Assistant Engineer

National Education Association; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Kaiser Permanente / UnitedHealthcare

Job summary

The National Education Association (NEA) seeks a Regular Position facilities engineer to operate, monitor, and maintain building HVAC systems in the Center for Business Operations. You will assist the Licensed Engineer with control systems and calibrations, perform preventive maintenance, and handle minor electrical/plumbing repairs.

Strong communication and problem‑solving are essential. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma and a valid DC 3rd class steam engineer license or

Qualifications

• HVAC systems operation and maintenance knowledge.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics.
• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and adjust building HVAC equipment.
• Assist Licensed Engineer with JC 80 control system and pneumatic/electrical controls.
• Perform preventive maintenance and basic repairs on mechanical systems.
• Respond to service calls and perform minor electrical/plumbing repairs as needed.
• Monitor safety, life safety systems, and comply with codes and procedures.

Skills

HVAC knowledge

Troubleshooting

Maintenance experience

Reading blueprints

Interpersonal communication

Education

High school diploma

DC 3rd class steam engineer license

Tools

PC literacy

Job description

Posting Period:

September 28, 2026 - Until Filled

Employee Type:

IUOE International Union of Operating Engineers, OO118 Conference & Facilities Management Department (CFM)

Position Type:

Regular Position

Details:

The position supports the NEA's strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its over 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by providing skilled assistance in the operation and maintenance of the building's heating, ventilating, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment in the Center for Business Operations.

Position Summary:

Operates, monitors, and manually adjusts building equipment (boilers, air conditioning, refrigeration units, pumps, condensers, generators, and auxiliary HVAC systems). Assists the Licensed Engineer in operating the computerized JC 80 control and monitoring system and calibrates pneumatic and electric controls to maintain proper air and water temperatures throughout the facility. Performs routine preventive maintenance and equipment adjustments, including oiling motors, changing belts/filters, replacing bearings, and clearing/replacing traps. Conducts minor electrical and plumbing repairs and replaces defective components like valves, gaskets, and bearings. Regularly monitors gauges, meters, and computerized instruments to ensure systems function safely within established parameters. Maintains familiarity with Life Safety Systems, including fire alarms and wet/dry pipe sprinkler systems. Responds to service calls regarding heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to make timely minor adjustments, and performs other facility maintenance duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirement:

High school diploma or equivalent and current third class steam engineer's license for the District of Columbia.

Minimum Qualifications:

At least two years of experience as engineer's helper or general maintenance worker, specifically working in the area of boiler and/or machine room-type operations. 6th Class Steam Engineer's License for the District of Columbia and/or taking technical training courses designed to prepare for the DC Licensed Engineer Class 3.

Other Requirements:

Ability to be "on call" to deal with delays, bad weather or emergencies. Assigned shift will be a swing shift with 8 continuous hours between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. (night differential as appropriate), Saturdays to Fridays.

Selection Criteria:

Tier 1 (Essential): Technical training to prepare them for qualification as a D.C. Licensed Engineer Class 3. Requires foundational knowledge of HVAC, Building Management Systems, plumbing, electrical networks, and the codes, ordinances, and procedures essential for safe building operations. Possesses a strong track record of project completion, preventative and basic maintenance, and mechanical aptitude with strong manual dexterity. Capable of evaluating, troubleshooting, and resolving equipment issues while offering sound recommendations. Demonstrates solid decision-making, setting operational objectives, implementing clear procedures, and assessing overall effectiveness. Must exercise strong judgment under pressure and respond swiftly to emergencies. Strong interpersonal, customer relations, and written/oral communication skills are required to build key working relationships, alongside strong professional references.

Tier 2 (Significant): A history of managing multiple activities or projects concurrently. Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, specifications, and contracts. Familiarity with Green Building Initiative standards.

Tier 3 (Desirable): Valid Refrigeration Engineer's license. Working knowledge of personal computers and standard business software.

Compliance and Equal Opportunity:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided: The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO APPLY. NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here E-Verify Participation & Right to Work. NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.

Company Overview:

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

Benefits:

• Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic HMO UnitedHealthcare Choice EPO or PPO