FACILITIES OPERATOR II

Scripps Research Translational Institute; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer Contributed Retirement Plan

Health and Welfare plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Scripps Research is seeking a Facilities Operator II in La Jolla, CA, to perform hands-on maintenance and repair of boilers, chillers, and HVAC systems. The role requires being in the field daily, with a focus on troubleshooting and timely repairs to keep critical research facilities running.

You will work with CMMS software, read blueprints, and coordinate with contractors and facilities staff. The position involves second shift and occasional other shifts as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires 5+ years of directly related experience maintaining, repairing and installing mechanical systems.
• Trade/Vocational School certification may substitute for some experience.
• Preferred: chiller and/or boiler experience in institutional, commercial, or industrial facilities.
• Experience with building management software and CMMS systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on maintenance, installation, modification, and repair of boilers, chillers, and related equipment.
• Conduct daily rounds to inspect systems, take readings, and report conditions.
• Respond to emergency calls to diagnose, repair, and coordinate shutdowns as needed.
• Interpret blueprints and specifications to determine installation or repair requirements.
• Coordinate with facilities staff, contractors, and consultants to plan and execute work.
• Order supplies and maintain stock for ongoing operations.
• Document hours and time spent on tasks; use CMMS software daily.

Skills

Mechanical systems maintenance

Troubleshooting

Reading blueprints

Safety practices

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Trade/Vocational certification

Tools

CMMS software

Building Automation Systems

Job description

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE:

Facilities Operator II

POSITION SUMMARY:

Candidates with chiller and/or boiler experience are strongly encouraged to apply. This is a hands-on, wrench-turning role. The Facilities Operator II is expected to be in the field daily — operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the plant and building systems that keep our research institute running. Responsibilities span boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, motors, HVAC systems, water treatment, and building controls. If you are most comfortable with tools in hand and problems to solve, this position is for you. This position involves shift work, primarily second shift, with occasional assignments on other shifts as operational needs arise.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Hands-on maintenance, installation, modification, and repair of boilers, cooling towers, chillers, pumps, and motors.
• Make daily rounds throughout the plant and building to inspect operating systems, take readings, and report on conditions — identifying issues before they become failures.
• Respond directly to emergency calls for building, plant, or equipment failures — diagnosing problems on the spot and making repairs. Work daily with BMS, fire alarm, and equipment monitoring technologies.
• Troubleshoot emergent equipment problems; determine root cause and take corrective action to repair or replace equipment as needed, including coordination of system shutdowns with building users.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, layouts, and other specifications to determine installation or repair requirements.
• Interact with facilities personnel, utilities, contractors and consultants to evaluate, plan and coordinate work.
• Order supplies and maintain stock inventory of parts and materials needed for ongoing operations.
• Perform routine work orders and preventive maintenance tasks hands-on, as assigned.
• Accurately record daily hours worked and time spent on individual tasks.
• Work daily with the Facilities Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS) Software.
• May perform related tasks and work of other Facilities department personnel, as required or assigned.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained.
• Minimum of 5 years of directly related experience maintaining, repairing and installing mechanical systems.
• Trade/Vocational School certification and 4 years of experience may be substituted for 5 years of experience
• Preferred: Chiller and/or boiler experience in institutional, commercial, or industrial facilities.
• Knowledge of materials applications, proper use of tools, safety practices and techniques.
• Experience with building management software, including daily use of computer-based software Building Automation Systems, Windows, email, timekeeping, reporting, etc.
• Requires professional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate mechanical and electrical systems for coordination with other facilities staff.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects, with or without accommodation, up to 50 pounds, use hand power tools, and work under time constraints.
• Requires valid driver license issued from the state in which the position is located.
• Position involves shift work; occasional alternate shift coverage required as operational needs arise.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $32.00 to $38.00/hourly, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) using your own pre or post-tax dollars.
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including four medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.