Maintenance Lead – Aquarium & Zoo

LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium is a premier, hands-on interactive aquatic center and ZAA-accredited facility located in Utica, Michigan. We are dedicated to educating and inspiring the public through immersive "edutainment" and unforgettable encounters with extraordinary marine life and exotic animals, including sharks, stingrays, and sloths. Providing world-class experience means maintaining a pristine, highly functional, and safe environment for our animals, our team, and our guests.

Job Overview

Are you a hands-on professional with a background in general contracting, electrical, or plumbing who enjoys solving problems and keeping facilities running efficiently?

LegaSea is seeking a dedicated Maintenance Manager to support the daily operations, maintenance, and safety of our public facility. Reporting to the General Manager, you will be the backbone of our building's operations. This role is responsible for executing hands-on repairs, coordinating preventative maintenance schedules, overseeing the custodial team, and managing specialized vendors. If you are organized, dependable, and passionate about applying your trades skills to support a mission-driven zoological organization, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

Building Maintenance (Hands-On)

• Perform hands-on building repairs and general contracting duties, including electrical troubleshooting, plumbing maintenance (PVC, fixture repairs, and assist in upkeep and repair of aquatic systems as needed), drywall, painting, and carpentry.
• Identify facility and structural issues proactively before they become major problems.
• Assist with seasonal building maintenance and exterior property upkeep.

Facilities Coordination & Vendor Management

• Coordinate day-to-day facility operations and respond to maintenance requests in a timely manner.
• Manage, train, and oversee the in-house custodial team to ensure the facility remains clean, organized, and welcoming.
• Coordinate specialized vendors and outside contractors (e.g., specialized HVAC, major electrical or structural contractors), tracking their work orders and ensuring projects meet organizational expectations.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Conduct routine facility inspections to identify maintenance concerns, safety hazards, and areas requiring immediate repair.
• Ensure all maintenance complies with local building codes, environmental regulations, and zoological safety standards.

Inventory & Administrative Support

• Maintain comprehensive inventory of maintenance supplies, tools, cleaning products, office furniture, and facility equipment.
• Coordinate the ordering, receiving, and organization of all facility supplies, assisting with equipment replacement strategies.
• Maintain digital maintenance logs, inspection reports, repair documentation, and compliance records using Google Sheets and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a Maintenance Technician, Facilities Coordinator, General Contractor, or in a related facilities management role.
• Trade Skills: Demonstrable hands-on experience with general contracting tasks, specifically minor electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry.
• Leadership: Prior management or supervisory experience is required (to effectively manage the custodial staff and outside vendors).
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Sheets for tracking preventative maintenance and budgets.
• Communication: Strong observational, organizational, and communication skills to collaborate effectively with the Management team.
• Requirements: Valid and unrestricted Michigan Driver's License with proof of insurance and reliable transportation.
• Flexibility: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support facility emergencies or projects outside of public hours.

Benefits & Perks

• 401(k) with 401(k) matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee discounts on zoo admission, merchandise, and concessions

Ability to Commute:

• Utica, MI 48317 (Required)

Work Location: In person