Utility Mechanic - Antarctic Support Contract

About the role

A seasonal contract position supporting the National Science Foundation's United States Antarctic Program as part of the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC). Utility mechanics carry out maintenance and repair work on construction and maintenance projects, with tasking driven by ASC schedule requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair and perform scheduled preventative maintenance on buildings, systems, equipment and infrastructure
• Overhaul facilities equipment such as heating, ventilation, cooling, refrigeration, overhead doors, hoists, compressors, pumps, kitchen/galley equipment and shop tools, and some non-facility capital assets
• Respond promptly to emergency service calls and act as first responder to trouble calls, day and night
• Perform plumbing, electrical and carpentry repairs as needed
• Help the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor and PM Foreman determine materials for inventory re-supply
• Document hours worked, tasks, materials and processes accurately, and submit required reports including quality assurance self-inspections
• Work from job plans, schematics, blueprints, wiring diagrams, vendor manuals and specifications, following SOPs
• Work outdoors in windy and extremely cold conditions, and may deploy to remote research facilities (McMurdo only)
• Comply with ASC environmental, safety, health, waste management and quality assurance requirements, and take part in community programs

Required profile

• High school diploma or GED
• Four years of facilities maintenance experience, including preventive and corrective maintenance on industrial and/or commercial facilities, with proven ability to work independently
• Intermediate computer skills with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); able to learn computer-based labour, inventory and maintenance tracking apps
• Ability to read design drawings, specifications and diagrams
• Willingness to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods, with successful medical, dental, drug screening, background checks and US citizenship for facility credentials
• Valid US driver's license and ability to lift and work in extreme cold

Required skills

• Heating and ventilation system maintenance
• LOTO procedures and confined space safety protocols
• NFPA 70E and OSHA electrical safety knowledge
• Preferred: Building Automation Systems, fuel piping, overhead garage doors, refrigeration, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and fuel oil burner maintenance, and Maximo or similar CMMS