Primate Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department Overview

The Oregon National Primate Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.

Function/Duties of Position

The Plumber is responsible for accurately, effectively and competently operate and adjust the plumbing systems though out the campus, such as water heaters, pumps, drain systems, water systems, med gas systems, plumbing fixtures, and valves. Monitor equipment and record readings. Observe the operation of mechanical devices and determine problems; take corrective action as necessary. Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on equipment assigned. Be available to the facilities management staff as needed.

• Installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing systems, including the animal drinking water and housing wash down systems.
  • Install and or replace pipes, valves, drain systems, pumps; repair breaks in pipes; clean and open drains and other lines; repair water pumps and heaters; occasionally install and repair steam and gas systems.
  • Assists in maintaining the RO/DI watering systems throughout the Center, taking daily logs and making system adjustments as necessary.
• Responsible for a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks related to troubleshooting.
  • Repair and maintenance of a variety of equipment and systems including the following: chillers, evaporators, boilers, cage washers, pumps, and motors.
  • Perform preventive maintenance inspections and maintenance repairs including checks on belts, sheaves, fans, and bearings for wear and vibration.
  • Clean, lubricate and adjust equipment and machinery such as electric and gas-powered motors, water heaters, fan units and pumps.
• Assist in the fabrication of tools, machinery and machine parts for metal, wood, plastic and sheet metal.
• Maintain inventory, assuring maintenance of shop equipment and supplies.
  • Activities include keeping tool bits sharpened and available, lubricate and adjust machine shop equipment, and maintain various hydraulic pumps. May coordinate work of other trades, vendors and contractors.

• Lead and instruct lesser skilled facilities staff and coordinate with contractors as needed for renovation projects.

  • Provide technical advice and assistance to other departments regarding plumbing, design problems and maintenance repairs.
  • Identify and report deteriorating equipment and facilities, for use in long- range maintenance planning and immediate actions required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• A valid Oregon Plumber's license; AND

• One of the following:

  • One year experience as a journey-level plumber; OR

  • Completion of an approved apprenticeship program.

• A valid driving License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated mechanical ability.

• Analytical ability to resolve complex mechanical problems.

• Ability to lay out work for others and direct them in this work.

• Ability to read, write and follow oral and written instructions.

• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret and work from shop drawings, sketches, blueprints and diagrams.

• Keep accurate records, both written and electronic, and communicate effectively in oral and/or written formats with both technical and professional staff

• Basic computer skills with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook are required.

• Ability to move through various research and office buildings and animal housing areas, located in several separate buildings, indoor/outdoor, and outdoor facilities in order to provide services.

• Perform duties taking into consideration any scheduling conflicts with animal care staff and researchers associated with on-going experiments or other OHSU West Campus operations.

• Ability to drive ONPRC vehicles on and off campus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Trade-school, technical or military training in plumbing operations and maintenance.

• Backflow tester certified.

• Medical gas & air experience.

Additional Details

Regular shifts are Monday through Friday between 7:00 and 3:30 but can be arranged to include weekends and may require overtime. This position will participate in the facilities on-call program. An "on call" period is shared with all designated Facilities staff on a rotating basis. The 'On Call" period generally lasts one week at a time.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in all seasons, both indoors and outdoors, and will be performed in administrative offices, research laboratories and animal housing areas.
• Work may involve exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, zoonotic diseases, biological agents and potentially hazardous items such as steam pipes, electrical wiring, icy roofs and power machines and tools.
• The job occasionally entails work in cramped, uncomfortable places such as crawl spaces and roofs, and involves moving on wet and/or slick surfaces, through narrow corridors, climbing stairs, prolonged periods of standing and work on high ladders. 

Physical Conditions

• Lift and carry objects weighing up to 75 lbs. to approximately shoulder height.
• Climb ladders and work from elevations.
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE while working around Biohazard and Zoonotic diseases.

Benefits

• Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
• Vacation - up to 200 hours per year dependent on length of service.
• Sick Leave - up to 96 hours per year.
• 9 paid holidays per year.
• Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Childcare service discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts to local and national businesses.

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER