Facilities, Building Engineer, Full Time

Summary

The Museum is seeking a dedicated and experienced Building Engineer to maintain the operational efficiency of its facilities, ensuring a safe, functional, and optimal environment for both visitors and staff. This position involves comprehensive responsibility for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of all critical systems within the building, including HVAC, mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and more. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills, excellent problem-solving abilities, and keen attention to detail, while working within a museum setting to meet specific curatorial and environmental requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Building Maintenance & System Oversight
  Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and repairs to ensure the proper functioning of building systems, including HVAC, environmental controls, mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical, and lighting systems. Oversee the upkeep and repair of the roof, waterproofing systems, outdoor water features, and other critical areas to preserve the integrity of the facility.

• Technology Support
  Assist with troubleshooting and resolving issues related to network infrastructure, audiovisual systems, satellite TV, and other technology systems within the Museum, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.
• Collaboration with Curatorial Team
  Work alongside the Conservator and Preparators to support curatorial and exhibition-related assignments, including ensuring environmental conditions meet requirements for collections and exhibits.
• Custodial Support
  Provide assistance to the custodial team, as necessary, in addressing maintenance needs that intersect with cleaning and general facility upkeep.
• Special Projects
  Assist with special projects as needed, which may include renovations, new installations, or emergency repairs. Participate in the planning and execution of upgrades to museum facilities and systems.
• Emergency Response
  Respond to system alarms and emergencies, such as HVAC failures, electrical or plumbing issues, and environmental concerns. This includes the ability to monitor alarms and troubleshoot remotely via a laptop or smartphone when necessary.

Qualifications

• Experience
  A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in building engineering, with a strong preference for prior experience working in museums or other cultural institutions. Knowledge of museum-specific environmental and building needs is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills
  Proficiency in managing and maintaining HVAC systems, mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and building automation technologies. Experience with direct digital controls (DDC), building automation systems (BAS), security systems, and audiovisual systems is strongly preferred.
• Additional Skills
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Knowledge of safety protocols and building codes, especially as they relate to public spaces and museum standards.
  • Familiarity with the operation and maintenance of boilers is a plus.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
  Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. The ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, contractors, and museum staff is essential.
• Certifications & License
  A valid California driver’s license, personal automobile insurance, and local residency are required. Relevant certifications in building maintenance, HVAC systems, or safety are a plus.
• Uniform
  Uniforms, provided by the Museum, must be worn during working hours.

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform physical tasks, including heavy lifting (up to 45 pounds), bending, stretching, reaching, and manual dexterity. The role requires extensive walking, standing, and working in varying weather conditions, both indoors and outdoors.

Schedule

This position requires flexibility, including occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work. Emergency response to environmental system alarms or other urgent facility needs may be required at any hour.

Working Environment

The position will be performed primarily at the Museum, including its facilities and outdoor spaces. The role may involve working in areas with varied environmental conditions, including temperature variations and outdoor weather elements.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Norton Simon Entities* provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Norton Simon Entities do not unlawfully discriminate or tolerate harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decisionmaking, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, age (forty years of age and over), sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation. The Norton Simon Entities make reasonable accommodations for disabled applicants and employees and for religious observances and practices. This policy applies to all areas of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, termination, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, and social and recreational programs.

The Norton Simon Entities are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.

*The Norton Simon Entities are composed of the following: Norton Simon Museum of Art at Pasadena and the Norton Simon Art Foundation. Employment may be with either, or both, of these entities.