Back to jobs
New

Operating Engineer

New York, NY

About The Shed

The Shed is a cultural institution of and for the 21st century. We produce and welcome innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, to build a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. In our highly adaptable building on Manhattan’s west side, The Shed brings together established and emerging artists to create new work in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. We seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural peers and community organizations, work with like-minded partners, and provide unique spaces for private events. As an independent non-profit that values invention, equity, and generosity, we are committed to advancing art forms, addressing the urgent issues of our time, and making our work impactful, sustainable, and relevant to the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond.

Job Description 

The Operating Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring The Shed’s facility operates safely, efficiently, and continuously. This role is responsible for the operation, monitoring, maintenance, and repair of all major building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and The Shed’s unique kinetic infrastructure. You’ll be part of a team that keeps a one-of-a-kind building running 24/7, 365 days a year, supporting both daily operations and high-impact artistic programming. This role reports to the Lead Engineer and Director of Facilities & Engineering.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Building Operations & Maintenance

  • Operate, monitor, and maintain HVAC systems, including chillers (air and water-cooled), DX units, pumps, fan coils, VAV systems, and air distribution systems
  • Maintain and support electrical distribution systems, subpanels, and PLC controls
  • Perform preventive maintenance across mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and kinetic systems (operable doors, façade, shades)
  • Monitor building systems via the Building Management System (BMS) and adjust for optimal performance and occupant comfort

Inspections, Monitoring & Documentation

  • Conduct routine building rounds and log system performance using the Log Check system
  • Record daily readings for HVAC, domestic hot water, humidification, and other critical systems
  • Maintain accurate shift logs and communicate updates across engineering staff

Repairs & Troubleshooting

  • Diagnose and respond to equipment issues and system failures in real time
  • Execute work orders, emergency repairs, and preventive maintenance tasks
  • Monitor field conditions and proactively address potential issues

Collaboration & Communication

  • Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and internal teams as needed
  • Communicate clearly with Lead Engineers and team members across shifts
  • Support a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence

Emergency Response

  • Respond to building emergencies (e.g., fire, system failures, evacuations)
  • Ensure all incidents are properly documented and escalated 

What Makes You a Strong Fit

  • Hands-on experience with complex building systems in a commercial, cultural, or institutional environment
  • Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical systems, and building automation systems
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints
  • Comfortable working independently and making real-time operational decisions
  • Detail-oriented with strong communication skills

Qualifications and Qualities

  • High school diploma or GED required; trade school or apprenticeship program preferred
  • Minimum of five years of relevant experience in building operations/engineering
  • Experience with building automation systems (BMS/BAS) required
  • Basic proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Gmail)

Union Status

  • This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and is represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 94.
  • All terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, scheduling, and working conditions, are governed by the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Licenses & Certifications

  • Q01 or Q99 Refrigeration Engineer license
  • EPA Section 608 Universal Certification
  • Per the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement, new hires must obtain at least five (5) FDNY Certificates of Fitness within two (2) years if not already held:
    • A35 – Air Compressors
    • F01 – Fire Guard (Impairment)
    • F60 – Fire Guard (Torch Operations)
    • G60 – Torch Use of Flammable Gases
    • S12 – Sprinkler Systems
    • S13 – Standpipe Systems

Physical & Scheduling Requirements

  • Ability to inspect equipment in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and confined spaces
  • Ability to climb ladders, lift heavy materials, and perform physically demanding tasks
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed
  • On-call availability and ability to respond to emergencies
  • May work independently during certain shifts

Schedule

This role includes a mix of day and overnight shifts and requires flexibility to support 24/7 building operations.

  • Monday: 2:00 PM – 10:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 10:00 PM – Thursday 6:00 am
  • Thursday: 10:00 PM – Friday 6:00 am
  • Friday: 10:00 PM – Saturday 6:00 am
  • Sunday: 2:00 PM – 10:00 pm
  • Days Off: Tuesday and Saturday

Compensation

This is a union position represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 94. In accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the hourly rate for this position's salary range is $47.71 to  $53.01. Additional compensation, including overtime, shift differentials, and benefits, is provided in accordance with the CBA.

Application Process

Interested candidates should complete an application and submit résumé and cover letter in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate's first and last name through our Career Center page. Only résumés and cover letters submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.

The Shed is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, transgender, and nonbinary candidates. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the arts field are strongly encouraged to apply. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar

Application Process

Interested candidates should complete an application and submit a résumé and cover letter in a Word or PDF document saved as the candidate's first and last name through our Career Center. Only résumés and cover letters submitted in this format will be reviewed. 

The Shed is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, transgender, and nonbinary candidates. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the arts field are strongly encouraged to apply. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

Create a Job Alert

Interested in building your career at The Shed? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in The Shed’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Select...
Select...
Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.