Facilities Operations Consultant

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off

State retirement plan or equivalent

Job summary

The Ohio State University’s Physics Department is seeking a Facilities Operations Consultant to oversee the Physics Research Building and Smith Laboratory, advising on long-term facilities planning and infrastructure investments.

You will coordinate with Facilities Operations and Development, manage renovations up to $5 million, ensure safety compliance for research equipment, and serve as the liaison between physics facilities and faculty.

Qualifications

• Six years of relevant experience required.
• Experience coordinating facilities operations, renovation, or construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of building mechanical systems.
• Experience working with sensitive scientific or research equipment.
• Familiarity with safety codes, regulations, and compliance.
• Proficiency with engineering and standard office software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Availability to respond to building emergencies outside normal hours.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the facilities operations consultant for the PRB and Smith Laboratory areas.
• Advise on long-term facilities planning and infrastructure investments.
• Coordinate renovations and major projects up to $5 million.
• Provide technical guidance and budgetary assistance to staff.
• Ensure compliance with safety codes and university standards.
• Act as liaison between physics facilities and research/teaching needs.

Skills

Six years of relevant experience

Coordination of facilities operations

Building mechanical systems knowledge

Experience with sensitive scientific/​

Safety codes & compliance

Engineering and office software

Verbal and written communication

Emergency response outside hours

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Facilities Operations Consultant Department: Arts and Sciences | Physics Administration

This position serves as the Facilities Operations Consultant for the state-of-the-art Physics Research Building (PRB) and designated areas of Smith Laboratory, an older building that houses undergraduate instructional operations and shops. Oversees asset management in accordance with university policies and procedures. Serves as the department’s primary facilities subject-matter expert and advises department leadership on long-term facilities planning, infrastructure investments, and priorities needed to support current and future research activities. Serves as the primary liaison between Physics facilities and infrastructure and the research and teaching needs of faculty and their research groups, under the direction of the department chair and in collaboration with the vice chair for administration. Works with Facilities Operations and Development (FOD) to identify, assess, and resolve complex facilities and infrastructure issues within the PRB and departmental spaces in Smith Laboratory. Independently evaluates infrastructure requirements and develops solutions when existing building systems cannot support new equipment or research activities. Serves as the primary departmental liaison for renovation and construction projects, including major laboratory renovations valued at up to $5 million. Consults with faculty regarding laboratory setup and the acquisition, construction, and installation of specialized scientific equipment. Coordinates and provides technical oversight for equipment installations involving unique requirements such as vibration control, precise environmental conditions, utility modifications, and integration with existing building systems. Ensures projects, equipment installations, and maintenance operations comply with applicable safety codes, regulations, and university standards. Provides technical guidance, problem-solving support, budgetary assistance, and mentoring to facilities and research support staff. Coordinates operations with the Center for Electronic and Magnetic Nanoscale Composite Multifunctional Materials (ENCOMM) preparation area and the computer facility. Supervises the building coordinator and provides technical and operational oversight of maintenance, moving, and renovation activities within the PRB and departmental spaces in Smith Laboratory. Responds to building emergencies outside normal business hours, as required, and represents the department on relevant college and university committees.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications

• Six years of relevant experience
• Experience coordinating facilities operations, renovation, or construction projects
• Considerable knowledge of and experience with building mechanical systems
• Experience working with sensitive scientific or research equipment
• Knowledge of applicable safety codes, regulations, and compliance requirements
• Proficiency with engineering and standard office software
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to respond to building emergencies outside normal business hours

Desired Qualifications

• Experience managing budgets and coordinating with vendors or contractors
• Professional Engineer license or other relevant professional certification

Additional Information

The pay range for this job profile is $95,300 - $124,650.00. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, the unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.

Department Information

The Department of Physics at The Ohio State University is one of the university’s largest, offering a broad range of research areas and academic programs. As a department in the division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences in the College of the Arts and Sciences, the Department of Physics occupies the Physics Research Building as well as instructional and advising space in Smith Laboratory, the former home of the department. The department is the home to multiple internationally renowned centers and research facilities. The department currently has 50 faculty and approximately 60 postdoctoral researchers and research scientists, 210 graduate students, and 430 undergraduate majors. For more information, see: https://physics.osu.edu/about-us.

Location: Physics Research Building (0070) Position Type: Regular Scheduled Hours: 40 Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care. Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.

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