Facilities and Equipment Manager

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 69,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Tuition Benefit Program

Wellbeing program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

University of Minnesota MAISRC seeks a Facilities & Equipment Manager to oversee the Containment Lab (MCL), maintain facilities and equipment, and manage the MCL budget. The role involves coordinating with UMN facilities and contractors, ensuring safety, and supporting AIS research. The position is in-person at the St.

Paul campus, with a 100% appointment and a civil-service class. Eligible applicants should have a BA/BS with significant experience in aquatic labs and field equipment, and must

Qualifications

• BA/BS with at least five years of relevant experience or a combination of education and experience totaling nine years.
• Experience working in aquatic lab facilities and with field equipment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with strong interpersonal skills.
• Dependability, accuracy, and attention to detail in all tasks.
• Excellent time management and adaptability in a fast-changing environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lab infrastructure and life support systems, ensuring safety and operability; manage routine lab maintenance and safety checks.
• Oversee safety compliance and maintain operation manuals, emergency plans, and inspection readiness.
• Coordinate with UMN Facilities Management and contractors for large repairs or upgrades; manage budgets and documentation.

Skills

Aquatic lab facilities

Field equipment

Independent work

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

BA/BS + 5 years experience or 9 years equivalent

Tools

Plumbing

Electrical work

Water treatment

Job description

About the Job

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or GreenCard sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Position Overview

MAISRC works to develop science-based solutions to address the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) issues facing Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and wetlands and to inspire action by others. Our research is focused on developing tools and methods for taking action on AIS by preventing spread, controlling populations, supporting AIS management, and advancing AIS knowledge among natural resource managers and the public. The Facilities & Equipment Manager supports this mission by managing the operation of the MAISRC Containment Lab (MCL) and the maintenance of MAISRC facilities and equipment.

Key Areas of Responsibility

MAISRC Containment Lab Facilities Maintenance (MCL) –70%

• Maintain lab infrastructure and life support systems for organisms in the lab, ensuring they are safe and operational, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment. Includes incoming water treatment and effluent treatment (e.g., aeration, iron filtration, screen filters and disinfection tanks, others)
• Maintain a clean, efficient, and safe work space in the MCL by managing routine maintenance tasks for the lab (e.g., disposal of hazardous waste, carcass removal, general cleaning) and performing routine safety checks
• Oversee compliance with safety and operational protocols for users in the lab. Includes maintaining lab operations and maintenance manuals, as well as emergency/safety plans
• Seek opportunities to improve lab functionality in order to continue supporting innovative AIS research
• Serve as primary alarm response staff to address facility alarms and fix system issues (e.g., loss of well water supply, temperature alarms, effluent disinfection issues)
• Serve as a facility resource to MCL users and provide assistance with the modification of individual research areas within the MCL to meet research needs (e.g., installing tanks and plumbing for new experimental set-ups, assisting with specialized equipment fabrication)
• Work with UMN Facilities Management and/or external contractors to manage large repairs and updates to MCL systems, will require project management and strong communication skills
• Work with UMN Health, Safety, and Risk Management to report well water use to MN DNR, sample effluent as required for Metropolitan Council permit, and facilitate lab inspections as needed
• Work with UMN Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to perform semi-annual inspections of the lab
• In collaboration with the MAISRC Associate Director, manage the MCL budget to ensure the long-term sustainability of the MCL and strategic maintenance of the facility over time
• Manage other lab maintenance and operational initiatives, as needed

Other Facilities and Equipment – 25%

• Manage the maintenance of MAISRC equipment, including MAISRC truck, boats, field equipment, and supplies
• Work with users of the MAISRC storage building to maintain organization and manage upkeep of the facility
• Manage other facility and equipment initiatives, as needed

Administration – 5%

• Supervise and coordinate the time and activities of MAISRC Facilities & Equipment Assistant
• Contribute to overall MAISRC activities such as strategic planning and reporting
• Assist with public tours of the MAISRC Containment Lab, as needed
• Participate in other administrative activities, as needed (e.g., scheduling relevant meetings, ordering facility/equipment related supplies)

Work Environment

In-person

Location

University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30pm, evenings and weekends as needed

Position Duration

This is a continuous, annual renewable position

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience equal to at least nine years
• Experience working in aquatic lab facilities and with field equipment
• Ability to work independently with little supervision, seek solutions to complex problems, and perform as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal and internal communication skills
• Dependability, accuracy, and attention to detail in all aspects of work
• Excellent time management skills and ability to adapt in a quickly-changing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of issues related to aquatic invasive species
• Experience building, maintaining, and troubleshooting aquatic and aquaculture systems (e.g., plumbing, electrical, water treatment) and field equipment (e.g., boat motors, trailers)

Additional Qualifications

• Cell phone that can be used, as needed, for work purposes – reimbursement is not provided
• Ability to accommodate a work schedule that includes evenings and weekends – evening and weekend hours will vary

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range

$69,409 - $78,000 ($33.37 - $37.50 per hour); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment

100% Appointment

Position Type

Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflect the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

For questions about the position or application requirements, please contact MAISRC Associate Director, Cori Mattke at [e-mail].