Biocontainment Laboratory Maintenance Coordinator

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experience. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

The Global Health Research Complex (GHRC) at Texas A&M University is a brand new state-of-the-art biocontainment research facility that will improve animal and human health within the State of Texas, across the United States, and around the globe. The GHRC supports and advances multi-disciplinary large animal and insect vector research, education, and training opportunities for faculty at Texas A&M and their partners from other academic institutions and industry. To learn more, visit class="emphasis-3"> What We Want

The GHRC is currently in search of a highly qualified Biocontainment Laboratory Maintenance Coordinator. In this role, the selected candidate will be responsible, under supervision, for providing advanced operational support and overseeing the maintenance, repair, certification, verification, and validation of biocontainment systems. As well as keeping the laboratory building systems in safe, secured condition and in constant working order. The ideal candidate will possess an Associate’s degree in a relevant field or have completed a trade school or apprenticeship in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, or a related discipline, along with a minimum of four years' experience in the operations, maintenance, and repair of laboratory building systems, including but not limited to HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, and laboratory systems. To excel in this position, the candidate must be capable of obtaining and maintaining Biological Select Agent and Toxin clearance. Must be able to operate two-way radios, have excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations with composure, and the ability to follow and give instructions orally and in writing in a highly technical environment. We are seeking an individual who will support our commitment to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experience per our Core Values. If the description sounds interesting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity to join our team.

What You Need To Know

Compensation will be commensurate to selected hire’s experience.

A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

Associates degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Four years’ related experience in operations, maintenance and repair of laboratory building systems, including but not limited to HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, and laboratory systems.

Required Licenses and Certifications:

Must successfully obtain and maintain Biological Select Agent and Toxin clearance

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Ability to operate two-way radios.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to calmly handle stressful situations.

Ability to follow and give instructions orally and in writing in a highly technical environment.

Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Trade school or apprenticeship in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical or other related field.

Six years’ experience in operations, maintenance, and repair of laboratory building systems, including but not limited to HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, or laboratory systems.

Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS) and associated graphical interfaces, preferably Siemens BAS systems.

Experience in conducting field tests, verification, and certification of critical biocontainment systems for laboratory facilities to include, but not limited to HEPA filtered systems including HVAC exhaust and supply filters, plumbing vent filters, and other systems equipped with HEPA filters.

Knowledge of HEPA Filtration systems. Knowledge of DDC, pneumatic, PLC, HVAC controls, calibration and testing and/or balancing (TAB).

Experience with building automation systems operations and programming.

Knowledge of audio/visual systems.

Possesses analytical skills for determining system malfunctions and appropriate response

Responsibilities

Biocontainment Systems Operations, Maintenance, Repair, Certification, Verification, and Validation - Is responsible for all plumbing and electrical systems in conjunction with the following responsibilities: Coordinates and oversees processes for tests, verification, and certification of critical biocontainment systems. Assists in the annual recertification of biocontainment systems and laboratory spaces. Implements procedures and requirements to maintain complex equipment and systems associated with ABSL-2, BSL-3, BSL-3-Ag, Insectaries, and support spaces. Coordinates and oversees contract workers on field tests, certification and validations of Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC) and laboratory containment HEPA filtered systems including HVAC exhaust and supply filters, and plumbing vent filters. Assists these agencies/organizations with the decontamination of contaminated systems, equipment, and spaces. Coordinates and oversees building repairs, renovation, modification, and maintenance with SSC, UES, and Vendors. Develops procedures for the safe operation, maintenance, modification, and repair of biocontainment facilities systems and laboratories. Coordinates and manages inventories and supplies as needed for performing routine and assigned functions, maintaining ready and calibrated equipment for SSC, UES, and vendors. Serves as backup for the Biocontainment Laboratory Maintenance Manager.

Recordkeeping - Maintains records relative to the operation, maintenance, renovation, and repair of GHRC biocontainment systems, equipment, laboratories, and support spaces.

Reporting - Provides routine status reports of biocontainment systems to supervisory level staff to ensure systems are safe and compliant.

Inspections - Evaluates and inspects equipment, systems, and spaces and records and submits information into appropriate databases.

On Call - Participates in the building on call emergency response program. Serves as a potential first responder and as such is responsible for exercising professional judgement to independently determine response phases and mobilization of internal and external resources (Biosafety, Environmental Health and Safety, Emergency Management Services, University Police Department, and others). Compares and evaluates possible courses of action and makes a decision after various possibilities have been considered and has the authority to make an independent choice and decision, free from immediate direction or supervision.

Why Texas A&M University? 

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experience. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. 

Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

12-15 days of annual paid holidays 

Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas 

Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more 

Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee