends and continuing education opportunities. Take advantage of any available certifications and attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to further your knowledge and skills.

When it comes to becoming a Facility Management Generalist, having the necessary skills and qualifications is essential. Developing an understanding of building systems and maintenance management is key, as well as having an appreciation of finance, legal, and business principles. having knowledge of building codes, regulations, and construction practices is important for success.

Having strong communication and customer service skills, as well as the ability to manage people and resources is also needed. With these skills and qualifications in place, a Facility Management Generalist will be well-equipped to handle the daily operations of a facility in an efficient and effective manner.

You may want to check Strategic Planning Generalist, Financial Generalist, and Talent Acquisition Generalist for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee day-to-day operations of a facility, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and standards.
Monitor and maintain physical environment, such as HVAC systems, lighting, and security systems.
Manage contracts for maintenance, repair, and other services.
Monitor building performance to ensure energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Develop preventative maintenance schedules and programs.
Create and manage budgets for facility operations.
Supervise and coordinate staff, including janitorial, security, and maintenance personnel.
Manage communication between facility staff and management.
Liaise with vendors and contractors to ensure safe and efficient operation of the facility.
Respond to emergency situations, such as fires, floods, or power outages.
Oversee the installation of new equipment or systems.
Develop policies and protocols for facility operations and safety.
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations for safety, health, and environmental standards.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of facility operations and maintenance.
Ability to develop and implement facility management policies and procedures.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
Proficient in the use of computer software programs such as Microsoft Office.
Ability to effectively manage budgets and resources.
Experience in creating and maintaining facility databases.
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Good facility management requires a generalist who can handle a variety of different tasks. One of the most important skills for a facility management generalist is the ability to think strategically and holistically. This means being able to look at the big picture, identify areas of improvement, and develop plans to achieve those goals.

It also requires the ability to understand the overall operations, identify potential risks, and plan for contingencies accordingly. facility management generalists must be able to effectively communicate with both internal and external stakeholders, maintain budgets, manage projects, and ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. By possessing these skills, facility management generalists can help ensure that the facility operates efficiently and effectively while providing a safe and comfortable environment.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in facility management?
How would you handle an unexpected issue or event?
What strategies have you employed to ensure that facilities are maintained and kept up to date?
What is your experience with budgeting and cost management for facilities?
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in facility management?
What process do you use for selecting vendors or contractors for facility management tasks?
Describe a time you successfully managed a challenging situation involving a customer or tenant.
What methods do you use to ensure the safety and security of facilities and personnel?
How do you prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects at once?
Describe a time when you had to think quickly and make a difficult decision to successfully manage a situation.

Common Tools in Industry

Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM) Software. Software used to manage the operations of a facility, including maintenance and repairs, asset tracking and leasing, energy management, and more. (Example: Archibus)
Building Automation Systems. Systems that are used to control the environmental conditions in a building, such as temperature, lighting, air conditioning, and more. (Example: Siemens Desigo)
Work Order Management Software. Software that tracks and assigns maintenance tasks, repairs, and other facility management tasks. (Example: CMMS)
Space Planning Software. Software that helps facility managers plan out the use of space in their facility. (Example: CAD Pro)
Project Management Software. Software that helps facility managers plan and manage projects from start to finish. (Example: Microsoft Project)
Budgeting Software. Software that helps facility managers track and manage their budgets. (Example: Adaptive Insights)
Event Management Software. Software that helps facility managers plan and manage events in their facility. (Example: Cvent)
Security Management Software. Software that helps facility managers monitor and manage security measures in their facility. (Example: SecurityMetrics)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
Building Services Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
Real Estate and Facility Management Institute (REMI)
Professional Cleaning and Maintenance Association (PCMA)
Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)
International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
International Association of Workplace Professionals (IAWP)
American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA)
Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP)

We also have Retail Operations Generalist, Accounting Generalist, and Manufacturing Operations Generalist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Building Automation Systems (BAS). A computer-based system that monitors and controls a buildings mechanical and electrical equipment, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, lighting, security and other systems.
Facility Management (FM). The managing of the physical assets, services, and processes of a facility or organization in order to maintain its safety and efficiency.
Maintenance Management. The process of planning, scheduling, and controlling the maintenance of an organizations facilities, equipment, and systems.
Space Planning. The process of creating an efficient layout for a space in order to maximize its usefulness and usability.
Systems Integration. The process of combining multiple systems into one unified system.
Project Management. The process of planning, organizing, and managing resources to achieve specific goals within a specified timeframe.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks associated with a particular activity or endeavor.
Energy Management. The process of conserving energy by reducing or eliminating energy waste.
Commissioning. The process of verifying that a buildings systems are installed and operating according to the manufacturers specifications and the owners requirements.
Cost Control. The process of controlling costs by setting goals and making adjustments to ensure those goals are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary role of a Facility Management Generalist? A1: The primary role of a Facility Management Generalist is to maintain and improve the condition of facilities and equipment, co-ordinate activities related to facility operations, and ensure that safety and security standards are met. Q2: What skills are necessary for a successful Facility Management Generalist? A2: Successful Facility Management Generalists must possess strong organizational, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. Additionally, knowledge of building maintenance, budgeting, and emergency management are important. Q3: What types of facilities do Facility Management Generalists typically work with? A3: Facility Management Generalists often work with commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, as well as with educational institutions, government agencies, and healthcare facilities. Q4: How much experience is typically required for a Facility Management Generalist position? A4: The amount of experience required for a Facility Management Generalist position depends on the specific job requirements, but generally a minimum of two years of experience in facility management or related field is necessary. Q5: What qualifications must a Facility Management Generalist possess? A5: A Facility Management Generalist must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as a certification in facility management or a related field (such as engineering or architecture). Additionally, prior experience working in a similar role is beneficial.