Building Engineer

The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

The Building Engineer is the team’s day-to-day technical specialist for operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the Walker’s building systems. The Building Engineer works closely with the Manager and assists with general facilities needs.

• Operate, inspect, monitor, and optimize HVAC, BAS/EMS, boilers, chillers, pumps, fans, compressors, generators, water treatment, plumbing, lighting, electrical components, and related building equipment within qualifications and authority.
• Review alarms, trends, logs, and physical conditions; respond promptly to abnormal conditions and communicate risks, temporary measures, service impacts, and follow-up needs to the Manager.
• Maintain appropriate temperature, humidity, air quality, and system performance in coordination with museum requirements and authorized setpoints.

• Lead assigned preventive and corrective maintenance; troubleshoot failures, perform safe repairs and adjustments, and return equipment to documented operating condition.
• Create and update job plans, inspection routes, equipment histories, readings, parts needs, and closeout notes in the work-order system.
• Identify deterioration and reliability risks early; recommend repair, replacement, controls, efficiency, or capital solutions with clear urgency and operational impact.

• Develop or review technical scopes and estimates; coordinate access, shutdowns, lockout/tagout, permits, testing, and site conditions for engineering vendors as assigned.
• Observe contractor work, verify technical completion and system operation, document deficiencies, and obtain manuals, test reports, warranties, and parts information before closeout.

• Follow safety, chemical handling, environmental, emergency, and access-control procedures; maintain clean, secure mechanical rooms and shops.
• Respond to work orders and urgent conditions; assist with general maintenance and facilities work when technical priorities permit.
• Participate in cross-training, seasonal preparation, emergency drills, after-hours coverage, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements

• Demonstrated experience maintaining and troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, plumbing, controls, and building automation systems in a commercial or institutional facility.
• Working knowledge of boilers, chillers, HVAC, pumps, fans, water treatment, electrical components, plumbing, and safe use of tools and test equipment.
• Ability to read plans, schematics, manuals, control sequences, and work orders; document readings, work performed, parts, and follow-up needs.
• Required Minnesota boiler operator license level and valid driver’s license as established by Walker and applicable law.
• Ability to prioritize independently, communicate clearly, work collaboratively, and provide calm customer service under pressure.

Preferred Skills

• Technical/vocational education or apprenticeship in building engineering, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, controls, stationary engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with BAS trending, energy optimization, computerized maintenance management systems, museum environmental requirements, and vendor oversight.
• Additional relevant trade licenses or certifications.

• Schedule…