Building Engineer
3 days ago
Seattle
Job Description Job Description Building Engineer Posted: Open to internal and external applicants Reports to: Aquarium Engineer Status: Exempt (salaried) Hours of work: Sunday – Thursday; 6:00am – 3:00pm Posting Expires: Open until filled, priority given to applications received by December 5th, end of day. Position description: The Seattle Aquarium is seeking a skilled and experienced Building Engineer to join our Facilities team, to contribute to our shared mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment through the delivery of facility services. The Building Engineer will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, functionality, and efficiency of our facility's infrastructure and the associated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. This position reports directly to the Aquarium Engineer and is responsible for performing maintenance, repairs, and inspections to uphold the operational integrity of our built environment. All positions at the Aquarium support and advance our SALISH Values (Sustainable, Awe-Inspiring, Learning and Improving, Inclusive Community, Scientific Integrity, Honoring Place). As a part of our values, the Aquarium is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We adopted a Regenerative Plan and are committed to Equity and Inclusion efforts. We envision a future in which ocean and coastal communities survive and thrive, where we can meet the needs of the present while building more resilient and equitable systems for the future. As part of our inclusive community value, work experience is valued the same as education degrees. A successful candidate will have a minimum of four years of experience in maintenance and repair of a combination of MEP systems and general facility maintenance. Primary Responsibilities • Perform routine and preventive maintenance tasks on HVAC, plumbing, electrical, elevators, building automation systems, and other infrastructure to ensure systems operate at peak efficiency., • Troubleshoot and repair mechanical equipment such as pumps, motors, fans, and compressors while ensuring compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and standards., • Lead efforts to ensure mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other building systems meet all regulatory requirements and proactively manage compliance. Examples include, but are not limited to, routine code-required inspections, Seattle Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS), and Washington State Clean Buildings Performance Standards (CBPS), etc., • Partner closely with the Life Support Systems (LSS) team to coordinate work, share technical expertise, and ensure seamless operation of interconnected systems., • Mentor and support early career facilities team members by providing guidance, sharing best practices, and fostering a collaborative learning environment., • Monitor and optimize building automation systems to enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and improve occupant and animal comfort., • Assist and oversee contractors and vendors on the Aquarium campus, ensuring work aligns with safety, compliance, and performance expectations., • Maintain accurate records of maintenance, repairs, and compliance efforts using the Aquarium’s CMMS., • Respond promptly to maintenance requests and emergencies, prioritizing safety and operational continuity., • Participate in advancing the Aquarium’s Regenerative Plan by developing and implementing strategies for energy and resource conservation., • The skills and abilities listed below may be demonstrated through a combination of relevant cultural and community experiences, jobs, internships, volunteer experience, and/or formal or informal education., • Minimum of 4 years of experience in commercial building maintenance or a similar role., • Strong knowledge of MEP systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) and demonstrated ability to operate, troubleshoot, and repair them to maintain peak efficiency., • Familiarity with building performance compliance, including understanding of Seattle BEPS and Washington State CBPS requirements, and ability to lead reporting and compliance activities., • Strong knowledge of:, • Safety and PPE requirements for working in an industrial facility, including with tools, equipment, and chemicals., • Federal, state, and local building codes and statutes related to facilities operation and compliance., • Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Life Support Systems engineers and technicians, to ensure reliable operations across interconnected systems., • Commitment to mentoring and supporting early career team members through knowledge-sharing and on-the-job training., • Experience using CMMS software for tracking maintenance, compliance, and repair activities., • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, prioritizing multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy and efficiency., • Ability to work around water (including from a small boat), in confined spaces, and at heights using ladders or aerial lifts as required., • Regularly working in service areas in often constrained spaces to maintain and service equipment., • Approximately 30% of time working at a desk or from a mobile device to manage workflows, automation systems, and/or communicate with co-workers., • Frequently moving between buildings on the Aquarium campus, including leased office space and an offsite animal care facility., • Occasional work over water, either from a boat, on scaffolding, or using other fall restraint equipment., • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel, and talk or hear., • Frequently required to reach with hands and arms., • Required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl., • Frequently required to lift 50 pounds and may be required to “team lift” heavier weights., • The vision requirements include ability to adjust focus, peripheral vision, and close vision., • Able to work at heights (i.e. ladders and use of aerial lifts)., • Exposure to outside weather conditions and noise from machinery and visitors when the Aquarium is busy., • Must be able and willing to safely use a scissor lift and other power equipment to complete responsibilities., • Work occasionally in confined spaces and at heights (i.e. roof and use of aerial lifts), with biohazards, chemicals, over water and occasionally in watercraft., • Scissor and Articulated Boom Lift Training, • Forklift Training, • Ladder Safety Training, • Confined Space Training, • Woodshop Safety Training, • CPR Training, • Respirator Fit Test Training, • Fall Protection Training How to apply: The Seattle Aquarium is committed to expanding a diverse, equitable, and inclusive conservation movement. We are invested in building an Aquarium with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, languages, cultural ways of knowing, and life experiences. We know research shows that society has conditioned communities of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other marginalized candidates to more frequently not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed even if they are qualified. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you. Interested candidates should upload a résumé to our online application to be considered. Application review will begin immediately. SeattleAquarium.org/careers Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this job by emailing us at . Note: If offered the position, candidates must pass a background check and motor vehicle records check. Conviction record is not an automatic disqualifier; we are a second chance employer. Regarding driving records: Within the last three years, you must not have had more than two moving traffic violations or any major violation (DUI, reckless driving, negligent driving, etc.). About the Seattle Aquarium: The Seattle Aquarium is a respected authority on Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and the world’s one ocean. Our team increases awareness and drives the change needed to preserve and protect our marine environment by providing excellent care and wellbeing for over 5,000 animals to create an inspiring visitor experience, offer engaging daytime and evening events, conservation education programs for people of all ages and backgrounds, community outreach to marginalized populations, research that advances understanding of animals in our care and their counterparts in the wild, advocacy and policy work, an award-winning volunteer program, high-impact marketing and communications, and more. Our values, developed in conjunction with our staff, include commitments to adopting and promoting sustainable practices, creating awe-inspiring experiences, constantly learning and improving, fostering an inclusive community, maintaining scientific credibility through evidence-based practices and honoring our unique place by using our location and history as a lens for larger understanding. Proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, we’re among the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. by attendance, and we welcome over 1 million people each year guided by our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment. Learn more at SeattleAquarium.org. Timeline: We anticipate the following recruiting schedule for those candidates who are selected for consideration. The following dates are preliminary and subject to change. We will work with candidates to set interview dates. If hired, relocation assistance is not available. • Application deadline: Open until filled., • Priority given to applications received by November 17., • Interviews completed in December 2025., • Start date: January 2026.