Building Operations Manager

Job Title: Building Operations Manager, ACRC

Posting Date: August 2026

Job Department: Facilities

Schedule: Full Time

Job Type: On-site

Location: ACRC 901 E. Fayette St Baltimore, MD 21202

JOB SUMMARY: 

The National Aquarium is seeking a Building Operations Manager, ACRC. The National Aquarium Animal Care and Rescue Center (ACRC) building houses facilities to include quarantine, food prep, veterinary care, exhibit fabrication, aquatic animal holding, bird holding, storage, public tour and education spaces, staff offices, and life support systems. This position is accountable for oversight of the facility infrastructure and ground maintenance, building systems, HVAC, life support, and operations such as waste management, pest control, access and parking protocols, and mail and package receiving and delivery. Responsible for coordinating projects and operational planning associated with the facility, system functionality, and life support operations. Monitors and responds to 24/7 off-hour alarms and emergencies, in collaboration with animal care and facilities staff. This is an on-site position, with normal workdays being Monday-Friday.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

Essential responsibilities include: 

• Establish, update, and be accountable for preventative maintenance protocols for building and life support systems. 
• Manage and implement building contracts and policies, to include access, pest control, safety, emergency response, and tour protocols.
• Be accountable for budget tracking and oversight and work with Director to establish annual and capital budgets for ACRC.
• Coordinate and manage contractors and vendors for infrastructure planning, repairs, and maintenance.
• Coordinate with ACRC staff and main Aquarium staff for implementation and prioritization of maintenance needs and requests.
• Coordinates closely with animal care, fabrication, security, and rescue staff, and other building occupants and guests, to provide an optimal facility for housing of animal operations and staff workspaces. 
• Train and plan training for ACRC staff in plumbing, life support, and other operations tasks related to systems and to safety (to include forklift, lift, and other equipment).
• Maintain and document inventory of critical life support and building system equipment and assets.
• Act as first point of contact for ACRC building operations, emergency response, and internal and external access needs.
• Create and manage work orders, preventative maintenance SOPs, warehouse inventory, and asset tracking systems.
• Perform and document building rounds to include mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life support, and structural.
• Perform mechanical, life support, and plumbing repairs and maintenance as needed.
• Monitor and assess remote alarms on life support and mechanical systems for critical animal and building equipment.
• Coordinate intra-campus mail deliveries and package deliveries; communicate with delivery companies.
• Respond off-hours to emergencies and/or alarms that need on-site attention, in collaboration with the animal care and rescue teams.
• Support company mission. 
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Five years of facilities maintenance, life support, or facilities project management experience; supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Must be able to pass DOT physical requirements and drive NA vehicles. Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to drive National Aquarium vehicles according to the NA Insured Driver Policy. 
• Proven experience working with contractors, vendors, and diverse work groups.
• Proven ability to manage asset tracking systems, budgets, and create effective building operations protocols.
• Excellent working knowledge of building operations and mechanical, plumbing, and/or life support system equipment maintenance.
• Proven understanding of mechanical and electrical best safety practices.
• Practical skills in instrumentation and electronics as it relates to aquarium systems.
• Excellent organizational, problem solving, and planning skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to perform hands-on repairs, climb stairs and ladders, detect visual and audible alarms, detect odors, and work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Demonstrated ability to uphold workplace safety standards in industrial settings and in settings located around open water.

TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Salary range ($71,000-92,399 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. The National Aquarium has hosted over 60 million guests since it opened in 1981.

Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to connect a global community of hopeful conservationists, united to restore our planet.

How to Apply

Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org or calling 410-576- 8532.