Facilities Maintenance Specialist

The University Of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious urban research university is seeking a dedicated maintenance technician to manage preventative maintenance and emergency repairs of specialized equipment within its animal facilities. Responsibilities include coordinating with various departments, monitoring environmental conditions, and ensuring smooth operations during facility renovations. Ideal candidates possess mechanical aptitude, strong communication skills, and a willingness to work in a collaborative environment. This role offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to research support while maintaining state-of-the-art equipment.

Qualifications

• Experience in an academic or biomedical research environment.
• Experience with shop equipment repair and machine tools.
• Familiarity with building systems and HVAC maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Manage preventative maintenance activities for specialized equipment.
• Coordinate repairs with Plant/Facilities Departments.
• Monitor environmental conditions in animal facilities.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to assess conditions

Tools

HVAC systems

Building Automation Systems

Welding tools

Job description

* Manages preventative maintenance activities of all ARC specialized equipment in the animal facilities.* Implements special projects/tasks as delegated.* Participates in facilities renovations, contractor activities, and other activities performed by hired outside vendors.* Performs on-site maintenance and emergency equipment repairs of ARC specialized equipment.* Coordinates some repairs with Plant/Facilities Departments.* Assists with ARC environmental monitoring systems.* Provides technical support for the general operations of the Animal Resources Center and Office of Shared Research Facilities.* Manages on-site preventative maintenance of specialized equipment, coordinates equipment repairs with Plant and Facilities departments.* Acts as the ARC liaison to anyone working in ARC space. Follows up on work requests and reports back to ARC staff.* Involved with new equipment installation and diagnostics evaluations of specialized equipment malfunctions.* Participates in building renovations and ARC facilities construction projects.* Assists with obtaining quotes and proposals from contractors and vendors.* Monitors contractor and coordinates schedule with Manager and stakeholders, and confirms all contractor work is completed.* Responsible for minimizing negative impact on research for investigators during renovations and contractor activities. Supports ARC initiated projects with equipment relocation and mounting/de-mounting as well as fabrication and installation of purpose-built solutions.* Routinely assists with monitoring environmental conditions (lights, temperature and humidity) and verifies proper operation of building systems and equipment.* Utilizes the Building Automation System (BAS) to create reports and retrieve trending data.* Understands proper environmental parameters and awareness of effects on research animals if ranges exceed specifications.* Functions as a resource for the team in matters regarding equipment operation and repair.* Provides hands on equipment troubleshooting and diagnostics and implements approved solutions.* Maintains light fixtures, replaces bulbs, cleans supply and exhaust grilles and replaces filters.* Un-crates, assembles, installs and otherwise prepares and maintains miscellaneous equipment (carts, housing racks, dispensers). Loads/unloads and transports equipment within and between facilities.* Leads the coordination of maintenance of facilities, grounds and/or equipment. Receives requests for facilities services from unit employees and coordinates delivery of appropriate services. Utilizes specialized skills and on-the-job experience to conduct inspections of buildings, equipment and/or surrounding grounds for deficiencies and potential safety, health, or code problems.* Prepares written reports summarizing findings and recommends solutions. Typically coordinates package receipt and delivery; coordinates movement of equipment and materials, including ensuring proper and timely set up of employees in new office space; maintains building security, including maintaining building keys; and maintains information on building blue prints, space utilization data and equipment.* Performs other related work as needed.* Work experience in an academic environment and biomedical research.* Work experience in shop equipment repair, machine tools, and welding.* Work experience in building systems and HVAC maintenance strongly preferred.* High mechanical aptitude with attention to detail and thoroughness.* Familiarity with Building Automation Systems and commercial building infrastructure.* Good written, verbal, and organizational skills.* Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal/communication skills.* Ability to effectively assess conditions and disseminate observations.* Willingness to work successfully as a member of a team.* Ability to work under pressure of frequent deadlines.* Computer knowledge and skills.* The ability to push or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds, climb a ladder, and occasionally access equipment/parts in unique or hard to reach locations.* Availability to work on-call nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating schedule with other team members if needed.* Occasional stooping, kneeling, and reaching.* Requires 80% walking and standing and 20% sitting.When applying, the document(s) **MUST** be uploaded via the **My Experience** page, in the section titled **Application Documents** of the application.The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world.We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.To learn more about the university click here