Job Application for Automation Supervisor at California Academy of Sciences

About the California Academy of Sciences

Founded in 1853, the California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned, AZA-accredited non-profit scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, rainforest, research institute, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our living collection reflects Earth’s vast biodiversity, consisting of nearly 60,000 animals representing over 800 species. Our research collections are the largest west of the Mississippi, spanning nearly 46 million plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. Our diverse team includes leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who are passionate about advancing knowledge and catalyzing action through science and storytelling.

Whether you're conducting research behind the scenes or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

The Building Systems Supervisor is responsible for the management, programming, and maintenance of all Building Management Systems (BMS), Life Support Systems (LSS), and Limble CMMS work ticket system, including hardware and software.

This position supports HVAC, building central plant, and aquarium automation systems and works closely with stationary engineers, electricians, and aquatic biology departments on operational priorities. One Building Controls Technician reports to this position. This position reports to the Director of Life Support and Facilities.

Organizational Culture

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation, and celebrates its accomplishments together. Staff share a commitment to executing a new strategic plan that will strengthen the organization's financial foundations, cultivate a vibrant internal culture, and foster smart growth to secure the Academy’s future.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are motivated to contribute to our mission. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. The specific onsite/hybrid schedule for this position is listed below.

Key Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work alongside and manage one Building Controls Technician in the maintenance of control system hardware and software. Including Building Management Systems (BMS), Aquarium Life Support Systems (LSS), CMMS databases, and other industrial hardware and software.
Responds to after-emergencies as required for critical life support in a timely manner
Applies depth of knowledge and best practices to automation maintenance, and project work, with vague paths to completion.
Spearheads troubleshooting response for critical life support and central plant systems
Organizes cross-departmental work requests and positively interfaces with the Automation team and with academy stakeholders.
Collaborates closely with other managers within Building Operations, Exhibits, and the Aquarium.
Works closely with the Director of Life Support and Facilities to set priorities for the department, improve processes, complete projects, and set budget goals.
Maintains relationships with consultants, contractors, and vendors. Obtains bids and coordinates work with outside contractors.
Support other departments with troubleshooting of cardkey access systems, security systems, landscape irrigation controls, and stand-alone aquarium devices.
Manage the design, installation, and commissioning of new equipment and systems, including but not limited to upgrades to existing aging systems
Schedule and complete preventive maintenance tasks to ensure that automation systems are optimally maintained.
Develop tools and methods for system calibration and maintenance, maintain documentation of equipment performance history & implement performance improvements.
Conduct training of in-house service staff, including stationary engineers and electricians on automation systems and access levels as needed.
Follow all Academy safety procedures and maintain a safe and clean work environment

Qualifications: A successful candidate will have the following:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

A qualified candidate will have a combination of the following experience and/or equivalent education:

A technical degree in electrical, electronic, or mechanical engineering or related, or equivalent work experience.
Three (3) years of hands-on experience with building control systems, automation systems management, and programming, including installations and maintenance.
At least (3) three years managing technical projects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Design-level understanding of Direct Digital Controls (DDC), automation programming and coding, ideally in Siemens Insight/Apogee PPCL and IEC61131-3 Structured Text.
Functional understanding of computer networking and communication protocols (Ethernet, BACnet, Modbus, RS-485).
Familiarization with Siemens Desigo BAS and RCK Controls LSS platforms is a plus
Installation, maintenance, and programming of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), specifically ABB and Schneider models.
Experience creating electrical diagrams in AutoCAD is a plus.
Experience in the operation of commercial HVAC and central plant systems and their sequences of operations.
Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Fundamental understanding of low voltage electrical controls wiring best practices. Electrical regulations and code compliance familiarity are a plus.
Ability to work independently, think on their feet, and solve challenging problems.
Solid technical support skills working in a multi-user environment.
Candidate must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Self-starter willing to accept responsibility and drive projects forward.
Ability to respond to critical situations on-site within a set time frame after hours and holidays.
Valid California Driver’s License and good driving record.
Must be able to travel, work weekends/holidays, and evenings as needed.

Physical Environment:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Compensation and Benefits:
The hourly range for this position is $48.08 - $55.28. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications and aligned with the internal peer group. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours per week, on site

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and application through our Careers Page portal.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).

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Additional Comments

Can you describe your direct, hands-on experience working with building automation or life support control systems? Which platforms have you programmed, maintained, or installed?

What types of automation programming languages or DDC systems have you used in previous roles, and what kinds of projects or troubleshooting did you perform with them?

In your past roles, what was your involvement with HVAC or central plant systems—particularly around automation, sequences of operation, or system-level troubleshooting?

Tell me about a technical project you managed involving new controls equipment, system upgrades, or automation installation. What was your role, and what systems were involved?

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Automation Supervisor

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