The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. For more than a century, the Museum has inspired visitors to connect with the wonders of science and nature. Today, we continue that legacy—and remain committed to sharing our resources to promote a healthy future for both humans and the planet.
As Ohio’s largest natural history museum, we use our vast collections and state-of-the-art facilities to contribute to scientific understanding worldwide. Our scientists conduct research across a variety of disciplines, making groundbreaking discoveries about early human ancestors, ancient Ohio, animal and plant life around the world, and more. We steward more than 12,500 acres of wild habitats through our Natural Areas Program, working to protect the environment of northern Ohio and the diverse species that call it home.
Director of Engineering and Facilities
Job Summary
The Facilities Director & Building Engineer ensures that the building’s infrastructure – including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and water filtration systems – operate at the highest level of efficiency and safety. This position directly manages the Facilities and HVAC team and coordinates the successful completion of long- and short-term projects.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily operations for museum facilities, including exhibit spaces, administrative offices, mechanical rooms, public areas, and storage.
- Manage facilities projects by developing scope of work, cost estimates, and schedules for completion. Maintain a list of opportunities for improvement and a system for completion.
- Develop and manage the facilities budget, including capital expenditures and preventative maintenance programs.
- Coordinate and oversee sub-contractors for major repairs, renovations, and equipment installation.
- Recommend improvements to building systems that support sustainability and energy efficiency.
- Manage service agreements and contracts for elevators, generators, HVAC controls, filtration systems, and other facilities-related agreements.
- Oversee the operation and maintenance of HVAC system, ensuring proper climate conditions for collections preservation.
- Maintain museum-wide water filtration and circulation systems, including aquatic displays, natural habitats, and specialized lab infrastructure.
- Collaborate cross-departmentally to support exhibitions, events, and seasonal operations.
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal building codes, safety regulations, and ADA requirements.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field and 8 years of experience in building operations or mechanical engineering, with 5 years of supervisory experience required.
Professional Engineer (PE) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
Experience in museums or related non-profit organizations preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Expert knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, building automation, and water filtration systems.
- Strong understanding of facilities operations in a public, educational, or cultural institution.
- Proven ability to negotiate contracts with third-party suppliers in an effective manner.
- Excellent ability to conceptualize long-term business goals and develop orderly processes to accomplish these goals.
- Proven ability to oversee hourly or union maintenance staff.
- Excellent communication, problem solving, project management, personnel management and team management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure with ambiguous or competing priorities.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings as needed.
Working Conditions
This position includes prolonged periods of standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, crouching, or crawling. May be exposed to inclement weather conditions, moving mechanical parts, elevated heights, and chemicals. Must be able to regularly lift and move up to 50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYER, and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE
