Facilities Operations Consultant

The Ohio State University; North Carolina; On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University’s Department of Physics seeks a Facilities Operations Consultant to manage the Physics Research Building and Smith Laboratory spaces, ensuring asset integrity, equipment installations, and safety compliance.

You will advise leadership on long-range facilities planning, coordinate renovations up to $5 million, liaise with ENCOMM and infrastructure teams, and provide guidance to staff and researchers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or industrial engineering or equivalent.
• Six years of relevant experience in facilities operations.
• Experience coordinating renovations or construction projects.
• Knowledge of building mechanical systems.
• Experience with sensitive scientific equipment.
• Knowledge of safety codes and compliance.
• Proficiency with engineering and standard office software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to respond to emergencies outside normal hours.

Responsibilities

• Oversees asset management for the Physics Research Building (PRB) and Smith Laboratory.
• Advises department leadership on long-term facilities planning and infrastructure investments.
• Liaises between Physics facilities and research/teaching needs of faculty and groups.
• Provides technical guidance, problem-solving support, and budgeting assistance; mentors staff.
• Responds to building emergencies outside normal business hours.
• Coordinates renovations and construction projects, including major lab renovations up to $5 million.

Skills

Facilities coordination

Building mechanical systems

Safety compliance

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or industrial engineering

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.

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