Facilities System Lead - Enterprise Physical Operations

About the Role

The Enterprise Physical Operations, Infrastructure, Capital Programs & Real Estate (EPO) department at WashU provides integrated operational, infrastructure, planning, and facility services that support the university's mission of excellence in education, research, patient care, and community engagement. Guided by our PRIDE+ Core Values of Professionalism & Planning, Respect & Responsibility, Integrity & Integration, Dedication & Delivery, Excellence & Enterprise Alignment, and Accountability & Stewardship, EPO fosters a culture centered on collaboration, strategic partnership, innovation, accountability, and service excellence across the university enterprise. EPO manages and supports 28 million gross square feet across 235+ buildings and associated infrastructure systems, encompassing academic, research, clinical, residential, administrative, and support facilities across the university's campuses and operations. Our teams provide strategic leadership and operational expertise in facility management, infrastructure services, capital project delivery, real estate operations, planning, sustainability, engineering, maintenance, environmental services, public safety support, and enterprise operational services. EPO creates and maintains safe, innovative, efficient, mission-driven environments that support our students, faculty, staff, patients, researchers, and community partners.

This position provides advanced technical expertise and leadership in support of critical campus facilities, serving as the primary resource for complex maintenance needs across specialized environments. Oversees day‑to‑day technical operations within assigned areas, evaluates service priorities, and ensures high‑quality completion of HVAC, electrical, or plumbing projects. Mentors and trains junior staff, supports coordination with contractors and campus partners, and helps maintain safe, compliant, and reliable facility conditions. Strong communication, sound judgment, and the ability to guide both technical work and team performance are essential for success in this position.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary technician for all critical facilities at WashU Medicine. This includes BSL3's, animal facilities, and all other areas deemed critical.
• Serves as Senior Tradesman for their trade and holds a license, if applicable. Sponsors apprentices when it applies.
• Provides leadership in all areas of their trade, OFMD Core Values, and customer service skills.
• Plans and completes the repairs/installation of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems for short-range projects.
• Acts as primary Facilities Engineering contact for assigned area, prioritizing work and making initial assessment of conditions and service needs.
• Provides training and education for junior technicians in their trade. Technician will be proficient in all areas of their field.
• Monitors outside service schedules and equipment installation by outside contractors.
• Interfaces with customers to schedule/coordinate any interruptions in service (utility outages).
• Follows through on work in progress to verify proper facility conditions are restored.
• Keeps Facilities Engineering supervisors aware of facility conditions, problems, and needs, as well as maintaining effective communication with other maintenance staff.
• Actively promotes safety in their shop.
• Attends all construction meetings and provides valuable input.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Works inside and outside, in dusty and dirty places such as pits and equipment spaces where temperatures may exceed 100 degrees, and equipment may be oily and greasy.
• Employee may be required to work in the vicinity of labs containing bio-hazardous radioactive substances.
• Exposed to wet and cold conditions, as well as noise and vibration from operating equipment.
• Must be able to work in morgues, gross anatomy, and pathology laboratories.
• Stockroom or warehouse.
• Requires extensive safety training.
• Alternative work schedules.
• Exposure to chemicals.
• High noise environment.
• On-Call (Beeper).
• Requires protective devices.
• Dust, dirt, grease, or other disagreeable elements.
• Patient care setting.
• Exposure to moving machinery.
• Exposure to animals.

Physical Effort

• Typically standing or walking.
• Typically bending, crouching, and stooping.
• Repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movement.
• Using tools requiring high dexterity.
• Occasional lifting (25 lbs. or less).
• Occasional lifting (25 – 50 lbs.).
• Frequent lifting (25 lbs. or more).
• Must be able to lift and carry tools and materials weighing in excess of 50 pounds and be able to raise and carry with assistance heavier items.

Equipment Used

• Simple hand tools.
• Tools associated with the trade and work duties.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent high school certification.
• Skilled Trades Functions: 4 years of experience.
• A Class E (MO) or Class D (IL) license and a good driving record are required.
• Trade School Diploma and/or Journeyman license in a relevant skilled trade (HVAC/R, Electrical Systems, Fire Suppression Systems, or closely related field), or a combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring skilled trade staff.
• Associate degree.
• Hospital or large corporate/industrial complex experience: 5 years.
• Skills: Climbing Structures, Color Vision, Communication, Customer Service, Depth Perception, Electrical Maintenance, Electrical Systems, Employee Development, Handheld Power Tools, Handling Guest Complaints, HVAC Maintenance, HVAC Systems, Internal Development, Leadership, Lifting Equipment, Maintenance Work, Organizational Commitment, Plumbing Maintenance, Plumbing Systems, Problem Solving, Professional Integrity, Strive for Excellence, Teamwork, Timeline Management, Visual Acuity.

Pay

Salary range: $29.96 – $47.92 / Hourly

Benefits

• Personal: Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Health: Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Transit: Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• Retirement: WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness: Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
• Family: We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We've got you covered.
• Tuition: WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.