Automation Supervisor

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

The Building Systems Supervisor is responsible for the management, programming, and maintenance of all Building Management Systems (BMS), Life Support Systems (LSS), and Limble CMMS work ticket system, including hardware and software.

This position supports HVAC, building central plant, and aquarium automation systems and works closely with stationary engineers, electricians, and aquatic biology departments on operational priorities. One Building Controls Technician reports to this position. This position reports to the Director of Life Support and Facilities.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work alongside and manage one Building Controls Technician in the maintenance of control system hardware and software. Including Building Management Systems (BMS), Aquarium Life Support Systems (LSS), CMMS databases, and other industrial hardware and software.
• Responds to after-emergencies as required for critical life support in a timely manner
• Applies depth of knowledge and best practices to automation maintenance, and project work, with vague paths to completion.
• Spearheads troubleshooting response for critical life support and central plant systems
• Organizes cross-departmental work requests and positively interfaces with the Automation team and with academy stakeholders.
• Collaborates closely with other managers within Building Operations, Exhibits, and the Aquarium.
• Works closely with the Director of Life Support and Facilities to set priorities for the department, improve processes, complete projects, and set budget goals.
• Maintains relationships with consultants, contractors, and vendors. Obtains bids and coordinates work with outside contractors.
• Support other departments with troubleshooting of cardkey access systems, security systems, landscape irrigation controls, and stand‑alone aquarium devices.
• Manage the design, installation, and commissioning of new equipment and systems, including but not limited to upgrades to existing aging systems
• Schedule and complete preventive maintenance tasks to ensure that automation systems are optimally maintained.
• Develop tools and methods for system calibration and maintenance, maintain documentation of equipment performance history & implement performance improvements.
• Conduct training of in‑house service staff, including stationary engineers and electricians on automation systems and access levels…