Facility Operations Specialist-Mechanical Science and Engineering

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Job Title: Facility Operations Specialist-Mechanical Science and Engineering

Company Name:	University of Illinois
Location:	Urbana, IL
Position Type:	Full Time
Post Date:	03/06/2026
Expire Date:	04/05/2026
Job Categories:	Education, Engineering, Collegiate Faculty, Staff, Administration

Job Description

Facility Operations Specialist-Mechanical Science and Engineering
Facility Operations SpecialistDepartment of Mechanical Science and EngineeringThe Grainger College of EngineeringUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignThe Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for a Facility Operations Specialist.  This role will coordinate and assist with efforts to provide effective facility management, operation, safety, and security affecting the facilities, grounds, space, and inventoried equipment within the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering (MechSE).Duties and Responsibilities:Facilities Maintenance and Renovation • Under direction of the Sr Facility Operations Coordinator, maintain the safety, security, and compliance of all spaces within the department, including the Mechanical Engineering Building, Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, spaces in Talbot Laboratory, as well as portions of DCL, South Complex (POETS & King Research Group), and items within the Engineering Warehouse that belong to MechSE. • Responsible for routine walks to observe, note, and resolve issues pertaining to our building's interior environments, building’s exteriors/grounds, and internal/external cleanliness with utmost personal care. This includes assisting with all spaces in general housekeeping and maintaining clean and organized environments. • Routinely monitor, inspect, and advise the Sr Facility Operations Coordinator of any needs related to grounds, facilities, and equipment to determine the necessity of repairs, maintenance, or cleaning to keep our facilities operational and all occupants safe and secure. Submit repair requests when needed through the Facilities & Services work order service portal. • Under the direction of the Sr Facility Operations Coordinator, coordinate and monitor the status of all work orders and drive work to completion. • Maintain current knowledge in the field of facilities management. WELL, LEED, maintenance, security, and safety. Implement departmental and campus policies and procedures regarding WELL, LEED, Division of Research Safety, and University policies and procedures. • Act as liaison between department personnel and external services such as Facilities & Services (F&S), Division of Research Safety (DRS), Building Service Workers (BSW), delivery services, utility services/outages, and contracted labor when the Senior Facility Operations Coordinator is unavailable. Perform tasks resulting from DRS and other campus safety inspections when assigned. • Under direction of the Sr Facility Operations Coordinator, monitor our research laboratories for proper safety in accordance with campus DRS standards and guidelines and report non-compliance.  Remain current on lab safety, chemical storage, and all standards and guidelines within the DRS framework by monitoring their website and attending necessary training when applicable. • Serve as the backup point of contact to the Sr Facility Operations Coordinator in the event of a building emergency or after-hours call. • Operate the lift truck, forklift, and similar tools/equipment commonly used for delivery acceptance, equipment placement, and relocation. • Oversee maintenance and usage of departmental truck (gas and services); including transportation to services. • Assist with necessary lab, office, and remodel cleanouts and cleanup as directed by the Sr Facility Operations Coordinator. • Serve as liaison the contract company responsible for the routine care of building plants, should a need arise pertaining to watering, pruning, and replacement.Space Management & Building Access  • Prepare office and laboratory space for new and relocated faculty, staff, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scholars, and others as indicated by the Sr Facility Operations Coordinator and in coordination with F&S. • Monitor and advise the Sr Facility Operations Coordinator on space utilization and in managing faculty and student office space assignments per department guidelines. • Oversee arrangements of conference room furniture to accommodate seminars, workshops, luncheons, and other similar functions. • Manage and perform necessary swipe lock access for MechSE faculty, staff, and PI-approved students based on departmental policy. • Submit work orders for keys and pick up when ready from key shop in facilities.Lab Safety  • Manage the monthly inspections of fire extinguishers in all MechSE lab-related spaces, cleanrooms, fumehood rooms, etc. • Monitor the yearly testing and compliance of fumehoods in all MechSE lab-related spaces, cleanrooms, fumehood rooms, etc. • Assist in the resolution of all Division of Research Safety (DRS) facilities-related audit findings within all MechSE lab-related spaces, cleanrooms, fumehood rooms, etcShipping and Receiving  • Assist as needed with the coordination of large, unusual deliveries, as directed by the Senior Facilities Operations Coordinator. • Other duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications: • High School Diploma or equivalent.• Any one or combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the categories below: A. college course work in facility management, operations management, or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: 60 semester hours or an Associate’s Degree equals one (1) year (12 months) B. training from a vocational, technical, or an armed forces program which includes building operations such as coordination of building maintenance, construction management, hospitality, or closely related experience. C. work experience which includes building operations such as coordination of building maintenance and work orders, construction management, hospitality, or closely related experience.• Possession of a valid State of Illinois driver's license at time of hire and maintained throughout employment.Preferred qualifications:• Associate’s Degree in Engineering, Business or related field.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:• Familiarity with methods, codes, standards, and tools involved in safe facility management. Awareness of Federal, State, Campus, College, and Department building policies and guidelines.  • Proficiency with a variety of computer software applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel, database software and specialized web-based software such as FabWEB.4. • Ability to communicate effectively and respond with respect and professionalism to customer needs and concerns. • Ability to work independently as well as in a team contributing positively to the department  • Contribute positively with kindness and patience, as well as professional and understanding treatment with individuals from varied backgrounds and with a range of identities and needs. • Aptitude for light maintenance, cleaning, and furniture assembly or mounting Ability to organize, prioritize, and execute tasks independently. • Ability to build and maintain cordial working relationships with building occupants and external parties.  • The ability to travel to campus is necessary to aid first responders in cases of emergency or access.  • Knowledge of WELL policies, LEED policies, and forward-thinking policies that evidence care and responsibility to facility occupants. • Ability to use good judgment, time management, task prioritization, conflict resolution, and creativity. • Ability to assist faculty, staff, students, and guests efficiently and professionally.  • Ability to manage complex duties with guidelines and rules that are not always clear, using good judgment and initiative.Additional Physical Demands:May occasionally be required to work within the following working environments:Extreme coldExtreme heatHumidityWetNoiseHazardsFumes/Particles/AllergensToxic, Caustic ChemicalsTemperature ChangesInclement Weather Physical Demands/Working Conditions:<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width: 100%; margin-left: -0.5pt; border: none"> <tbody><tr style="height: 9pt"> <td width="201" style="background: #FFFFFF; height: 9pt; width: 151pt; padding: 1pt 1pt 2pt; border: 1pt solid #FFFFFF; text-align: left"> </td> <td width="487" valign="top" style="background: #FFFFFF; height: 9pt; width: 365.5pt; padding: 1pt 1pt 2pt; border-top: 1pt solid #FFFFFF; border-right: 1pt solid #FFFFFF; border-bottom: 1pt solid #FFFFFF; border-left: none; text-align: left">Exposure to magnetic, explosive, toxic, caustic chemicals,biological, and electrical hazards, fumes/particles/allergens.  Located in a semi-private office at a desk ina conditioned space.  Will routinely bein tight, unconditioned spaces, on sloping roofs, in underground tunnels,outdoors, and in non-ADA facilities. This position will require the management,lifting, and positioning of heavy items. The work involves frequent moving andrearranging of office building, and lab furniture, and delivery of such items.The work environment includes stooping, crawling, and climbing. Subject tostress induced by controlling project budgets, limited funding, demandingclients, project deadlines, changing priorities, and managing multiple tasks.The position involves a mixture of remaining in a stationary position and beingin motion. The ability to travel to campus is necessary to aid first responders in cases of emergency or access.  </td> </tr> </tbody></table>APPOINTMENT INFORMATIONThis is a 100% Civil Service position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary for this position is $55,000 to $63,000.  Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the <a href="https://cam.illinois.edu/policies/hr-87-2/">University’s Workplace Flexibility policy</a>  This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.  APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATIONApplications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on March 20, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Hannah Dorsey at hdorsey@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.<a href="https://makeitcu.com/" title="https://makeitcu.com/">Champaign-Urbana</a>Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.This position is intended to be <a href="https://go.illinois.edu/workatillinois">eligible for benefits</a>. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.The University of Illinois must also comply with applicablefederal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right toemploy restricted party screening procedures for applicants.<hr>The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit <a href="https://go.uillinois.edu/noticesandposters" target="_blank">Required Employment Notices and Posters</a> to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through <a href="https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf" target="_blank">E-Verify</a>.Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the <a href="http://go.illinois.edu/accommodationportal" title="http://go.illinois.edu/accommodationportal">reasonable accommodation portal</a>, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or <a title="mailto:accessibility@illinois.edu">accessibility@illinois.edu</a>.<hr>Requisition ID: 1034645 Job Category: Service and Food Operations Apply at: <a href="https://jobs.illinois.edu">https://jobs.illinois.edu</a><a name="HEJobs" type="hidden" value="No"></a><a name="Billing_Name" type="hidden" value=""></a><a name="Billing_Email" type="hidden" value=""></a>

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Company Name:

University of Illinois

Website:

https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/16262?c=illinois

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