What are your roles at the School ?
I am pleased to wear many hats ! It keeps my job interesting as every single day is different and brings about unique challenges to solve , particularly on the capital works and building renovation front .
A few of the primary operational tasks expected with any facilities role are cleaning contract implementation , contractor management , equipment asset audits and oversight of building-related essential services . However , other roles include executing the annual capital works program , school-wide furniture procurement , external facilities and campsites oversight , and project managing an array of classroom or space renovation projects . One of my favourite end products is the recently completed Junior School Harbig Library – it ’ s such a fun , bright and welcoming space .
Another couple of unique undertakings involve coordinating the School ’ s vast architectural building documentation archives , being a trained Chief Warden and self-titling myself as the front man for the school ’ s ‘ War on Waste ’!
Interview : ELLIOT GREEN
Facilities Manager
What was your background before coming to Scotch ?
Immediately after high school I dipped my toes in a Psychology and Marketing degree , although I naively didn ’ t anticipate the strong statistical foundation of the former half of the course – resulting in pausing my studies for a couple of gap years . Continuing my hobby as a basketball referee I also ramped up my casual employment in the hospitality industry , securing a full-time position as a barman and barista . To this day , whenever I find myself in front of a coffee machine I love testing to determine whether I ‘ still have it ’ to Melbourne coffee standards – proud to say , I still do !
After travelling and broadening my horizons on and off for a couple of years , I returned to marketing , completing a Bachelor of Business . While undertaking this course at Swinburne University in Hawthorn , a one day per week role popped up in Scotch ’ s Maintenance Department , helping on the administration front desk . I jumped at the opportunity to put my business studies in action . The role quickly evolved into more days , combining the front desk coordination work with some ‘ on the tools ’ general hand and trade assistance mixed in for good measure .
Exposure to the development of the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science sparked a keen interest in the built environment and facility management sectors , leading me to undertake further study and complete a Diploma of Building and Construction – and as they say ; ‘ the rest is history ’!
What effect has the pandemic had on your job at Scotch ?
Although the pandemic made my role pretty chaotic with the rapid evolution of government introduced rules and guidelines that seemed to change if not day by day , but morning to afternoon , I consider myself pretty lucky , as my role required an onsite presence for the majority of the pandemic .
The beginning of the pandemic focused on education , consultation , prevention , disinfectant cleaning and personal protective equipment such as face masks . As the community returned to school , emphasis turned to density quotas and ventilation , including physical works to ensure natural ventilation is maintained at all times , installation of CO2 monitors , and upgrading of building maintenance software .
Fingers crossed 2022 is more predictable !
What experiences at Scotch have had the biggest impact on you ? The biggest impact is the continual opportunity to be exposed to large-scale construction projects – the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science , the Spencer Centre for Design and Technology , Isabella Lawson Lodge , the Mess Hall at Healesville , the Keon-Cohen Dining Hall , the English Department in the Lithgow Building , the Tolson Centre project and now the Boarding precinct projects – I am thoroughly enjoying embracing the dynamic journey .
Another impact that I must mention is the confidence instilled in me by both Bill Sciarretta and Greg McMahon – I am incredibly appreciative of the guidance received from these leaders within their respective fields . Of course , there are plenty of other colleagues and now friends who have left significant impressions on my time at Scotch so far , however these two deserve special mention for the impact they have had on my career .
What is your favourite corner of the Scotch grounds , and why ?
The Boarding House gardens ! It ’ s easy to believe you are wandering around the Royal Botanical Gardens up there , particularly the ‘ roundabout ’ area and ‘ corner row ’ with the beautiful roses , freshly mowed lawn and rotating seasonal flowering garden beds .
My late Grandma , or ‘ Nanna ’ as we called her , was always pottering around her beloved garden at home and she obviously had a strong influence in harvesting my soft spot and appreciation for well-maintained gardens . The team on the Hill does a fantastic job .
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