Biocontainment Laboratory Maintenance Coordinator

Texas A&M University System•College Station, TX

About The Position

The Global Health Research Complex (GHRC) at Texas A&M University is a state-of-the-art biocontainment research facility that improves animal and human health within the State of Texas, across the United States, and around the globe. The GHRC supports and advances multi-disciplinary large animal and insect vector research, education, and training opportunities for faculty at Texas A&M and their partners from other academic institutions and industry. The Biocontainment Laboratory Maintenance Coordinator, under supervision, is responsible for: providing complex operations support and overseeing the maintenance, repair, certification, verification, and validation of biocontainment systems. Keeps laboratory building systems in safe, secured condition and in constant working order.

Requirements

Associates degree or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Four years related experience in operations, maintenance and repair of laboratory building systems, including but not limited to HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, and laboratory systems.
Must successfully obtain and maintain Biological Select Agent and Toxin clearance
Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Ability to operate two-way radios.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to calmly handle stressful situations.
Ability to follow and give instructions orally and in writing in a highly technical environment.
Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
This position is security sensitive.
This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures.
All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements.
Medical evaluation is required at least annually, and full participation in a medical clearance program is required, which includes blood testing and possibly vaccinations.
Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, powered air purifying respirators (PAPR), Tyvek suites, lab clothing, foot protection, eye, hand, ear, and other associated PPE related to this position.
Must be able to undergo and maintain a favorable CDC/APHIS clearance as required for work in select agent registered spaces.
Must be able to undergo and maintain a favorable background investigation and National Select Agent Registration security risk assessment within 45 days of hire

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field OR Equivalent combination of education and related experience in a trade school or apprenticeship in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical or other related field OR A minimum of six years’ experience in operations, maintenance, and repair of laboratory building systems, including but not limited to HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, or laboratory systems.
Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS) and associated graphical interfaces, preferably Siemens BAS systems.
Experience in conducting field tests, verification, and certification of critical biocontainment systems for laboratory facilities to include, but not limited to HEPA filtered systems including HVAC exhaust and supply filters, plumbing vent filters, and other systems equipped with HEPA filters.
Knowledge of HEPA Filtration systems.
Knowledge of DDC, pneumatic, PLC, HVAC controls, calibration and testing and/or balancing (TAB).
Experience with building automation systems operations and programming.
Knowledge of audio/visual systems.
Possesses analytical skills for determining system malfunctions and appropriate response.

Responsibilities

Biocontainment Systems Operations, Maintenance, Repair, Certification, Verification, and Validation Is responsible for all plumbing, electrical systems, and general repairs in conjunction with the following responsibilities:
Coordinates and oversees processes for tests, verification, and certification of critical biocontainment systems.
Assists in the annual recertification of biocontainment systems and laboratory spaces.
Implements procedures and requirements to maintain complex equipment and systems associated with ABSL-2, BSL-3, BSL-3-Ag, Insectaries, and support spaces.
Coordinates and oversees contract workers on field tests, certification and validations of Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC) and laboratory containment HEPA filtered systems including HVAC exhaust and supply filters, and plumbing vent filters.
Assists these agencies/organizations with the decontamination of contaminated systems, equipment, and spaces.
Coordinates, oversees, and may perform building repairs, renovation, modification, and maintenance with SSC, UES, and Vendors.
Develops procedures for the safe operation, maintenance, modification, and repair of biocontainment facilities systems and laboratories.
Coordinates and manages inventories and supplies as needed for performing routine and assigned functions, maintaining ready and calibrated equipment for SSC, UES, and vendors.
Serves as backup for the Biocontainment Laboratory Maintenance Manager.
Maintains records relative to the operation, maintenance, renovation, and repair of GHRC biocontainment systems, equipment, laboratories, and support spaces.
Provides routine status reports of biocontainment systems to supervisory level staff to ensure systems are safe and compliant.
Evaluates and inspects equipment, systems, and spaces and records and submits information into appropriate databases.
Participates in facility specific training.
Attends meetings as needed to improve skills and knowledge or as required by management.
Participates in training and continued education activities as provided by GHRC and required by federal guidelines and accreditation standards.
Participates in the building on call emergency response program.
Serves as a potential first responder and as such is responsible for exercising professional judgement to independently determine response phases and mobilization of internal and external resources (Biosafety, Environmental Health and Safety, Emergency Management Services, University Police Department, and others).
Compares and evaluates possible courses of action and makes a decision after various possibilities have been considered and has the authority to make an independent choice and decision, free from immediate direction or supervision.

Benefits

Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.
Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.
Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
12-15 days of annual paid holidays
Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees