Building Maintenance Technician

FHLB Des Moines; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center seeks a skilled Building Maintenance Technician to oversee operations across three buildings and a large campus. You will coordinate maintenance, custodial services, and contractor work to ensure a safe, welcoming guest experience.

Working with the Facilities Manager, you’ll implement a preventive maintenance program, conduct inspections, and support events while communicating across departments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus 4 years in building maintenance or related field.
• Experience across carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC preferred.
• Knowledge of safety and compliance requirements for public facilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain building systems and equipment to support operations.
• Develop and oversee a preventive maintenance program for facilities and grounds.
• Conduct inspections and coordinate emergency evacuation drills.
• Manage contractors, custodial services, and event support as needed.

Skills

Building Services

Facility Operations

Maintenance Management

Maintenance Operations

Recordkeeping

Safety Programs

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Posting End Date:September 20, 2026Department:VIRGINIA AQUARIUMCompensation Grade:G20Compensation Range & Starting Salary:Pay Range: $44,907.20 - $69,971.20Starting Salary: Minimum of the Pay RangeJob Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):NoScheduled Weekly Hours:40About Us:Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:Join the Facilities Team at the Virginia Aquarium in maintaining an outstanding aquarium experience for our guests! The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center seeks a skilled Building Maintenance Technician to help oversee operations across three buildings and a 120-acre campus featuring 40 acres of nature trails.About the Role:Working closely with the Facilities Manager you'll play a key role in coordinating facility operations, including maintenance and repairs, custodial services, contractor management, grounds maintenance, HVAC systems, security, and horticulture. You'll collaborate across departments to ensure our facilities support an exceptional experience for aquarium guests, staff, and partners.Key Responsibilities:Facility Operations & MaintenanceMaintain building systems, equipment, and general conditions to support seamless aquarium operationsDevelop and oversee a comprehensive preventative maintenance program across facilities, systems, equipment, vehicles, and groundsConduct regular facility inspections and coordinate emergency evacuation drillsEnsure proper and safe operation of all facility systems, equipment, and toolsSystems & Technology ManagementUtilize computerized maintenance management systems to generate work orders, track progress, and maintain detailed maintenance recordsMonitor equipment warranties and ensure operations and maintenance manuals remain currentCoordinate with contractors to ensure compliance with City contractsProject Coordination & LeadershipMaintaining safety documentation and inspection logsCoordinate maintenance activities around event schedules and provide special event supportServe as liaison between Public Works - Building Maintenance and other City departments for special projectsAdministrative & Customer ServiceReview and prioritize work orders, ensuring quality completion and efficient resource allocationPrepare weekly, monthly, and annual statistical reports on program progressRespond promptly and professionally to facility and service inquiriesActively engage with Virginia Aquarium guests, providing excellent customer serviceAdditional ResponsibilitiesCoordinate security, grounds, and landscape maintenance servicesManage building access for contractors, staff, volunteers, and clientsAdhere to all City and Aquarium Foundation purchasing requirementsIssue instructions, procedures, and guidelines to implement facility policiesThe Successful Candidate will have strong organizational skills, technical expertise across multiple trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, painting, mechanics), excellent communication abilities, a customer-service mindset, and thrive in a collaborative environment where attention to detail and proactive problem-solving are essential.Preferences:Facilities Management Experience2+ years managing facilities and grounds in a zoo, aquarium, museum, or similar public attraction2+ years supervising facilities teams and coordinating work across multiple tradesExperience with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other building systems in complex facilitiesProject & Contract ManagementDemonstrated success coordinating multi-stakeholder projects involving internal teams, contractors, and vendorsExperience managing contractor relationships and monitoring service agreementsFamiliarity with procurement processes, including bidding, quoting, and vendor selectionKnowledge of contract compliance and performance monitoringTechnical SkillsExperience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) such as Maximo, FMX, or similar platformsUnderstanding of basic design and construction principles for building spacesAbility to read blueprints, technical manuals, and specificationsCertifications & Professional DevelopmentIndustry-related certifications (e.g., Certified Facility Manager, HVAC certification, electrical or plumbing licenses, OSHA safety training)Administrative & SafetyExperience compiling and maintaining records for compliance reporting and regulatory inspectionsBackground in workplace safety programs and emergency preparednessStrong documentation and reporting skillsCustomer Service & CommunicationProven customer service experience in a public-facing environmentAbility to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, from technical staff to aquarium guestsWork Schedule:40 hours/week; five 8-hour or four 10-hour shifts; 7:30AM - 4PM; Must be available to work weekends and after hours based on operational needs.The City offers a generous benefits package which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement, and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental care leave, and holiday and paid leave.*SPECIAL NOTE*: This position is being re-advertised to expand the applicant pool. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.Additional requirements:• DMV Transcript: Yes• CDL: No• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No• CPS Check: No• Physical: Yes• Respirator: No• Psychological Screening: No• Polygraph: No• At Will: NoMinimum Requirements:Minimum Qualifications: High school or GED plus four (4) years’ experience in the field of building construction and maintenance in such positions as facility maintenance; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, safety vest, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protections, hard hat, steel toed shoes, fall protection or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee’s supervisor based on position assigned. Position is a safety sensitive and subject to mandatory drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination. Successful completion of a pre-employment physical. Some positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status.Skills:Building Services, Facility Operations, Maintenance Management, Maintenance Operations, Recordkeeping, Safety ProgramsWorking Conditions:Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business.The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.004303.3.pdfOfficial Job Descriptions:To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=EVRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.