Classified, Maintenance Mechanic 4

About the College

Whatcom Community College (WCC) is a public associate and applied baccalaureate degree‑granting institution serving 7,604 students on a 72‑acre campus in Bellingham, Washington. The College offers transfer degrees, applied baccalaureate degrees, professional and technical training programs, basic education, job‑skills, and community and continuing‑education classes delivered in‑person, hybrid, and online. WCC is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and is committed to equal opportunity and diversity.

About the Community

Bellingham (population ≈ 96 000) is midway between Seattle, WA and Vancouver, B.C., Canada, and is surrounded by the rural landscape of Whatcom County (population ≈ 227 000). The area offers historic neighborhoods, waterfront cities, farmlands, mountain towns, and abundant outdoor activities such as galleries, live theater, kayaking, hiking, snowboarding, and more.

Job Summary

This position performs and/or oversees skilled maintenance, repair, modification, and preventive maintenance of campus buildings, mechanical systems, equipment, utilities, and facilities. Work is coordinated with campus employees, contractors, public agencies, and the general public, and is carried out in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, building codes, NFPA requirements, collective bargaining agreements, College policies, and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and delegate work orders to Maintenance staff, providing technical direction and assisting with assigned work.
• Plan, schedule, lay out, direct, and inspect the work of Maintenance Mechanics and part‑time hourly workers, ensuring adherence to safety rules and procedures.
• Determine project material, equipment, and manpower requirements; prepare cost and time estimates for maintenance and facilities projects.
• Inspect and evaluate the condition and operation of campus buildings, equipment, mechanical systems, and related facilities; identify deficiencies and determine corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex maintenance, mechanical, equipment, and facility problems using technical manuals, specifications, and applicable codes.
• Perform regular and preventive maintenance, including inspection, repair, adjustment, installation, and upkeep of buildings, equipment, and mechanical systems.
• Evaluate and recommend repair, replacement, and maintenance solutions based on condition, operational requirements, safety, codes, and resources.
• Coordinate and monitor contractors and outside service providers, reviewing scope, coordinating access, inspecting completed work, and identifying deficiencies.
• Interpret and apply plans, specifications, equipment manuals, building codes, NFPA requirements, safety regulations, and College policies in maintenance and project work.
• Develop and coordinate office moves, furniture assembly, facility setup, and related relocation activities.
• Coordinate Resource Conservation Management program, building retro‑commissioning, and related work.
• Maintain preventive maintenance activities, work orders, maintenance records, equipment documentation, material usage, and project completion records.
• Perform morning building unlocks, security checks, routine inspections, and report identified maintenance, safety, or facility concerns.
• Respond to emergency situations—including emergency repairs, fire alarms, natural disasters, bomb threats, gas leaks, and other disturbances—in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform snow and ice removal, weather‑related cleanup, off‑site trips for supplies, and other related maintenance duties as required.
• Perform other related work of a similar nature and level.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of building construction, maintenance, repair, and renovation practices (carpentry, drywall, interior finishes); electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, and Direct Digital Controls (DDC) systems; applicable building codes, NFPA requirements, safety regulations, and College policies; computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS); locksmithing practices; maintenance planning and cost estimating.
• Skill in diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining building systems and equipment; planning, organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating multiple projects and work orders; communicating effectively and providing professional customer service.
• Ability to supervise, assign, coordinate, and inspect the work of Maintenance Mechanics and part‑time workers; exercise independent judgment; develop practical solutions; read and apply plans, specifications, manuals, work orders, and codes; establish effective working relationships; use Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, and related software for communication, scheduling, and recordkeeping; contribute to a respectful, inclusive work environment.

Lead Work / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide lead direction and supervision to Maintenance staff by reviewing, scheduling, assigning, and inspecting work orders; instruct employees in proper methods and perform skilled maintenance as needed.
• Coordinate and inspect work of outside contractors performing construction, remodeling, painting, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, locksmithing, access control, flooring, furniture installation, and other facility‑related tasks.
• Conduct and enforce job‑specific safety and skills training; provide ongoing work direction and feedback; complete annual performance reviews for direct reports.
• Monitor project and work‑order status and provide regular updates to the Assistant Director and Senior Director of Facilities.

Working Conditions / Environment

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors and may involve exposure to inclement weather, noise, dust, fumes, hazardous materials, and other conditions associated with building and facilities maintenance. The role requires safe use of hand and power tools, maintenance equipment, and adherence to safety policies. Physical demands include standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing ladders, working in confined or elevated spaces, and lifting/carrying materials up to 50 lb.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Completion of a recognized apprenticeship in a skilled mechanical trade (e.g., plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, sheet metal, or building maintenance) and two years of experience as a journey‑level worker performing building and equipment maintenance, construction, or repair work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the duties.
• Preferred Qualifications: Current Building Operator’s Certification or Certified Building Operator (BOC); current certification or license in a relevant skilled trade (HVAC/R, electrical, plumbing, or locksmithing); two years of maintenance supervisory or lead experience; current CPR and First Aid Certification; demonstrated ability to learn, grow, and meet the needs of others.

Licensure, Certification & Other Requirements

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and sexual misconduct review.
• Must obtain and maintain a First Aid Card within one year of employment.
• Must obtain and maintain a Fork Lift Operator’s card within one year of employment.
• Must be available and able to respond to emergency call‑outs as required.
• Occasional travel to meetings, conferences, and training sessions may be required.

Salary

This full‑time, WFSE‑represented position has a salary range starting at Step G, $5,928.00 per month, with periodic increments up to $6,708.00 per month.

Benefits Package

The position includes a full benefits package comprising health, dental, life, and long‑term disability insurance, as well as a retirement plan. Employees accrue 8 hours per month of sick leave and 11.33 hours per month of vacation leave, with periodic vacation accrual increases.