Operating Engineer

National Geographic; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 89,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Wellness program

401(k) with matching after 6 months

Paid time off up to 22 days per year

Holidays and paid winter break

Job summary

The National Geographic Society seeks an Operating Engineer to support Base Camp facilities, overseeing mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems during assigned shifts and reporting to the Engineering Manager.

This essential role requires 4+ years of hands-on engineering experience, a 3rd class DC Steam Operators license, CFC certification, and strong knowledge of boilers, chillers, EMS, and energy management. The schedule is Wed–Sat 6:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. in a Class A office complex.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with continuing education in Mechanical Engineering.
• 4+ years of hands-on engineering experience.
• 3rd class DC Steam Operators license and CFC Certification.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preventive maintenance and ensure quality workmanship.
• Operate and monitor mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems.
• Review manuals and records; recommend energy-saving improvements.
• Test, operate, and maintain mechanical and life safety systems.
• Perform water treatment and system analysis; log results.

Skills

Steam boiler operation

Chiller systems

VAV systems

EMS (Energy Management)

Water treatment analysis

VFDs

Fire alarm systems

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma with continuing education in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

EMS

HVAC controls

Job description

How You’ll Contribute

The Campus and Experiences division creates and supports inspirational experiences for live audiences and delivers excellent service and operations at National Geographic Society facilities. The division is responsible for our Base Camp headquarters, including all aspects of the Museum of Exploration. This division also produces and generates revenue through National Geographic Live, Speakers Bureau and National Geographic’s Traveling Exhibitions programs. The Operating Engineer provides support to the Engineering Manager in the operation and maintenance of the facility during assigned shifts. This position assists and instructs maintenance mechanics in their duties and overall maintenance programs. The Operating Engineer is responsible for managing temperature, lighting, power, and all other facility requirements across campus. This role requires comprehensive knowledge of all building systems, hours of operation, and the specific areas served by each system. This position is designated as essential. Essential personnel are required to report to or remain at work during emergency situations to ensure proper operational coverage. We are seeking a team member who values interoperability and is ready to jump in and support colleagues across different projects when needed. At the Museum of Exploration, we believe that our greatest successes come from shared expertise and a willingness to step outside of a single role. This isn't just a part of the job; it's a core aspect of how we operate and collaborate, reflecting the spirit of partnership that defines National Geographic's culture. The schedule for this position is Wednesday through Saturday 6:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Your Impact Responsibilities Include:

• Preventive Maintenance Oversight (40%): Oversee and provide technical and/or physical assistance with the shift's scheduled preventive maintenance program to ensure timely completion and professional-quality workmanship.
• System Operations & Monitoring (40%): Operate and/or monitor the building's mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems during the assigned shift. Maintain a written account of shift activities when the Engineering Manager is off-site.
• Administrative Duties (10%): Review operations manuals, maintenance records, and OEM equipment specifications. Research and recommend operational techniques or improvements to reduce energy usage. Perform inspections of mechanical and engineering spaces assigned to the shift to maintain proper housekeeping standards. Manage timecard records.
• Testing & System Maintenance (5%): Perform testing, operations, and maintenance of mechanical and life safety systems as required by law or manufacturer recommendations.
• Water Treatment & Analysis (5%): Perform water treatment and system analysis for systems assigned to the shift. Keep a written log of test results, add chemical treatments, maintain treatment systems, and recommend necessary improvements.

The schedule for this position is Wednesday through Saturday 6:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Minimum Education Required

A high school graduate with continuing education in the Mechanical Engineering field.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

Minimum of 4+ years of hands-on experience in the engineering field. Must have a 3rd class District of Columbia Steam Operators license and CFC Certification. 24 hours of continuing education per year will also be required.

Knowledge and Skills Required

Extensive practical experience operating and maintaining low-pressure steam boilers. Hands-on expertise with centrifugal chillers, packaged AC systems, fan coil units, VAV systems, and refrigeration systems. Demonstrated experience in water treatment analysis and maintenance. Proficiency in air balance techniques and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). Operational knowledge of fire alarm and fire suppression systems. Familiarity with Energy Management Systems (EMS) and commercial food service equipment. Practical ability to operate and maintain all facilities systems required to deliver a first-class working environment in a Class A office complex. Strong oral and written communication skills. Computer literacy, including proficiency with standard office PCs and standard software applications.

Desired Skills

Strong leadership abilities to assist, instruct, and guide maintenance mechanics effectively. Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic skills across complex mechanical and electrical systems. Proactive problem-solving capabilities focused on energy conservation and process improvement. High degree of adaptability and cross-functional teamwork in a dynamic, multi-project environment.

Supervision

No direct reports

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations. The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The hourly range for this position is $42.75 - $45.00. Employees in positions who are assigned to a shift that starts or ends between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. are entitled to shift differential pay of 10% of base pay for the hours worked between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• engaging and comprehensive wellness program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
• flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave
• 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.)
• paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits
• learning and development opportunities
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• pet adoption assistance and insurance
• pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
• employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
• a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks

Job Designation

On-Site - Staff members who spend 100% of work time on-site at Base Camp, supporting overall campus and museum operations. On-Site staff shifts (spread over seven days a week and 24 hours a day, including holidays) are scheduled by their supervisors and determined by team needs and may be adjusted based on cyclical work cycles and ebbs and flows of work throughout the year. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.

Who We Are

The National Geographic Society uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Our mission is only complete when our staff, explorers, educators, youth and partners are seen, valued, and heard. We embrace each person’s identity, experiences, and abilities, and we commit to cultivating an environment where everyone benefits from opportunity, mutual respect and a sense of belonging. National Geographic's headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and parental leave time, a 401(k) plan, flexible work options, and career development.