Job Description

Posting number: 2026-0045-WPES

Department: Waste Prevention and Environmental Services

Job classification: Facilities Maintenance Specialist

Posting type: Open (external and internal)

Categories: Community Services, Environmental Services, Trades, Waste Management, Safety, Maintenance, Construction Trades

Summary

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Waste Prevention & Environmental Services (WPES) department is looking for a Facilities Maintenance Specialist to help support operations within the garbage and recycling operations within Metro. As the regional solid waste authority, Metro oversees solid waste management – commonly known as garbage and recycling – generated in the region. This includes a growing portfolio of four different operational sites across the region including two garbage and recycling transfer stations and household hazardous waste facilities, St. John’s landfill, and a deployment center that houses our community clean-up service teams (RID). This position will be one of the maintenance teams that support these facilities. This position’s primary responsibility will be at the Metro South Transfer Station, but work could be assigned at our other sites as needed.

As the Facilities Maintenance Specialist, you will

• Perform maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance on facilities, building systems, grounds, infrastructure, and equipment, including HVAC, fire suppression and alarm systems, electrical, plumbing, phones, lighting, building management system controls, elevators, security access and CCTV systems, commercial kitchen equipment, furniture, fixtures, office equipment, automatic doors and gates, building facades, roofs, landscaping, and related assets.
• Perform maintenance unique to transfer station, landfill, and hazardous waste operations, including but not limited to heavy equipment, stationary industrial equipment, manufacturing equipment, hydraulic systems, and other specialized transfer station systems, as well as perform hydraulic oil sampling, filter changes, compressor troubleshooting, water quality treatment system maintenance, equipment cleaning, welding, and fabrication.
• Oversee and perform maintenance projects, repairs, facility improvements, emergency response activities, and weather-related operations; assess maintenance needs, identify appropriate repair strategies, and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform skilled maintenance work including carpentry, painting, welding, fabrication, locksmithing, bollard installation, equipment repair/servicing, and operation of building controls and maintenance-related software systems.
• Serve in a lead capacity by assigning, coordinating, prioritizing, and monitoring maintenance work; provide training, technical guidance, and support to Facilities Maintenance Technicians and Facilities Maintenance Workers; monitor work assignments for quality and completeness; provide corrective guidance as needed; and communicate operational and performance concerns to management.
• Develop maintenance schedules, work plans, preventive maintenance programs, and repair priorities to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of facilities, grounds, infrastructure, and equipment.
• Oversee and perform maintenance projects, repairs, facility improvements, emergency response activities, and weather-related operations; assess maintenance needs, identify appropriate repair strategies, recommend corrective actions, coordinate internal and contracted resources, monitor work quality, and ensure maintenance activities are completed safely and effectively.
• Assess maintenance and operational issues, determine appropriate repair strategies,
• Coordinate, direct, and oversee contractors, vendors, and service providers performing maintenance, repair, construction, landscaping, electrical work, HVAC repairs, fire suppression system repairs, telephone system repairs, equipment service, and facility improvement projects; assist with contractor selection, scope development, procurement activities, scheduling, and quality assurance.
• Troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and coordinate repairs to mechanical systems and operational assets, including vehicles, SSI industrial compactors, forklifts, skid steers, excavators, dozers, front end bucket loaders, terminal tractors, walking floor semi-trailers, golf carts, pressure washers, generators, air compressors, fire suppression systems, radiation monitoring equipment, pumps, motors, bearings, fans, hydraulic systems, and other facility and operational equipment.
• Respond to maintenance requests and operational needs, including office moves, workstation moves, furniture installation, event setup and teardown, material handling, deliveries, and facility support services.
• Coordinate the purchase, inventory, storage, maintenance, and replacement of maintenance supplies, tools, parts, equipment, and materials; maintain records, work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, as-built drawings, operations manuals, procedures, and maintenance documentation.
• Properly handle, store, and dispose of chemicals, fluids, hazardous materials, waste products, equipment, and packaging in accordance with applicable requirements and safety procedures.
• Provide general customer service; respond to inquiries, concerns, and complaints regarding facilities and services; build collaborative working relationships with staff, contractors, vendors, and other Metro employees; work collaboratively across departments to resolve maintenance issues and support facility improvement projects; and participate in meetings and committees as appropriate.
• Maintain records, documentation, scopes of work, drawings, and other materials associated with facility, infrastructure, and equipment improvement projects.
• Exercise sound judgment, and maintain discretion when handling confidential, sensitive, or operationally sensitive information; respond to urgent maintenance issues, equipment failures, facility emergencies, severe weather events, floods, power outages, and other operational disruptions; serve as essential personnel and report to work during emergency events and facility closures when required.

Attributes for success

• Knowledge of basic carpentry skills and ability to operate hand tools.
• Knowledge of basic safety and fire codes related to room setup.
• Knowledge of electricity, landscaping, building maintenance and mechanics.
• Knowledge of standard maintenance practices, procedures and techniques.
• Skill in performing a variety of tasks involving lifting and moving heavy objects.
• Skill in word processing, spreadsheet and email applications, preferably within the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to respond to customer inquiries in an accurate, responsive manner.
• Ability to be detail-oriented and flexible, managing multiple tasks and shifting priorities, working under pressure and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, be self-directed and work as a member of a team.
• Ability to maintain accurate records of building operations activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, the general public, and other Metro staff.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions at a level sufficient to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to understand and calculate basic arithmetic.
• Ability to safely perform (with or without a reasonable accommodation) the physical demands in the work environment and operate the tools and equipment.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to perform customer service and respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of our work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D. and,
• Three years of experience working in facilities or a related field and,
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to be insured by Metro’s insurance carrier or,
• Any combination of experience, education and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential job duties.

Required qualifications

• Obtain within 60 days of starting work:
• Blood Borne Pathogen Training and,
• Emergency and Safety Procedures Training and,
• HAZMAT Awareness Level Training.
• Medical clearance to wear a half-face welding respirator.

Working Conditions

• This is a highly physical position with potential exposure to chemicals, odors, dust, fluids, biohazardous waste, and noise; may include limited exposure to contaminated areas, enclosed spaces, working at heights, indoor and outdoor locations under inclement weather, and other adverse conditions.
• This position frequently requires the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. without assistance; occasionally up to 100 lbs. in cooperation with a second person.
• As necessary to meet workload demands, work outside of typical schedule including evening/weekend hours. Work may require travel to off-site locations.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Experience leading, coordinating, assigning, or training maintenance staff.
• Experience planning and prioritizing maintenance work in an industrial, public works, manufacturing, recycling, or solid waste environment.
• Experience developing scopes of work and coordinating maintenance or repair contractors.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting hydraulic systems and industrial equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing conveyors, loaders, dozers, track loaders, or similar equipment.
• Welding and metal fabrication experience.
• Experience with HVAC systems, building automation systems, and mechanical building systems.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) such as Asset Essentials, Fleetio, VisionLink, or similar software.
• Experience reading and interpreting construction drawings, equipment schematics, technical manuals, and as-built documents.
• Experience supporting facility improvement, infrastructure, or capital maintenance projects.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application
• Responses to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments
• Reference check
• Driving records check for finalist candidate

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $35.43 to step 7: $47.52. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $35.43 to the equity range step 4: $41.02.

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by AFSCME 3580. It is classified as a Facilities Maintenance Specialist position. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Carrie Gundermann

Email: carrie.gundermann@oregonmetro.gov

Supplemental information

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Non-discrimination in hiring decisions

Metro is committed to equal employment opportunity and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws. Metro employment decisions – including recruitment, screening, interviewing, selection, promotion, compensation, and separation – must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected class.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page.

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Metro

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.