Assistant Chief Engineer

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes in the power of illustrated stories to connect us. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the museum will explore narrative art’s potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.

Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum’s 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lucas Museum is committed to maintaining a safe and comfortable space for all staff, volunteers, and visitors and to adhering to strict environmental control requirements designed to protect the museum’s collection. The Assistant Chief Engineer plays a key role in supporting the chief engineer with daily supervision over subordinate facilities staff by achieving this objective and will be instrumental, in co-leading the building utilities staff in the care and maintenance of the museum’s utilities systems and in putting the required systems in place to ensure the safe and reliable performance of environmental controls and adherence to the MEP design intent. The Assistant Chief Engineer will also play a critical role in the building commissioning and acceptance process as it transitions from contractor to museum control.  

The Assistant Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation, maintenance, and repair of all HVAC, life safety, water treatment, emergency and normal power distribution, kitchen, other select utility systems and associated equipment throughout the museum and grounds through the development and implementation of a comprehensive predictive and preventative maintenance program. The Assistant Chief Engineer will be responsible for assisting the chief engineer with populating maintenance procedures and equipment inventories into a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS); Train and supervise in-house operating and service engineer staff on system operation, response, safe work practices in accordance with Cal/OSHA, SCAQMD and EPA regulations, City of Los Angeles building code and industry-wide best practices; work in collaboration with the DDC / Energy Engineer and vendors in the operation and  optimization of the building automation system using trend analysis and occupant feedback; develop and maintain replacement stock, tools and equipment par levels to minimize system down-time; continuously identify opportunities for improvement on both operational processes and system performance. The Chief Building Engineer will also play a key role in the final stages of the commissioning process as construction of the museum concludes.  

• Pre-Construction Completion:
• Working with the commissioning agent, general contractor, and construction management teams, participate in building commissioning, system training, and owner acceptance process
• Perform technical review of project design drawings, and equipment specifications to develop a working understanding of building utility systems and sequences of operation (SOO)
• Assist Chief Engineer in the development of a comprehensive Facilities Management Plan to reflect scope of service, operational standards, protocols, and procedures including but not limited to safety program, staffing plan, areas where purchased services are required, emergency response procedures, work rules, customer service response protocols, etc.
• Develop routine, preventative, and predictive maintenance procedures based on equipment O&M and industry best practices
• In collaboration with the Chief Engineer, participate in the staff planning process to determine in-house staff make-up and size
• In collaboration with the Chief Engineer, participate in selection and engagement of suppliers and vendors for services not performed by in-house staff
• Assist in fit-up projects to support museum move-in; ensure storage areas and racking are sufficient and can efficiently accommodate tools, stocked materials, and maintenance staff

• Post-Building Acceptance and Ongoing Responsibilities:
• Responsible for the day to day overall safe and reliable operation and maintenance of building utility system performance including all HVAC systems, chillers, air handlers, VAV air valves, environmental controls for humidification and zone pressure relationships, DX systems, CRAC units, fire detection and suppression systems, BAS, refrigeration equipment, normal and emergency power distribution, fire alarm, lighting control systems, vertical transport, plumbing systems, grease traps, pumping systems, geothermal field heat exchange system, kitchen equipment, etc.
• Ensure environmental controls including air quality, temperature, humidity, and pressure relationships for the protection of the art collection and occupant comfort are performing at optimal levels at all times
• Co-Supervise a moderately sized staff of building engineers. Actively develop and adjust staff schedules as museum operational and maintenance as needs dictate. Practice sound judgement in assigning work commensurate to each employee’s skill set and ensure staff are appropriately trained for each work assignment
• Schedule and coordinate vendor provided maintenance and repair services
• Train, and develop staff and facilitate effective building system orientation for all staff. Actively provide coaching, feedback and direction as appropriate.
• Proactively coordinate utility system work that will or can potentially impact occupants and/or departments. Practice effective communication to all stakeholders regarding utility system impacts. When necessary, obtain appropriate approvals prior to scheduling work
• Communicate unscheduled utility interruptions to leadership
• Support construction and TI projects as necessary
• Manage CMMS and maintenance staff to ensure adherence to maintenance frequencies and procedures for systems within Facilities’ Scope of Service
• Participate in the development and implementation of routine response procedures for utility system troubles, utility interruptions, and service requests
• In collaboration with the DDC / Energy Engineer, continuously analyze trend data and customer feedback to identify opportunities for energy savings, system optimization, and reliability   
• Participate in staff training and work schedules to ensure adequate staffing coverage as required by museum operations
• Implement safety program and regular safety meeting in line with Cal/OSHA guidelines
• Develop and implement workflows to ensure adequate material par levels are maintained
• Participate in organizational meetings and serve in committees as assigned including safety and sustainability committees
• Perform basic computer tasks using MS Office suite of programs
• Perform duties and tasks as assigned

• Theoretical knowledge of HVAC systems and associated theories including thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, refrigeration, motors, and control systems
• Extensive technical knowledge of HVAC systems including high efficiency screw heat recovery chillers, air handling units, pumping systems and associated controls. Proficiency in troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of these systems is essential
• Experience and working knowledge of BAS systems (preferably Siemens Desigo)
• Knowledge and experience with applicable industry safety standards, including safe working practices and OSHA reporting requirements
• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in building mechanical and electrical maintenance repair and construction activities and working with skilled and semi-skilled tradesmen
• Commitment to working collaboratively and with minimal supervision. Must possess strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to practice sound judgement in prioritizing work and in allocating resources to achieve operational objectives while adhering to budget allocations
• Ability to bend, stoop and climb ladders
• Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging in hiring, staffing, management, training, and leaderships practices
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Completion and graduation from an accredited technical college, school, or trades apprenticeship program or a minimum of 10 years engineering maintenance and facility operations experience in high-rise office or hotel buildings, museum or other large cultural venue, or central plant operations, maintenance and repairs setting. Extensive mechanical knowledge in all aspects of MEP, HVAC and chiller plants
• 10+ years of progressive experience in building mechanical systems operation and maintenance in facilities with large complex building utility systems and environmental controls comparable to large museums, cultural institutions or hospitals
• 5+ years of experience in a supervisory role leading a diverse workforce of building utility maintenance department teams in facilities with large complex building utility systems and strict environmental control requirements comparable to large museums, hospitals, or class ISO 5 or higher-level laboratories
• Theoretical knowledge of HVAC systems and associated theories including thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, refrigeration, motors, and control systems
• Extensive technical knowledge of HVAC systems including high efficiency screw heat recovery chillers, air handling units, pumping systems and associated controls. Proficiency in troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of these systems is essential
• EPA Universal License
• Experience performing retro-commissioning and/or monitoring-based commissioning

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

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The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to the art of illustrated stories. Our mission is to inspire and connect people through the exploration of visual stories and their influences in society. 

VALUES

Our internal and external practices are shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

People First: We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what they find emotional in works of art.

Inspired: We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

Collaborative: We believe that nimble thinking and working together yield exponential results. 

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Narrative Art:

Amplify the social impact of storytelling and illustration. 

Community:

Connect to a broad and diverse public.

Operational Excellence:

Create a healthy and durable institution. 

All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).

Pursuant to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the museum requires all new hires to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical and/or religious exemption. Upon hire, all new hires will receive detailed instructions on complying with this policy.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.