RIKKI POWERS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
rikki@repurposesavannah.org
Rikki Powers is the woman at the helm of Re:Purpose Savannah. A self-proclaimed history buff, she was naturally drawn to Savannah and the mission of Re:Purpose Savannah. She holds a bachelors in Political Science from Wright State University in Dayton, OH and a Master's in Business Administration from Purdue University Global.
She has worked in nonprofits across the country for nearly 20 years, with over 10 years in executive leadership. Rikki has been awarded 20 Under 40, was a in class of the Reno-Sparks Chamber Leadership, and has held many offices for service organizations' leadership. She has also been a member of Vistage and Chamber Ambassadors.
We are GROWING!
Join our team.
We provide training for women+, including women-identified, trans, non-binary, and other underrepresented people.
Reach out, don’t be shy!
Please email info@repurposesavannah.org to submit resumes and cover letters or to inquire more about open positions.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Director of Operations
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Exempt
Classification: Full-Time
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of core projects for Re-Purpose Savannah. Reporting to the Executive Director and overseeing the work of the Project and Yard Superintendents, the Director of Operations establishes and upholds safe work environments in both project sites and the Re-Purpose Savannah salvage yard, overseeing and adhering to budgets and quality standards, managing resources and stakeholders effectively, and ensuring efficient and timely operations across departments.
TEAM MEMBER EXPECTATIONS
All team members of Re-Purpose Savannah are expected to embrace and demonstrate the values of our non-profit organization, including sustainability, historic preservation, and equity for women+ in the construction industry. All team members are expected to approach their work with a focus on mission-driven community engagement and goals-oriented business development.
KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
Report directly to the executive director and perform, and appropriately delegate, all functions and responsibilities for the Deconstruction and Salvage Departments, while prioritizing safety at all times per OSHA standards.
Deconstruction Department
Collaboratively oversees the Project Superintendent in all aspects of deconstruction projects including:
● Deconstruction site assessment and techniques
● Supporting the Project Superintendent in efficient tool and equipment management and managing material flow from job sites to lumber yard
● Evaluating and verifying safety practices per OSHA standards
● All aspects of project permitting
● Subcontractor scheduling, contracts, bids, safety, etc
● Project timelines and budgets, including daily tracking and reporting.
● Research and documentation for deconstruction projects.
● Manage tools and equipment inventory for the Deconstruction department
Salvage Department
Oversees all aspects of the Salvage Department, collaborating with the Yard Superintendent to ensure efficient mechanisms are in place to achieve sales goals and manage the functions of the department. Responsible for ensuring efficiencies in:
● Shop orders and budgets, including cradle to grave process workflows
● Coordinating with artisans and collaborators in collaboration with marketing manager
● Maintaining tools and equipment inventory
● Managing lease agreements and rental payments with studio designers
Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management
● Lead and motivate project teams, providing guidance and support to ensure successful project outcomes.
● Recruit, train, and develop project personnel.
● Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
● Maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and other stakeholders
● Communicate project progress and issues effectively.
● Resolve conflicts and address concerns promptly.
WORK EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
● 4+ years of hands-on experience in construction, demolition, deconstruction, historic trades, or other related industry required
● Crew management or leadership experience required
● Strong written and verbal skills along with competence with Google business suite required
● Valid driver’s license and safe driving record required
● Background check required
ACADEMIC OR TRADE QUALIFICATIONS
● An academic background in architecture, sustainability, historic preservation, construction, or similar preferred.
● OSHA 30 certification required or willing and able to obtain within 6 months
● CSP preferred OR willing and able to obtain within 6 months
PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
● Physical ability to lift at least 50 lbs required
● Ability to physically navigate various construction worksites and salvage yard environments with various physical obstacles, noises, and other safety risks required.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Apprentice
Reports to: Yard and Project Superintendent
Status: Non-Exempt
Classification: Part-Time
POSITION SUMMARY
In collaboration with Savannah Technical College, Apprentices are an integral part of the daily operations of Re:Purpose Savannah in both the Salvage Yard and at onsite Projects and in the continued growth of historic trades. Apprenticeships are work-based training programs that combine formal instruction with on-site, occupational-related training/work. Apprentices typically work 30-40 hours per week and attend class part-time or full-time at Savannah Technical College.
Reporting to their respective Superintendents (Yard and Project), apprentices perform the physical tasks associated with deconstruction projects and all aspects of the lumber yard, as well as 30+ credit hours of classroom work. With a focus on safety at all times, and through following the instruction provided, apprentices systematically dismantle structures, including walls, floors, roofs, windows, doors, and fixtures, learning both hands-on practices and academic theory. They de-nail, sort, and inventory materials for reuse or recycling, remove and prepare materials for transport, and handle lumber and other salvaged inventory in the Yard, while attending classes and completing assignments as they pursue their certification from Savannah Technical College.
TEAM MEMBER EXPECTATIONS
All team members of Re-Purpose Savannah are expected to embrace and demonstrate the values of our non-profit organization, including sustainability, historic preservation, and equity for women+ in the construction industry. All team members are expected to approach their work with a focus on mission-driven community engagement and goals-oriented business development.
KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
Report directly to the Yard or Project Superintendent and perform all functions and responsibilities assigned while prioritizing safety per OSHA standards.
Required to be enrolled and meeting requirements of the Apprentice program with Savannah Technical College.
Disassembly / Yard Operations:
● With instruction from the superintendent, systematically dismantle structures, including walls, floors, roofs, windows, doors, and fixtures.
● De-nail, sort, and inventory materials for reuse or recycling.
● Remove and prepare materials for transport.
● Unload, sort, and stock lumber and other salvaged inventory in the Yard under the direction of the Yard Superintendent.
Safety:
● Follow all safety protocols for the work environment and task assigned.
● Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including but not limited to steel-toed boots, long pants, helmets, eye protection and respirators (as required).
● Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace.
Savannah Technical College:
● Attend classes to earn required credit hours for certification
● Keep up with assignments and projects to maintain the required GPA.
● Maintain enrollment requirements
Communication and Teamwork:
● Communicate effectively with Superintendents and other team members.
● Work efficiently and cooperatively as part of a team.
● Perform other tasks as assigned by the Superintendent or Director of Operations.
WORK EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
● REQUIRED- two year commitment to the certification program in collaboration with Savannah Technical College
● Willingness to learn all aspects of the deconstruction and salvage process required.
● Alignment with sustainability and/or historic preservation practices required.
● Valid driver’s license and safe driving record required.
● Background check required.
● General proficiency with computers and common software tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google suite, etc.) required.
PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
● Physical ability to lift at least 50 lbs., repeatedly, over the course of day required.
● Mechanically inclined and ability to use power and hand tools, including prying, pulling, and twisting required.
● Spatially aware and capable of climbing ladders, and being suspended in lifts/bucks and safety harnesses required.
● Ability to physically navigate various construction worksites and salvage yard environments with various physical obstacles, noises, and other safety risks required.
● Ability and comfort with wearing required PPE including respirators, and working according to safety standards with potentially hazardous materials.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Crew Member
Reports to: Yard or Project Superintendent
Status: Non-Exempt
Classification: Full-Time or Part-Time
POSITION SUMMARY
Crew Members are integral to the daily operations Re:Purpose Savannah in both the Salvage Yard and at onsite Projects. Reporting to their respective Superintendents (Yard or Project), crew members perform the physical tasks associated with deconstruction projects and all aspects of the lumber yard. With a focus on safety at all times, Crew Members systematically dismantle structures, including walls, floors, roofs, windows, doors, and fixtures. They de-nail, sort, and inventory materials for reuse or recycling, remove and prepare materials for transport, and handle lumber and other salvaged inventory in the Yard.
TEAM MEMBER EXPECTATIONS
All team members of Re-Purpose Savannah are expected to embrace and demonstrate the values of our non-profit organization, including sustainability, historic preservation, and equity for women+ in the construction industry. All team members are expected to approach their work with a focus on mission-driven community engagement and goals-oriented business development.
KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
Report directly to the Yard or Project Superintendent and perform all functions and responsibilities assigned while prioritizing safety per OSHA standards.
Disassembly / Yard Operations:
● With instruction from the superintendent, systematically dismantle structures, including walls, floors, roofs, windows, doors, and fixtures.
● De-nail, sort, and inventory materials for reuse or recycling.
● Remove and prepare materials for transport.
● Unload, sort, and stock lumber and other salvaged inventory in the Yard under the direction of the Yard Superintendent.
Safety:
● Follow all safety protocol for the work environment and task assigned.
● Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including but not limited to steel-toed boots, long pants, helmets, eye protection and respirators (as required).
● Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace.
Communication and Teamwork:
● Communicate effectively with Superintendents and other team members.
● Work efficiently and cooperatively as part of a team.
● Perform other tasks as assigned by the Superintendent or Director of Operations.
WORK EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
● 1+ years of hands-on experience in wood shop, construction, carpentry, or other related industry preferred.
● Understanding and experience with sustainability and/or historic preservation preferred.
● OSHA 30 certification preferred.
● Valid driver’s license and safe driving record required .
● Background check required.
● General proficiency with computers and common software tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google suite, etc.).
PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
● Physical ability to lift at least 50 lbs., repeatedly, over the course of day required.
● Mechanically inclined and ability to use power and hand tools, including prying, pulling, and twisting required.
● Spatially aware and capable of climbing ladders, and being suspended in lifts/bucks and safety harnesses required.
● Ability to physically navigate various construction worksites and salvage yard environments with various physical obstacles, noises, and other safety risks required.
● Ability and comfort with wearing required PPE including respirators, and working according to safety standards with potentially hazardous materials.
Board of Directors
ERIN WESSLING
PRESIDENT/ PR MARKETING CHAIR
Mrs. Erin Wessling is the founder of W Projects, a full-service marketing firm. She is active in several community organizations, including NAWIC (National Women in Construction) of Coastal Georgia, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Savannah and the Society of Women Engineers of the Coastal Empire.
ROB RINKER
SALVAGE AND SALES ADVISOR
Mr. Rob Rinker is the operations manager of Wilmington Woodworking. Previously he served as operations manager of Guerry Lumber in Savannah, and Brick + Board, a non-profit organization reclaiming historical building materials in Baltimore, MD. During this time Rob helped lead the organization to salvage materials from 300 rowhouses in Baltimore and dozens of historic structures on the East Coast.
RIDLEY STALLINGS
FUNDRAISING CHAIR
Ridley is a top-producing real estate agent with creative flare and a diverse background in both historic preservation and fundraising. A Savannah resident for the last 13 years, she’s been licensed for seven, achieving sales records in the last four. In 2021, she established the Rowan Stallings Group with her Corcoran Austin Hill Realty colleague and business partner Melissa Rowan. An accomplished mix-medium artist, Ridley enjoys working with reclaimed wood and upcycled materials from old homes to create modern wall sculptures. Her work can be seen in many private residences and popular restaurants in Savannah and across the country. Ridley loves hosting parties and spending time outdoors with her dogs Cava and Cash. In 2017, she co-founded the nonprofit, For the Love of Paws. As Creative Chair, she leads the charge every year in planning their main fundraising event—a big soirée that benefits a rotation of local animal rescue organizations.
TOMMY LINSTROTH
SUSTAINABILITY CHAIR
For nearly 20 years, Tommy Linstroth (LEED Fellow) has been dedicated to improving sustainable design and construction across private, academic, and non-profit sectors. As founder and CEO of Green Badger, the leading SaaS developer for managing sustainable construction, Tommy is setting new standards for the built industry and accelerating environmentally responsible construction worldwide. Ignited by Tommy’s experience fighting antiquated processes entrenched in the construction process, Green Badger simplifies and automates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) tracking and managing green building certification processes, like LEED. Tommy supports hundreds of project teams around the world, and is a frequent speaker and writer on sustainability in construction.
GEORGE SUTHER
SAFETY/OSHA COMPLIANCE CHAIR
George Suther served as a U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Officer for 28 years. He has private-sector experience in strategic planning, facility construction, and maintenance, real estate, utilities, environmental and program management.