Employment

Working at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

Set on the edge of the picturesque Yaquina Bay, the Oregon Coast Aquarium provides a variety of employment opportunities for people of all backgrounds and skill sets. From customer service to educational outreach to animal husbandry, the field of marine conservation is both exciting and essential. We exist to impart the public with knowledge and experiences to value healthy oceans and act responsibly and respectfully toward this end. And we have an unwavering commitment to the best care of the animals we are entrusted to. Every position is important at the Aquarium. Key values for our staff to embrace and be successful are teamwork, open and clear communication with each other, and outstanding customer service for the public that visits us. We encourage creativity and innovation. We welcome you to contact us about employment opportunities!

Employment Benefits

The Aquarium offers competitive pay, an excellent benefits package, and the chance to work in a beautiful natural setting surrounded by dedicated and caring coworkers. The Aquarium offers equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age (where the individual is 18 years or older), marital status, family relationship, disability, veteran, or any other protected status.

How to Apply for a Position

Job positions that are currently open will be listed below. Each position may have slightly different requirements for the applicant, so we encourage you to review the job description carefully before submitting any materials.

All available positions are below. All applicants should email a resume and cover letter to [email protected] to apply. Salary information available upon request.

Job Opportunities

Please email a Resume and Cover Letter to: [email protected]

Candidate screening will begin as early as November 4th and the hiring authority may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time after. This position is open until filled.

This full time, permanent position offers competitive benefits including fully covered medical, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance. The Aquarium additionally offers a 403b matching retirement account, 16 vacation days, 9 holidays, paid sick time, and an Employee Assistance Program.

 

POSITION TITLE: Director of Facilities

REPORTS TO: President/CEO

JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Facilities supervises and is responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of all buildings, grounds and custodial areas of the Aquarium – which includes the Maintenance, Custodial, and Grounds Departments. Serves as a member of the senior management team.

 

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performance will be up to standard when the following key result area needs are met in a professional and proactive manner.  Timeliness in execution, attention to detail, thoroughness, and positive energy should be clearly displayed.  This position is responsible for all aspects of the Aquarium facility, engineering, and coordination with on-site agencies prior to and during ongoing construction, implementation of approved projects and supervision of grounds, maintenance, custodial and operation staff.  The Director of Facilities is key to maintaining a modern, effective infrastructure in coordination with diverse entities to achieve the Aquarium’s objectives. This position is responsible for operational facility related issues and will serve on committees or work independently to make decisions for the best outcome for the Aquarium.

 

POSITION DUTIES and REQUIREMENTS 

The Director of Facilities will be responsible for the implementation of facility projects that are identified by the President and Board of Directors.  This position will be involved in the planning and design also.  The Director will be required to be current on all building and planning regulations and codes in addition to contractual and financial guidelines and industry standards and decisions regarding safety and environmental security, including earthquake and tsunami preparedness that will impact the Aquarium, its visitors, volunteers and employees.

  • Demonstrates an understanding of the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Oregon as a community and the greater Aquarium industry.
  • Work as a part of a team to develop strategies and policies for the Aquarium, focusing on the areas of facilities, grounds, custodial and operations– keeping the President appraised of status of various projects, issues and developments.
  • Submits progress reports, and meets with the President as required.
  • Participates in the development of new exhibits as a member of the Exhibits and Facilities committees. Oversees the construction and repair of all exhibits.
  • Prepares tracks and monitor Facility Department budgets.
  • Supervises and participates in the hiring, training, scheduling, supervision and performance of all facilities (maintenance, grounds, and custodial) staff.
  • Oversees new construction.
  • Prepare written reports outlining project, goals and cost estimates.
  • Investigate facility’s needs, analyze, recommend and implement solutions.
  • Consult with other professionals when required, on design questions or specific engineering problems and principals specific to Aquarium needs.
  • Oversee construction projects, both in-house and contracted from conception to completion.
  • Consult with contractors and vendors to coordinate timely work schedules and the oversight of materials being used.
  • Ensure that all federal and state building codes are being met involving any facility related projects.
  • Assesses physical conditions, develops plans, monitors and oversees the implementation to completion of projects for maintenance, grounds, custodial and operations departments.
  • Responsible for record keeping and report systems in the Facilities Department.
  • Approves all expenditures related to the Facilities Department.
  • Promotes the safety and training for applicable staff on proper operation of all facility related tools and equipment.
  • Serves on the Aquarium’s safety committee.
  • The above accountabilities represent work performed by this position and are not all-inclusive.  The omission of a specific accountability will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical extension of the position

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position supervises Maintenance, Custodial, and Grounds Departments.

 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED (Minimum)
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a pertinent field of Engineering, or other closely related field – OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of four years’ experience in the supervision of building or construction projects – including formulation of project specifications, soliciting bids, monitoring work and budgets for the projects.
  • Minimum of four years’ experience operating and providing maintenance to an industrial plant or commercial facility.
  • Proven knowledge of building construction, carpentry, plumbing and electrical and other maintenance skills. Specialized training or certification in these areas is preferred.
  • Proven knowledge of building codes and engineering practices in all aspects of construction.
  • Experience maintaining HVAC systems and specialized equipment such as chillers.
  • Goal oriented and close attention to detail.
  • Must be able to use word processing and spreadsheet programs.
  • Must be able to work outside in varying degrees of weather conditions. Climb stairs, ladders and the use scaffolding is a requirement.  Must be able to work in confined spaces such as tunnels and tanks.  Successful candidate have or be able to obtain a confined space supervisor certification within six months of the date of their employment.
  • Experience with OR-OSHA Division II General Occupational Safety and Health Rules.
  • Experience in inspecting ladders, power tools and other maintenance related equipment for safety.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license upon starting employment at the Aquarium.

Intern Opportunities

We do not currently offer internships at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Consider checking above for seasonal work opportunities, or joining our team of volunteers.

Volunteer Opportunities

For information and updates about openings, visit our volunteer page.