Building Maintenance Technician

Job Summary:

At the Saint Louis Art Museum, you’ll be part of a team that values excellence, collaboration, and the preservation of world-class art. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills in a cultural institution that serves the public and inspires creativity.

The Saint Louis Art Museum is seeking a detail-oriented Building Maintenance Technician with a strong desire to continuously expand their knowledge of building systems and museum-specific preservation practices. This role is responsible for performing preventative maintenance, diagnosing and repairing building systems, and supporting the preservation and presentation of artwork through environmental control. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in building systems, a commitment to safety and excellence, and a collaborative spirit.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform scheduled and unscheduled plant maintenance duties:

Mechanical

• Air handlers and temperature control systems (AHU’s VAV’s, FCU’s)
• Hot water Flex water tube boilers
• Low Pressure Vertical Steam boilers
• Low pressure centrifugal chillers
• Centrifugal pumps and Motors  
• multi zone heat pumps, mini-split heat pumps
• Cooling tower
• Air compressors

Electrical

• Install, repair, maintain, inspect and read blueprints related to Low voltage to 4160-voltswitch gears, transformers, Motor Control Centers, starters, power panels, breakers, fuses, switches, relays, contactors, dimmers, receptacles, Variable Frequency Drives,
• Single phase and 3 phase motors,
• Generator Maintenance and testing battery
• Replacing Lighting ballasts, drivers.

Plumbing

• Measure and mark pipes for cutting, pipe threading.
•  Use specific tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe dies and taps, benders, and welders.
• Install, repair, replace and maintain plumbing systems including sumps, hydronic lines, domestic water lines, irrigation systems, back flow preventers, steam lines, condensate lines, plumbing fixtures, water heaters, drains, vents, and pressure piping.
• Knowledge of chemical prevention for common breakdown materials including copper, stainless steel, cast iron, black steel, brass, lead, vinyl, fiberglass, PVC, and CPVC.

BAS Controls

• Pneumatic and DDC thermostats and actuators, sensors.
• Automation systems including Andover Continuum, EcoStructure Triduum Ax, Power Link, Honeywell, Lutron – Hyperion and Grafik Eye, Modbus, DMX, BACnet

Collaboration & Communication

• Work with engineers and supervisors to repair equipment in order to build problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
• Notify the security department before unit shutdowns to ensure awareness and safety during maintenance tasks.
• Adjust lighting setups for artwork by applying feedback from curators to enhance presentation quality.
• Respond to radio calls from the environmental department to troubleshoot and address maintenance issues promptly.
• Collaborate with contractors by explaining tasks and answering questions to ensure project goals are met efficiently.

Additional duties include:

• Supervising and coordinating contractors during construction projects and service maintenance.
• Troubleshoot and diagnostics of plant equipment.
• Daily boiler and chiller plant logs.
• Open and closed loop water testing.
• Blue print and schematic reading.
• Installing, operating, and retrofitting for increased efficiency while maintaining museum parameters.
• Gallery Lighting

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• City of Saint Louis: Stationary Engineer’s License Class 1. Within 2 years of start date
• Technical training in Industrial, HVACR, Facilities Technology or Control Systems Technology
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in building maintenance or related fields
• Strong understanding of workplace safety, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and electrical principles.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn about museum-specific systems and artwork preservation.

Work Schedule:

• Shifts vary weekly:
  • 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Mon-Fri, OR
  • 8:30 AM to 5 pm, Mon-Fri
• Occasional weekend hours for event support:
  • 12:30 PM to 9 PM on Fridays
  • 8:30 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift, climb, crawl, and work in confined or elevated spaces.
• Use of hand and power tools required.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary for special events or emergencies.

Additional Details:

Minimum of Range: $25.88 - $31.70 per hour per hour, commensurate with experience. Overtime rates applicable.

Status: Regular Full-time, 40 hours/week

Training: This person will be required to participate in an 8-week training program to learn specific building equipment and environment

Career Growth: Employees who successfully complete the training program and demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered for Museum sponsorship of the Stationary Engineering License. This may also lead to eligibility for internal promotion, subject to organizational needs and performance evaluations.

Learn about our exceptional employee benefits and wellness program!