In support of The Ohio State University’s Research and Innovation activities, the selected candidate will work within Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) supporting the University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR) mission of providing humane animal care and facilitating biomedical research discoveries.
The ULAR Facilities Operations and Repair Specialist is responsible for the oversight, preventative maintenance and repair of all ULAR physical facilities and equipment including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, preventive maintenance, and equipment certification. Coordinates the day-to-day operations across 10 facilities housing the university’s laboratory animals to ensure the effective, safe and uninterrupted operations needed to maintain the life supporting needs of multiple species.
Serves as a primary facilities repair resource for the ULAR operations containing multiple complex systems and equipment in controlled laboratory environments. Monitors facility’s adherence to regulatory requirements to maintain certifications (i.e. HVAC, hood certification, cage wash and sterilizer validation, etc.). Recommends proactive and preventive maintenance needs to ULAR Operations Manager for all ULAR facilities. Maintain technical skills and thorough knowledge of equipment needed to perform regular maintenance activities and to conduct repairs. Serves as primary lead/contact for Facilities Operations and Development (FOD) project managers and external vendors. Prioritizes repairs to help ensure continuity of business and clearly communicates to constituents and stakeholders in a timely and effective manner all important information and updates on facilities, maintenance and repairs. Maintains building EAP (Emergency Action Plan) and in conjunction with the ULAR Special Projects Manager, develops standard operating procedures for staff training regarding equipment usage; maintains equipment manuals and repair/preventive maintenance documentation. Tracks maintenance and repairs for all ULAR equipment to ensure timely depreciation and replacement of capital equipment; reviews invoices for equipment repair are correct and recommends billing approvals to the ULAR Operations Manager. Provides annual training for animal care teams on safety and routine cleaning and maintenance of ULAR equipment. Repairs caging and provides equipment/facility repairs as needed. Addresses emergencies (e.g., watering system failures, temperature control breakdowns, electricity interruptions, etc.), and acts quickly to coordinate life-sustaining recovery steps, partnering with university stakeholders or outside vendors as needed to resolve issues; communicates in real time with Team Leaders (T4) about facility/ equipment maintenance and repairs impacting animal care teams. Works independently to manage facilities needs while keeping ULAR management well informed in a proactive manner.
Supervises temporary staff or student employees hired to support equipment repair or maintenance needs; other duties as assigned.
Primarily works first shift but must be flexible to work additional hours/shifts and is subject to 24-hour emergency calls.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Level Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of experience in maintenance/operations.
• Experience managing multiple buildings.
  Physical Requirements: work requires ability to lift 40-50 lbs., may operate heavy equipment and power tools, climb ladders, and have exposure to animal allergens, hazardous chemicals.

Desired Qualifications:

• Equipment and welding/machining experience.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• OSHA Safety Certification.
• Experience with animal and/or medical facilities.

The Target Hiring Range for this position is $70,100 - $91,600. The salary offer for this position will fall within this range based on the candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, and the unit’s available budget, which will be the primary determining factor.
Join the University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR) within the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit https://erik.osu.edu/.
Enjoy working in a culture that promotes work/life balance, peer collaboration, autonomy, and supportive leadership. The department encourages employee wellness with opportunities to participate in department-specific wellness activities. We work to develop our employees by offering continuing education and certification opportunities.
Function: Facilities, Engineering and Acquisition
Subfunction: Facilities Operations
Career Level: S3
Regular 40 First Shif

Responsible for repair and oversight of all ULAR equipment and physical facilities including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and equipment certification (i.e. tower blowers, HVAC, hoods, etc.); ensures that invoices for equipment repair are correct and recommends billing approvals to the ULAR Operations Manager. Communicates in real time with Team Leaders (T4) about facility/ equipment maintenance and repairs impacting animal care teams.
Oversees preventive maintenance for all ULAR equipment, maintains equipment manuals and repair/preventive maintenance documentation; Serves as primary lead/contact for Facilities Operations and Development (FOD) project managers and external vendors. Repairs caging and provides equipment/facility repairs as needed. Addresses emergencies (e.g., watering system failures, temperature control breakdowns, electricity interruptions, etc.), and acts quickly to coordinate life-sustaining recovery steps.
Maintains building EAP (Emergency Action Plan) and in conjunction with the ULAR Special Projects Manager, develops standard operating procedures for staff training regarding equipment usage; Provides annual training for animal care teams on safety and routine cleaning and maintenance of ULAR equipment.
Maintain technical skills and thorough knowledge of equipment needed to perform regular maintenance activities and to conduct repairs. Prioritizes repairs to help ensure continuity of business and clearly communicates to constituents and stakeholders in a timely and effective manner all important information and updates on facilities, maintenance and repair.