Building Engineer

Job Description
Building Engineer

Posted:Open tointernaland externalapplicants
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 facilitys 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 SALISHValues (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 toEquity 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 Aquariums CMMS.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests and emergencies prioritizing safety and operational continuity.
• Participate in advancing the Aquariums Regenerative Plan by developing and implementing strategies for energy and resource conservation.
• Uphold Seattle Aquariums S.A.L.I.S.H values to foster an inclusive community for staff guests and all who engage with the engineering team. All Aquarium staff and volunteers are expected to participate in advancing and integrating into their work Diversity Equity Inclusion and Regenerative practices in alignment with our daily work

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• 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.
• Willingness to occasionally work flexible hours including evenings weekends and holidays as needed.

Working Conditions

• 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.
• Exposure to outside weather conditions and at time noise from machinery requiring hearing protection.

The following training/certifications must be successfully completed in first 180 days of employment (and maintained thereafter)

• 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
• Valid Washington State Drivers License and a clean driving record in order to be able to travel independently throughout Western Washington.

Salary and benefits:$78000 - $95000/year Dependent on experience. Please include salary expectations in your materials. Full-time staff are eligible for the Seattle Aquariums comprehensive benefits package to include medical vision dental an employer-funded health reimbursement account medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts life insurance long-term disability 403b retirement fund with employer match access to a subsidized ORCA pass a Seattle Aquarium Family Plus membership and generous paid time off.

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 dont 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.

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 worlds 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 5000 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 were 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.

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.