Lead Building Maintenance Worker SX - 141759

University of California San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego's Birch Aquarium at Scripps is seeking a Lead Building Maintenance Worker SX to perform inspections, repairs, and maintenance in a dynamic marine facility. You will coordinate with FM, Husbandry, and Life Support teams to ensure reliability of life-support and building systems.

The role requires four years of semi-skilled maintenance experience, proficiency in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, and safety practices.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience in semi-skilled building maintenance for an aquarium or similar facility.
• Proven ability to repair electrical wiring and equipment; install and maintain interior/exterior lighting.
• Carpentry, drywall repair, painting, plumbing repair and installation experience.
• Knowledge of refrigeration, hydronic and domestic water systems; HVAC knowledge.
• Experience with natural gas heaters; familiarity with safety practices and codes.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization; strong reading of manuals/drawings.
• Ability to work under changing priorities and delegate tasks as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections, repairs and maintenance independently or with a crew.
• Coordinate building and life-support system repairs with FM, Husbandry and Life Support Coordinator.
• Provide customer service professionally and supervise BMW staff on shift; assist with training.

Skills

Electrical repair

HVAC systems

Carpentry

Plumbing repair

Lighting systems

Manuals & drawings

Communication

Job description

Payroll Title: BLDG MAINT WORKER LD
Department: AQUARIUM‑MUSEUM
Hiring Pay Scale: $32.54 - $34.52/ Hour
Worksite: SIO
Appointment Type: Career
Appointment Percent: 100%
Union: SX Contract
Total Openings: 1
Work Schedule: Days, 8 hrs/day, Tues - Sat; 7am - 3:30pm

#141759 Lead Building Maintenance Worker SX

Filing Deadline: Wed 10/28/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 10/19/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Work Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m and may be updated based on operational needs. Must be willing to work a variable schedule to accommodate events and contests, including weekend and evening hours.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a non‑profit exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The aquarium showcases over 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates. The interactive museum features research discoveries by Scripps scientists and engages visitors of all ages. Our goal is to promote conservation efforts that protect our ocean planet. We educate visitors on how our world works and inspire them to become stewards of the planet. Our conservation efforts are based on scientific research, and we aim to connect people with nature and with a shared sense of responsibility to care for our planet Earth.

Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037.

Website: https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/

POSITION OVERVIEW

Performs inspections, skilled and semi-skilled repairs and maintenance work independently or as part of a crew. Coordinate building and life support system repairs with FM, Husbandry, and Life Support Coordinator. Repairs include but are not limited to items such as: electrical, plumbing, HVAC designated electrical and mechanical equipment, carpentry, painting, door and wall repairs. Responsible for trouble shooting maintenance problems and managing/completing computerized maintenance work orders. Provide customer service professionally and efficiently. Provides work direction to 2nd and 3rd shift BMW and Sr. BMW staff and assists with the training, assigning and reviewing of their work tasks to ensure that job assignments have been completed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Four (4) years of experience in the performance of semi-skilled building maintenance work related to a public aquarium or related facility as a Building Maintenance Worker; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven skills and ability to repair and install electrical wiring and equipment; Experience installing, maintaining and repairing interior and exterior lighting systems; Proven skills and ability to perform carpentry tasks, drywall repair and painting, plumbing repair and installation; Knowledge of building refrigeration, hydronic and domestic water systems; Knowledge of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; Experience performing maintenance and repair on natural gas heaters
• Knowledge of related safety practices, use of proper tools, building codes, rules and regulations, particularly as they apply to UCSD.
• Skills to prioritize work assignments to meet established department needs.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with all levels of the organization (faculty, staff and students).
• Ability to work effectively in an environment of constantly changing priorities and work assignments.
• Ability to delegate work in an orderly and systematic way.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills.
• Ability to read technical instruction manuals and drawings.
• Demonstrated competency with and commitment to fostering fairness, respect, and inclusion in alignment with the Principles of Community.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Background check clearance is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures.
• Overtime and weekends may be required.

Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18); completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) training will be required. Must meet CANRA compliance requirement per California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (“CANRA,” Penal Code sections 11164-11174.4).Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $63,997 - $84,460 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $30.65 - $40.45

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Prospective employees who are ordinarily residents in Iran or who are physically located in Iran are generally not eligible to for employment per suspension of General License G on 24 August 2026. If you have ever resided in Iran or have an Iranian passport and would like to confirm your eligibility, please contact [e-mail] for consideration of your particular circumstances.