We have ambitious plans, and we know the most critical step is building an incredible team that reflects the diverse fabric of our nation and embodies our values. Our team is made up of people who are equal parts dreamers and doers. We are people who care as much about how we achieve our goals as we do about the goals themselves. Our values drive our team and are instilled in the work this Foundation does every day. We are also committed to creating an anti-racist organization in order to do our part to help combat racism and inequity in all forms, in communities across our nation and around the world. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.

Purpose of Role

The Operating Engineer for the Obama Presidential Center will be responsible for performing system maintenance and upkeep for mechanical, electrical, and safety systems critical to Center functions on a daily basis. This position will support the Chief Engineer directly while also providing support to complement other Operations teams as needed. The role necessitates close interaction with other tradespeople on campus for smooth service delivery.

As the Operating Engineer, you’ll be reporting directly to the Chief Engineer.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Maintain mechanical, electrical, and life-safety systems within OPC campus; responding to abnormal conditions for daily and long-term facility care.

• Maintain inventory and organization of tools and equipment, coordinating with Assistant Chief Engineer for efficient stock.

• Operate facility systems, troubleshoot issues and perform controls maintenance.

• Ensure campus systems and equipment are operating efficiently, analyzing existing operating conditions to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.

• Perform incident management with coinciding report development.

• Analyze and solve problems in a timely manner that avoids programming and operating disruptions for the Center.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Track and complete preventative and predictive maintenance schedules in coordination with the Operations and Maintenance team.

• Operate and maintain HVAC and plumbing systems by reading gauges and adjusting valves to maintain a constant flow of service aligned with sustainability standards on campus.

• Perform regular, scheduled maintenance and inspections to building systems to ensure that equipment is maintained in operating condition per manufacturers’ and industry standards.

• Clean, oil, and lubricate pumps, motors, and facility mechanical equipment; adjusting system elements to regulate operation of units as needed.

• Inspect and replace equipment elements as needed, reporting malfunctions, leaks, abnormal readings, or other problems to the supervisor.

• Undertake plumbing, painting, and minor building repairs to assist other departments and teams within the OPC, maintaining general cleanliness of the assigned work area.

• Utilize a work order system for day-to-day operations and planned processes to resolve issues based upon agreed campus priorities, maintaining a monthly productivity report.

• Utilize the building’s building automation system to monitor space temperatures, adjust temperatures as needed, compile trend logs, and operate the building.

• Work together with other engineers and trades to achieve the goals of the OPC.

Required Qualifications

• Applies knowledge of trade function to independently complete standard tasks and resolve issues involving relatively complex factors.

• Exhibits working proficiency in primary/routine duties of professional area; utilizes discretion and independent judgment to solve non-routine problems.

• Candidates typically have progressed through a registered apprenticeship program and have obtained journeyperson status in their trade.

• Flexibility of hours, including but not limited to early morning, late night, weekends, and holidays across campus in both indoor and outdoor environments. Ability to work out of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and/or other Obama Foundation locations in Chicago.

The salary range for this role is between $79,040 and $115,752.

This is an onsite role based out of our Chicago office. While we are open to considering candidates who currently reside in a number of US jurisdictions, this role will require several days per week in the Chicago office and relocation to the area is expected within two months of hire.

Foundation Values

The Foundation Values are Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at careers@obama.org if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.