Facilities Maintenance Technician (Job ID: 2023-3183)

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. 

Facilities Operations includes business services and building maintenance. Business Services provides office facilities management to assist in maintaining a clean, efficient and ergonomic office environment. The Building Maintenance staff provides a comfortable and safe work environment through operation and maintenance of the physical plant and grounds, building management and periodic renovation. 

Position Location: This position requires full-time in-person work on site and is not eligible for any regular remote work. 

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff  to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.   

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.  Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.    

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Facilities Maintenance Technician will report to the Chief Engineer and will be responsible for the overall maintenance and upkeep of Brookings facilities. Duties will include general maintenance, carpentry, repairs, cleaning, organization and oversight of facilities assets, engineering staff support, security staff support and conference services staff support. S/he will Respond to service requests for maintenance and repairs. Normal working hours for this position are 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This position must be flexible in their ability to adjust work hours upon request by the supervisor and must be available for overtime as needed. This position is considered essential/non-exempt and the individual is required to be available during emergencies and special closings (often weather related), working on-site if the situation requires it.

Building Maintenance and Repairs (75%)

• Responsible for assisting the Chief Engineer with day to day building maintenance and the operations of the building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life safety equipment.
• Respond to service requests for maintenance and repairs as assigned by automated ticket system and by supervisors. Enters data into facility ticket system, makes notes, updates, and closes out service requests.
• Perform a broad range of maintenance task including, but not limited to, general carpentry, door/hardware repair, make keys and repair locks, ceiling tile replacement, plaster/drywall repair and touch up painting, carpet repair, installation/handling of art work, installation of specialty signage, and other tasks as assigned.
• Perform simple repairs to plumbing, electric, replace defective ballasts, HVAC, and other trades as needed.
• Set up, move, and dismantle furniture as requested. Neatly maintain furniture storage and all equipment areas.
• Move recycling, staging, and deliveries as directed.
• Maintain a vigilant eye on all life safety conditions around the facility at all times and promptly address any areas of concern.
• Attend to and correct any emergency conditions such as water/sewer backups, floods, and snow removal.

Facilities Department Operational Support (15%)

• Provide engineering staff support, security staff support and conference services staff support; this would include providing support with setting up room arrangements, assistance to security during large events, and providing back up support when a team member is out of the office or as needed. Additional duties, project, and support as assigned

Vendor Operations (10%)

• Facilitate the work and movements of outside vendors and subcontractors, ensuring that work is done properly and safely, reports trouble spots that may arise, signs work tickets and reports progress to supervisor.

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications: 

Education/Experience Requirements: 

High School Degree required. Bachelor's degree from four-year college, trade school or university preferred. Minimum of 5 years of experience in building maintenance, building construction or relevant trade required. Finish quality carpentry capabilities required. The ability to blend new woodwork with existing, finely balance door closures, or other carpentry where exact joints and minimal margins of error are desired. Additionally, familiarity with performing and overseeing drywall work, painting and caulking. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements: 

The successful candidate will have excellent customer service skills and demonstrated commitment to quality service. Excellent attention to detail in completing quality work. Be able to work independently and effectively as part of a team with varying work hours. Be a self-starter who can identify problems and solve them, and a track record of successful team work. Have strong organizational skills and excellent verbal communication. Skilled at trouble shooting a variety of building systems and conditions. Strong problem-solving capabilities. Sound writing skills to communicate with staff, tenants and vendors via email and other electronic media. The position will require the ability to perform work from a ladder, routinely lift 50+ lbs. and have a familiarity and comfort level using a variety of different tools and equipment.

Additional Information: 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.