FACILITIES SERVICES
Job Description
Campus Engineering & Operations
Facilities Operations Maintenance Specialist (FOMS) – UW Tower
Job Code: 8810 – Classified Non Union
Department Introduction:
The University of Washington’s flagship administrative facility—the UW Tower, a 22 story 510,000 square foot high-rise
located in the U-District has an outstanding opportunity for one (1) Facilities Operational Maintenance Specialist (FOMS)
to join the UW Tower Facilities Services team. The complex is home to over 60 departments and over 1,700 tenants. The
facility includes 20 conference rooms, cafeteria and an auditorium which host a wide variety of events and meetings.
Multi-tasking is the norm not the exception in this fast paced environment.
Job Purpose:
The Facilities Operations Maintenance Specialist (FOMS) provides the first-line of defense to emergency situations in the
UW Tower complex. The UW Tower FOMS provide 24 hour - 7 day-a-week coverage for the evaluation of equipment,
operational problems, and emergencies; taking appropriate action to return equipment to normal operating condition and
monitor building systems operations to ensure their normal functions. The incumbents will make permanent repairs to
operational systems as time and circumstances permit.
Duties and Responsibilities:
 Responsible for proper operation of all building systems while on shift; including (HVAC) boiler, chiller, building
controls, life-safety and auxiliary equipment
 Perform preventative maintenance, repairs and improvements to equipment and facilities
 Respond to customer requests with professionalism and competence
 Evaluate equipment operations problems and emergencies taking appropriate action to return equipment to its
normal operating condition; monitor building systems operations to ensure their normal functioning
 Respond to emergency calls and reported malfunctions on mechanical, electrical or utility systems; apply journeylevel knowledge in associated trades; work independently without on-shift supervision and exercise independent
judgment to solve problems
 Inspect and initiate corrective action on a variety of mechanical, electrical, mechanical, life-safety, and HVAC
equipment; determine need to call in and coordinate other UW support staff or vendors as necessary to resolve
emergency conditions
 Respond to building fire alarms and provide assistance to Seattle Fire Department personnel as required
 Coordinate with UW Police Department during off-hour emergencies, e.g., during fires, security threats and
disruptions of primary utility systems
 Respond to and establish alternate operating modes for, malfunction of utility systems and personnel service
systems
 Collaborate with UW Tower operations personnel and initiate operating procedures to maintain building
environmental systems and achieve optimal levels of energy consumption including initiating changes in
Automated Building Controls System
 Maintains supply inventory including equipment parts and other supplies and orders according to established
departmental procedures
 Maintain service manuals and records
 Occasionally works with high profile clients, such as University President, Board of Regents, executives, or
visiting dignitaries
 Develop and participate in equipment identification programs
 Adhere to safety rules, regulations and precautions
 May provide intermittent training to other trade and crafts workers
 This UW Tower FOMS position provides 24-hour coverage; which may involve working nights, weekends, and
holidays
 Perform other duties as assigned
 Regular and predictable attendance is required
Core Competencies:
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Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness
Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively
Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems
Be responsible and accountable
Use organizational skills and provide attention to details
Maintain a positive, optimistic and success-oriented attitude
Exercise professional demeanor, which includes being tactful and courteous
Exhibit a professional work ethic
Continuously promote a safe work environment
Required Skills, Experience and Knowledge:
 Four years of journey-level experience in one or more skilled trades, including experience in heating and airconditioning systems, mechanical, electrical and life-safety systems
 Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal
requirements, such as a license/certification/registration
 Demonstrated effective communication skills with clients, peers, supervisors, and managers
 Strong computer skills
 Have knowledge and understand of safe work practices and policies
 Must be able to wear all proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required
 Must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions and communicate in English regarding the use of
chemicals, supplies, and equipment; comply with safety policies and procedures
Desirable Skills, Experience and Knowledge:
 Journey-level experience in at least two skilled trades
 Experience working in an urban high rise building
 Experience using computerized work order and scheduling system
 Excellent HVAC skills and repair experience
 Excellent electrical repair experience and troubleshooting in a commercial high-rise setting
 Excellent plumbing skills
 Ability to work directly with high level clients such as staff for the Board of Regents, Office of the President, and
senior level management
 Must be able to obtain a City of Seattle Grade III Steam Engineer License
Conditions of Employment:
 Must be able to work overtime and cover other shifts as required
 Must be able to work in mechanical/electrical spaces, including confined spaces, and around operating equipment
such as boilers, fans, pumps, and transformers
 Must be able to climb ladders and work at heights
 Must have a demonstrated ability to work under adverse conditions and in pressure situations
 Must be able to work in a tobacco free and smoke free environment
 Must have a professional skilled trade appearance at all times
 Must be able to use effective communication skills with clients to help mitigate major facilities emergencies
 Must work extremely well in a team setting as well as working alone
 Must be able to lift 40 pounds and carry/manipulate cumbersome equipment
 Must be able to communicate effectively on portable FM radio with the Seattle Fire Department, the University
Police Department, and the Facilities Services staff
 Approved safety shoes must be provided at the employee’s expense and worn on the job
 Must be able to work outside under all weather conditions
 Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job
 Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s License
 A satisfactory outcome from a criminal background verification will be required prior to hire
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