Building Operations Manager

Building Operations Manager

Established in 1857, the Chicago Academy of Sciences is Chicago’s oldest museum, with a rich history of leading science education and conservation research. In 1999, the Academy opened the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park to serve as its new permanent home. Since then, the Nature Museum has proudly welcomed more than 4 million visitors.

The mission of the Nature Museum is to create a positive relationship between people and nature to grow our region's connection to the world of nature and science. We believe in a future where all people value and champion the science and wonder of nature

Summary of Position:

The Nature Museum prides itself on original, creative, educational exhibits and programming that inspire our visitors to learn more about the world around them. Critical to this is creating and maintaining a safe, clean, and fun environment that our visitors can enjoy. The Building Operations Manager will act as the main contact for all building-related needs including the facilities maintenance, security contractor, and building technical services. The role will also provide critical oversight and support of special events concerning the planning of facilities' porter functions and security personnel. This position will work collaboratively across various departments, with internal and external teams, as well as independently. The candidate will possess excellent communication, planning, and organizational skills. Must be able to work weekend hours as needed.

Primary Responsibilities:

Contractor Oversight and Management

• Serve as the primary contact for building maintenance and repair contractors, supervising their work to ensure quality and compliance. Oversee preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, and vendor coordination (elevator services, HVAC, security, custodial maintenance, roofing, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors).
• Onboard and supervise maintenance and security contractors.
• Coordinate staff coverage for facilities and security operations.

Regulatory Compliance

• Act as the main liaison with the City of Chicago building inspectors and Chicago Park District personnel.
• Ensure building-related emergency systems are up to code.

Facility Oversight:

• Manage and maintain storage areas, including mechanical/electrical/plumbing storage, facilities storage, and the paint room.
• Perform light electrical, plumbing, drywall, lighting, and painting tasks as needed.
• Ensure cleanliness and organization of the loading dock and paver lot.
• Coordinate and assist with snow removal as necessary.
• Conduct annual building envelope inspections and address any identified issues.

Administrative Duties:

• Process purchase orders and invoices for contractors and vendors.
• Maintain inventory and order facility maintenance supplies.
• Log technical activities in Building Report Entries.

Event Coordination:

• Act as the main point of contact for building-related internal and external special event needs, including room setup, AV coordination, and staffing.
• Attend meetings related to internal and special events to ensure operational readiness.

Cross-Department Collaboration:

• Partner with IT to monitor non-exhibit AV equipment functionality.
• Collaborate with Exhibits, Collections & Archives, and Biology teams to maintain proper environmental conditions in exhibit galleries and other key areas.

Pest Management:

• Work closely with the museum’s pest management group and relevant staff to address pest issues at the museum building.
• Ensure vendor compliance with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policies.

Working Conditions:

• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs. regularly.
• Split time between on-site floor work (70%) and desk-based tasks (30%).
• Frequent ladder use (4’, 6’, and 10’) and physical movements such as bending, crouching, and reaching.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Assist with facilities projects at the museum's offsite collections facility as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

This description outlines a dynamic role requiring a blend of technical expertise, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments to ensure smooth building operations and support museum objectives.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental + Vision Plans
• Life + Disability Benefits
• EAP + Work/Life Program Services
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off

Pay

$58,000-$64,000 per year

It is the policy of the Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58,000.00 - $64,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Health savings account

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Maintenance: 2 years (Required)
• Plumbing: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person