BSL Facilities Maintenance Tech Lead

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens is seeking a BSL Facilities Maintenance Tech Lead to oversee the operations and maintenance of high-containment biosafety level facilities (BSL 3) and associated laboratories, including the Animal Health Research Center.

This role directs a multi-trade maintenance team, ensures preventive and corrective repairs, coordinates with CVM and Facilities Management, and requires on-call duties, weekend hours, and eligibility for federal clearances.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain Federal Select Agent & Tier 1 Clearance.
• Experience in leading maintenance for high containment facilities and laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Provide operations and maintenance support in high containment BSL facilities and laboratories; oversee preventive, reactive, and corrective repairs to building systems.
• Lead the maintenance team responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Animal Health Research Center and other BSL 3 campus laboratories.
• Explicate, prepare and process work-related documents (work orders, reports, AiM) and maintain documentation concerning BSL conditions and needs.
• Coordinate and participate on a rotating basis to provide 24/7 emergency response to system problems and alarm conditions.
• Identify and coordinate training to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and safety protocols.

Skills

5 years related experience

Leadership

Communication skills

Team supervision

Problem solving

Regulatory reading

Collaborative work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Posting Details

• Posting Number: S15754P
• Working Title: BSL Facilities Maintenance Tech Lead
• Department: FMD-O&M-Biocontainment Shop
• About the University of Georgia: University of Georgia was chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
• About the College/Unit/Department: The University of Georgia Facilities Management Division is the largest of seven (7) divisions reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration. The exceptional staff of over 900 personnel within the division manage, operate and maintain campus landscapes, buildings and infrastructure to promote the long-term sustainability of the University.
• College/Unit/Department website: fmd.uga.edu
• Posting Type: External
• Retirement Plan: TRS
• Employment Type: Employee
• Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
• Full/Part time: Full Time
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM On occasion, employee may be required to perform duties after hours (evenings and weekends) due to emergency situations or planned work. This position will also have a on-call rotation schedule.
• Advertised Salary: $60,000 or Commensurate with Experience
• Posting Date: 09/14/2026
• Open until filled: Yes
• Proposed Starting Date: 10/26/2026
• Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

• Classification Title: Maintenance Worker III
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• FTE: 1.00
• Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience
• Preferred Qualifications:

Position Summary

This is skilled technical work involving the directing and overseeing of the operations and maintenance support in high containment BSL facilities and laboratories. This includes preventive, reactive, and corrective repair work is completed to the building and systems (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Structural) for campus high-containment Biosafety Level (3 - 3AG) facilities and laboratories. Work is assigned and reviewed by the BSL Facilities Maintenance Foreman with coordination with the College of Veterinarian Medicine on research issues and from Facilities Management Division on operations and maintenance issues. The primary function of this position is to lead the maintenance team responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Animal Health Research Center (AHRC) and other BSL 3 campus laboratories (RBS & Bio Resources). The requirements of these buildings are more complex than those at other buildings on campus due to the sensitive nature of the BSL 3 Ag classification of the facility. In addition, this position will perform maintenance work as needed and on occasions, assist members of the AHRC and other O&M teams. This employee will be working with CVM staff at communicating and fostering good working relationships between the two entities. This position involves on-call duties and occasional nights/weekends as needed. Incumbent will need to obtain and maintain Federal Select Agent & Tier 1 Clearance. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for assisting in performing, scheduling, and communicating all routine and non-routine maintenance, and any facility deficiencies as they arise, in accordance will all federal and state regulations. Incumbent will also be enrolled in the UGA Occupational Health Program and will have annual vaccine test requirements and have annual basic training in Insight and Zoonosis.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge at journeyman level and able to perform work in mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and/or structural maintenance fields
• Communicates effectively with strong oral and written communications skills
• Demonstrates strong leadership and makes good decisions
• Ability to supervise, lead, plan, and delegate the work of multi-trade teams
• Ability to problem solve issues that arise with building systems
• Ability to read and keep up-to-date on applicable rules and regulations and maintain reports and documentation
• Work collaboratively with multiple departments to accomplish tasks in a timely, professional manner

Physical Demands

• Able to stand, walk, climb stairs, stoop, bend, squat, crawl, climb ladder and scaffold, and must be able to lift up to 75lbs.
• Work at times involves wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment associated with BSL 3AG environment and will involve working in confined spaces.
• Driving as needed to perform job duties.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Provide operations and maintenance support in high containment BSL facilities and laboratories. This includes directing and overseeing that all preventive, reactive, and corrective repair work is completed to the building and systems (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Structural).

Percentage of time: 50

Duties/Responsibilities

Explicate, prepare and process work related documents (work orders, reports, AiM, etc.) and maintains documentation and communication concerning BSL conditions, needs, inspection, and other facility related matters.

Percentage of time: 20

Duties/Responsibilities

Coordinate and participate on a rotating basis with other qualified individuals, provision of a 24/7 emergency response to system problems and alarm conditions affecting BSL facilities.

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities

Identify and coordinate training to keep team up-to-date on applicable BSL rules, regulations, procedures and related practices, and provide assurance team actions adhere to all regulatory requirements and safety protocols.

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities

Assist and support with other duties as assigned by the BSL Facilities Key Stakeholders and Facilities Management Division/Operations and Maintenance Leadership.

Percentage of time: 10