Building Operations Assistant Jobs in Salem, VA (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. (VTF) is a nonstock corporation established in 1948 for the sole purpose of managing the endowment and real estate portfolio of Virginia Tech, now valued at $3.4 billion. VTF exists and operates as a separate, independent entity with its own officers and governing board – managing, investing, and distributing private resources to advance Virginia Tech’s mission and its strategic priorities.

Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, Inc. (VTCRC), in all its locations, is where education meets business. VTCRC is a place and a paradigm at work within an ever-changing landscape, wherever Virginia Tech is present. VTCRC is the wholly owned for-profit subsidiary of VTF.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Building & Grounds Superintendent, the Senior Building Systems Technician is responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of building systems across the Virginia Tech Foundation real estate platform.

The position serves as the lead technical resource for building systems, HVAC systems, building automation systems, and major mechanical equipment while supporting office, research, laboratory, hospitality, mixed use, and development assets. The role supports preventive maintenance programs, tenant service requests, contractor oversight, facility improvement projects, and operational initiatives to ensure reliable building operations and a high level of tenant satisfaction.

This position is designated as Emergency Personnel and may be required to respond to weather related, building system, or other operational emergencies.

Key Responsibilities

Building Systems & Mechanical Operations

• Operate, inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain commercial building systems and mechanical equipment.
• Diagnose and resolve heating, cooling, ventilation, humidity, temperature control, and occupant comfort issues.
• Monitor and support building automation systems (BAS) and controls.
• Assist with operation and maintenance of chillers, boilers, cooling towers, heat pumps, air handling units, exhaust systems, and related equipment.
• Monitor building system performance and identify opportunities to improve reliability, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.
• Identify root causes of recurring mechanical and operational issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Coordinate and oversee service providers, specialty contractors, and equipment vendors.

Laboratory & Research Facility Support

• Support operation and maintenance of laboratory and research facilities.
• Assist with laboratory environmental systems, including ventilation, exhaust, temperature control, pressurization, and related building systems.
• Coordinate maintenance activities within occupied laboratory environments.
• Support tenant, laboratory, and research requirements while maintaining safe and reliable building operations.

Preventive Maintenance & Inspections

• Conduct routine inspections of building systems and equipment.
• Execute and document preventive maintenance activities.
• Identify equipment deficiencies and recommend repair, replacement, and system improvement strategies.
• Assist with development of maintenance, repair, and capital replacement recommendations.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.
• Assist in developing maintenance procedures and operational standards.

Tenant Service & Work Order Management

• Respond to tenant maintenance requests and operational concerns.
• Investigate and resolve facility related complaints.
• Ensure timely completion and documentation of maintenance work orders.
• Assist with tenant move ins, move outs, and space modifications as needed.
• Maintain a high level of customer service and responsiveness.

Contractor & Vendor Coordination

• Coordinate maintenance contractors and service providers.
• Monitor quality, safety, responsiveness, and performance of vendor work.
• Assist with maintenance related capital improvement projects.
• Provide technical support and field coordination for maintenance related capital projects, tenant improvements, and construction activities.
• Support procurement, contractor selection, and contractor scheduling activities.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and safety requirements.
• Participate in emergency response activities and severe weather preparedness.
• Support inspections, testing, and regulatory compliance programs.
• Maintain safe work practices and equipment operation.

Other Duties

• Support plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and general building maintenance activities as needed.
• Participate in snow removal and emergency response efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Minimum five years of commercial building systems, facilities maintenance, HVAC, or related experience.
• Strong commercial HVAC troubleshooting and repair experience.
• Experience with building automation systems (BAS) and controls.
• Experience supporting commercial office, institutional, research, or laboratory facilities.
• Ability to read technical manuals, drawings, specifications, and building plans.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple assignments.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform physical maintenance activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• HVAC certification, journeyman license, or equivalent technical training.
• EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification.
• Experience supporting laboratory, research, life sciences, or technology facilities.
• Experience with chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps, and major mechanical systems.
• Experience coordinating contractors and maintenance vendors.
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Experience supporting maintenance related capital improvement projects.
• OSHA training or certification

Salary Range

$75,000 - $90,000

Physical Requirements:

Light lifting (<20 lbs.)

Standing

Sitting

Bending

Moderate lifting (20-50 lbs.)

Lifting

Walking

Climbing

Heavy lifting (>50 lbs.)

Reaching

Repetitive motion

Pushing/pulling

Other, specify:

Equal Opportunity Employer

Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. (VTF) provides equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants. The Foundation prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against employees and applicants on the basis of age, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other basis protected by federal and Virginia state law.