Facilities Maintenance Supervisor (#1924)

Job Description

Job Description

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a unique facility located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD, dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Established in response to biodefense gaps identified after the Amerithrax attacks of 2001, NBACC has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006.

NBACC supports DHS and national biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization, and bioforensic analyses. It addresses critical scientific knowledge gaps regarding biological agents to protect the public and defend the nation against biological threats - whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate. NBACC also provides federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and the protection of the U.S. bioeconomy.

NBACC is comprised of two centers:

• National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC) : Conducts technical analyses to support federal law enforcement investigations.
• National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC) : Conducts experiments and studies to gather data for understanding biological vulnerabilities and hazards.

Together, these centers serve as a national resource for assessing risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies, informing biodefense policy and response planning, and supporting the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees and supervises Facility Maintenance Specialist (FMS) staff performing maintenance and repair of facility infrastructure, ensuring proper operation and compliance with biocontainment and critical infrastructure requirements; provides technical guidance to staff as needed. 
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, contractors, consultants, vendors, and both internal and external customers.
• Provides direct supervision to maintenance personnel, including assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and ensuring adherence to safety, operational, and customer service standards.
• Fosters a positive and collaborative team environment by mentoring staff, conducting regular performance evaluations, and developing growth plans to enhance technical skills and leadership potential.
• Works collaboratively with the Facilities Systems Supervisor to manage staff tasking ensuring maintenance operations are planned, performed and completed in a timely manner maintaining continuous facility operations.
• Acts as the primary point of contact for facility users, ensuring maintenance services are delivered promptly, professionally, and with a customer-focused approach.
• Maintains knowledge of pertinent regulations and institutional policies, including biosafety, biosecurity, and laboratory safety requirements, as well as relevant guidance such as the current edition of the BMBL.
• Under the general direction of senior leadership, develops and implements maintenance schedules to ensure the continuous operation of critical systems, minimizing disruptions to facility operations.
• Ensures all maintenance activities comply with regulatory, safety, and biosafety standards; supervises adherence to protocols and procedures, with periodic oversight from senior leadership.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvements in maintenance operations and implements best practices to enhance facility reliability and efficiency, with periodic review and input from senior leadership.
• Fosters a work environment which encourages staff participation, supports a robust safety culture, and promotes a strong, service‑oriented approach to supporting researchers. Ensures Facility Maintenance staff provide a consistent level of service and maintain a “questioning” attitude toward activities that may impact safety, compliance, or space readiness.
• Ensures clear and effective communication with stakeholders, including researchers, senior management, and cross-functional teams.
• Works closely with senior management, researchers, and other stakeholders to ensure that maintenance operations remain aligned with leadership direction, goals, and priorities.
• Manages service subcontracts and major purchases in support of facility maintenance operations.
• Exhibits teamwork, clear communication, openness to ideas, and patience with colleagues.
• Demonstrates the ability to multitask, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks in a complex, high containment environment.
• Is a self-starter driven by an eagerness to succeed, maintaining flexibility, adapting to change productively, learning new concepts, and using critical thinking to resolve complex technical problems.
• Maintains appropriate records.
• Performs other duties as assigned/authorized.

• High school diploma or equivalent; advanced technical training, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in facility maintenance, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, or facility management) are highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and general building maintenance, as well as experience in at least some of these areas, particularly in critical infrastructure or biocontainment facilities.
• Familiarity with regulatory and safety standards applicable to critical infrastructure and biological research facilities, including biosafety protocols.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to motivate, mentor, and manage a diverse team, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Strong customer service orientation, with the ability to build positive relationships with facility users and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and effectively.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Commitment to ethical leadership practices, transparency, and maintaining high standards of professional conduct.
• Demonstrates ability to create an environment where team members feel confident sharing ideas, providing constructive feedback, and raising concerns without fear of judgment or negative repercussions, ultimately enhancing collaboration, innovation, and team cohesion.
• Proficiency in common office productivity software (e.g. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Proficiency in using Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAMS) and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Must have the ability to interpret engineering drawings, codes, and related technical materials.
• Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC’s management system (e.g., ISO).

SECURITY/ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a U.S. citizen, able to obtain and maintain an interim secret clearance leading to a top-secret clearance and suitability for DHS.
• Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program, and/or enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) is required.
• May be required to participate in NBACC’s alternative work schedule and/or on-call schedule, depending on business needs.