About the position

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. Components of the new guest experience will include a state-of-the-art pavilion entrance, auditorium, iconic photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and exciting new event space. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard. To provide support to the Shift Leader in the operation and maintenance of the facility during the assigned shift. While the Shift Leader is on duty, this position will supervise, instruct, and over see the maintenance mechanics and maintenance program. This person will act as Shift Leader whenever the Shift Leader is off site, and perform the duties as such. This shift handles demands for all after hours functions of the Society. This includes temperature, lighting, power, or any other requirement the function may have. The Operating Engineer will be required to know all building systems, hours of operation and areas served by the various systems. This position is considered essential. Essential personnel is described in Section 5 of this document. This position will require working overtime on occasions during the year, at times providing coverage for other shifts. We are seeking a team member who values interoperability and is ready to jump in and support colleagues across different projects when needed. At the Museum of Exploration, we believe that our greatest successes come from shared expertise and a willingness to step outside of a single role. This isn't just a part of the job; it's a core aspect of how we operate and collaborate, reflecting the spirit of partnership that defines National Geographic's culture.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and provide technical and / or physical assistance with the shifts scheduled preventive maintenance program to ensure timely completion and professional quality workmanship. (40%)
• Operate and / or monitor the buildings mechanical, electrical and life safety systems during the assigned shift and maintain a written account of the shifts activities when the Shift Leader is off-site. (40%)
• Perform testing, operations and maintenance of mechanical and life safety systems as required by law or manufactures recommendations. (5%)
• Perform water treatment and analysis of systems assigned to shift, keeping a written log of test results, adding treatment, maintaining treatment systems and recommending any improvements needed. (5%)
• Administrative duties including: Reviewing operations manuals, maintenance records, OEM specifications on equipment, research and recommend techniques and / or operational improvements to reduce energy usage, perform inspections of mechanical and engineering spaces assigned to the shift to ensure proper housekeeping is being maintained and time card management. (10%)

Requirements

• A high school graduate with continuing education in the Mechanical Engineering field.
• Must have a minimum of 4+ years of hands on experience in the engineering field and at least 2+ years of management experience.
• Person must have a 3rd class District of Columbia Steam Operators license and CFC Certification.
• 24 hours of continuing education per year will also be required.
• Person must have extensive practical experience in the areas of water treatment, low pressure steam boiler operation and maintenance, operation of centrifugal chillers, package AC systems, fan coil units, VAV systems, air balance techniques, VFD's, refrigeration systems, fire alarm and fire suppression systems, energy management systems, commercial food service equipment, standard office PC's, Computer programs and all other systems required for providing a first class working environment in our class A office complex.
• Person must also have good oral and written communication skills.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• engaging and comprehensive wellness program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
• flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave
• 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.)
• paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits
• learning and development opportunities
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• pet adoption assistance and insurance
• pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
• employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
• a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks