Building Services Assistant

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Radcliffe Institute?

The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University, known colloquially as Harvard Radcliffe Institute, is one of the world’s leading centers for interdisciplinary exploration. We bring together students, scholars, artists, and practitioners to pursue curiosity-driven research, expand human understanding, and grapple with questions that demand insight from across disciplines.

The Fellowship Program annually supports the work of 50 leading artists and scholars. Academic Ventures fosters collaborative research projects and sponsors lectures and conferences that engage scholars with the public. The Schlesinger Library documents the lives of American women of the past and present for the future, furthering the Institute's commitment to women, gender, and society. The Emerging Leaders Program is a youth leadership development program partnering local high school sophomores with Harvard undergraduates in a mentoring relationship.

The Institute’s work is shaped by its history as the former Radcliffe College—a school founded to ensure that the standard of education embodied in Harvard was accessible to women, who were then excluded from the University. But the legacy of Radcliffe College is not simply coeducation at Harvard; it is the recognition that universities will always be greater when they draw wisdom and talent from the widest possible pool.

Take a look at this video to get different staff perspectives on working at Harvard Radcliffe Institute!

Job Description

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Building Operations Manager and working closely with the Building Systems Manager, the Building Services Assistant is a key member of the Facilities Management team responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all Harvard Radcliffe Institute properties. The Building Services Assistant provides hands-on building maintenance, supports day-to-day operations, and helps coordinate and document work performed by internal trades and external vendors across building systems and services.

This position is classified as essential. All essential personnel are expected to be on site during emergency situations, including but not limited to snowstorms and other severe weather, in order to help ensure the safety and continuity of building operations, building occupants, and the general public.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Helps ensure that buildings are maintained to the standards established by the Facilities Management department for all physical aspects of buildings, systems, and grounds.
• Performs routine repairs and maintenance including carpentry, painting, doors, locks, windows, MEP, furniture, equipment, and room finishes, within the skill level and scope of the position.
• Identifies issues that require specialized skills or licensed trades and coordinates repairs with outside contractors or University service providers, as directed by Facilities Management.
• Completes assigned work requests, maintenance projects, and operational assignments, documenting all activity accurately and promptly in the work order system; for work assigned to external contractors, University trades, or other service providers, assists in tracking status and following up as requested by Facilities Management to help ensure timely completion.
• Serves as an on-site point of contact for trades and contractors (including grounds, snow operations, and yard setups), providing access, basic direction on the location and timing of work, and information about building conditions; observes contractor activities to support safe work practices, adherence to instructions, and minimal disruption to building operations, and promptly reports any concerns to the supervising manager.
• Participates in and assists with periodic building inspections and walkthroughs to identify maintenance needs, document conditions, support preventative maintenance efforts, and help ensure compliance with applicable codes, safety regulations, and institutional policies, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Assists with office moves and setups, residential move-in and move-out (including inspections for maintenance repairs and monitoring movers), and event, exhibit, and special-use setups as needed.
• Regularly interacts with building occupants and responds to building-related questions, problems, and service requests; monitors and reports observable building conditions and occupant concerns (e.g., comfort complaints, unusual noises, alarms, visible leaks or damage), provides hands-on assistance within the scope of the position, enters work orders for issues requiring trades or vendors, and escalates more complex issues to the appropriate manager.
• Clearly and professionally communicates maintenance, custodial, and building-related issues in a timely manner to Facilities Management staff, vendors, and building occupants.
• Helps maintain appropriate inventory levels of supplies and materials necessary for daily operations and routine maintenance, and reports replenishment needs to the Building Operations Manager.
• Ensures that work areas, mechanical spaces, and storage areas are kept orderly, safe, and in accordance with Facilities Management standards.
• Assists with snow removal, inclement weather response, and other emergency or urgent situations as needed, under the direction of Facilities Management leadership.
• Performs other related duties as necessary, consistent with the level and scope of this position, to support the effective operation, maintenance, and stewardship of Harvard Radcliffe Institute facilities.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a variety of settings, including offices, classrooms, residential buildings, mechanical spaces, and outdoors across campus.

• Regular exposure to typical building-maintenance environments, including dust, dirt, noise, vibration, and odors from paints, solvents, cleaning agents, and other maintenance materials.

• May be exposed to caustic chemicals and cleaning materials; appropriate training and PPE are provided and required.

• Frequently required to work in areas with fluctuating or extreme temperatures (hot or cold mechanical rooms, unconditioned spaces, and outdoor locations) and under inclement weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, heat, cold).

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but can be loud at times (e.g., near mechanical equipment, power tools, or during construction activities).

• The position requires frequent interaction with building occupants, contractors, and University staff in active work environments; professionalism, safe work practices, and minimal disruption to operations are expected at all times.

• Work is typically performed Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, flexibility is required. The schedule may occasionally include work outside of core business hours to support building operations, events, residential move-in/move-out periods, and emergency situations. On campus work during severe weather or other campus emergencies may be required.

• This is an on‑site, campus‑based position and requires the incumbent to work from Cambridge, MA location daily. The role is fundamentally hands‑on and site‑based, with occasional computer‑based and desk work for training, meetings, and completion of electronic work orders and related administrative tasks, typically performed in an office setting.

Physical Requirements:

The demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently required to stand and walk for extended periods; bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb/balance on ladders and stairs in order to access work areas and equipment.

• Mobility of arms and hands to reach, lift, carry, and manipulate tools, supplies, and small components; manual dexterity to operate hand and power tools, computers, mobile devices, and other equipment.

• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push and/or pull objects in excess of 50 pounds, and to move heavier items with the aid of dollies, carts, or other mechanical assistance.

• May be required to work at heights above ground level (e.g., step ladders, extension ladders, scaffolds, high-lifts, roofs) and in confined spaces (e.g., mechanical rooms, utility chases), following all safety procedures.

• Visual acuity and hearing sufficient to safely perform maintenance tasks, read work orders, labels, gauges, and computer screens, and to detect warning signals, alarms, and unusual equipment noises.

• The position involves frequent walking between buildings and campus locations; the employee will also be required to drive between different campus sites, pick up maintenance supplies, and move materials between locations, as assigned.

• Repetitive motions associated with the use of tools, painting, light construction tasks, and data entry into the work order system may be required.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)—including, but not limited to, safety footwear, eye and hearing protection, gloves, and respiratory or fall-protection equipment—must be worn when required and in accordance with University and Facilities Management safety standards.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent, or, a minimum of 2+ years relevant work experience in building operations, construction, building trades, maintenance, or facilities management.

• Basic level of computer proficiency is required (email, word processing, spreadsheets, ability to use work management systems).

• A valid U.S. driving license is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience in building operations, construction, building trades, maintenance, or facilities management.

• Broad knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical and carpentry systems sufficient to recognize issues, perform routine tasks, and communicate effectively with trades and vendors.

• Familiarity with Building Automation Systems, including Direct Digital Controls such as Siemens and Citrix, and work management systems desirable.

• Knowledge of elevator controls, fire alarm systems, and door access and security systems is preferred.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Ability to interact diplomatically with faculty, staff, students, and other Radcliffe affiliates.

• Detail-oriented and safety-conscious, with the ability to follow verbal and written instructions and to maintain an orderly, clean, and safe work area at all times.

• Ongoing willingness to acquire new skills and utilize technology to streamline processes and assist with problem-solving.
• Good interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on experience with general building maintenance, carpentry, painting, and power/hand tools is preferred.

Additional Information

• 
  Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Employment, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record,
• Cover Letter: Please note that cover letters are required for every application for a position at the Radcliffe Institute. Please combine your cover letter and resume into a single document that is uploaded when you are instructed in the application.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.