Senior Facilities Technician

Job Summary
Want to put your maintenance skills to work somewhere you can make a difference? The Aquarium of Niagara is looking for a Senior Facilities Technician to maintain and repair our buildings, grounds, equipment, and designated animal life support systems. Working under the Director of Facilities, you’ll troubleshoot problems, perform preventive maintenance, help organize daily work, and provide hands-on guidance to the team. You’ll also be the main contact for day-to-day Facilities needs when the Director is away. Your work helps keep the Aquarium running smoothly and safely for our animals, staff, and guests.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary day-to-day point of contact for the Facilities team, coordinating tasks, work assignments, and maintenance requests within priorities established by the Director of Facilities;
• Serve as the Facilities point person during the Director’s absence, addressing routine operational needs, coordinating initial responses to urgent maintenance issues, and escalating significant concerns to appropriate leadership;
• Perform skilled maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, installations, and preventive maintenance on building systems, plumbing, electrical components, machinery, and equipment within the scope of training and authorization;
• Maintain and repair building and grounds features, including doors, windows, floors, walls, roofs, and wooden structures, to support safe, accessible, and welcoming facilities;
• Perform designated life support maintenance and coordinate work affecting animal areas and systems with appropriate animal care and life support staff to support animal health, safety, and well-being;
• Provide hands-on technical guidance, troubleshooting assistance, and on-the-job training to Facilities staff, volunteers, and interns, reinforcing proper maintenance procedures and safe work practices;
• Monitor daily work progress, help resolve technical obstacles, and maintain accurate work orders, maintenance records, and logs; communicate outstanding needs and concerns to the Director of Facilities;
• Support facilities inspections and approved corrective work, following applicable requirements and established procedures for maintenance, equipment operation, and material handling;
• Monitor tools, equipment, vehicles, and supplies; identify maintenance, replacement, and replenishment needs and assist with inventory management;
• Coordinate Facilities support for special events and Aquarium activities, including setup and breakdown, in cooperation with other departments;
• Follow and reinforce safety and emergency procedures, secure maintenance work areas, and promptly address or report hazards, equipment failures, and incidents;
• Coordinate maintenance activities to minimize disruption to guests and daily operations, and recommend improvements to facilities, maintenance practices, and equipment reliability.

Requirements

• Minimum of three (3) years of facilities maintenance, building maintenance, or related trade experience required; five (5) years preferred;
• High school diploma or equivalent required;
• Certifications or technical training in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or related trades preferred;
• Possess a valid NYS driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record;
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and repair skills across building systems, with the ability to safely use tools and equipment and follow established safety procedures;
• Ability to read maintenance and safety instructions, document work performed, and communicate effectively in English;
• Ability to coordinate daily work, provide practical guidance to team members, and recognize concerns requiring escalation to the Director of Facilities;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff across departments.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors, including in animal care areas, public spaces, and mechanical or equipment rooms;
• Work may involve exposure to varying temperatures, rain, snow, humidity, wet surfaces, noise, dust, cleaning products, and maintenance chemicals;
• Duties require periods of standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and climbing stairs or ladders;
• Duties may require lifting and carrying materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or appropriate equipment used for heavier or awkward loads;
• Duties may require pushing and pulling equipment, carts, and materials;
• Work involves the use of hand and power tools, mechanical equipment, measuring instruments, and electrical or electronic testing devices within the scope of training and authorization;
• Required personal protective equipment must be worn, and established safety procedures must be followed

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.50 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person