Technical Operations Specialist

Job Description

Job DescriptionTechnical Operations Specialist Time: Full-TimeLocation: Minneapolis, MN, On-site #LI-OnsiteApplication Deadline: 2/23/26
About Spark-YSpark-Y is a youth empowerment nonprofit that provides access and opportunity to youth through hands-on education, projects, and employment rooted in sustainability and entrepreneurship. Since 2013, over 13,000 youth have participated in our award-winning programs, sparking personal and professional development, and collective care for the Earth we all share.Learn more at Spark-y.org
Position DescriptionAre you someone who loves figuring out how things work, building solutions with your hands, and sharing your technical expertise with others? As Technical Operations Specialist, you will be the essential hands-on expert who transforms Spark-Y's vision into tangible, working projects and maintains the systems, tools, and spaces that make our mission possible.
You will activate hands-on builds with youth, maintain equipment and facilities, ensure safety protocols are followed, troubleshoot systems, manage our product offerings, and provide technical guidance across our sustainable community projects—from timber-frame construction to urban agriculture systems to makerspace activation. This role reports to the Operations department lead and serves as Spark-Y's go-to technical problem-solver and safety champion.
This full-time position offers the opportunity to use your skills daily, mentor youth in real-world technical work, and take pride in maintaining the operational backbone that enables our programs to thrive.
Key ResponsibilitiesHands-On Project Activation & Builds

• Lead hands-on build projects and provide technical mentorship to youth in apprenticeships, summer internships, and classroom programs
• Facilitate sustainable community projects including urban agriculture installations, timber-frame construction, stormwater management systems, and STEAM builds
• Prepare materials, tools, and workspaces for project execution
• Ensure quality standards are met for all completed projects and installations

Safety & Training

• Develop and deliver safety training for staff and youth participants on tool use, PPE, and worksite protocols
• Maintain safety documentation and follow incident reporting protocols
• Conduct regular safety inspections of equipment, workspaces, and project sites
• Serve as the organization's safety point person and champion a culture of safe practices
• Work alongside HR staff to ensure compliance with OSHA and relevant safety standards

Equipment & Facilities Management

• Maintain and repair tools, equipment, and machinery used across programs (power tools, hand tools, makerspace equipment, urban ag systems)
• Oversee preventive maintenance schedules and inventory tracking for equipment
• Manage workspace organization including makerspace, shop areas, and storage facilities
• Coordinate with vendors for specialized repairs or equipment needs
• Ensure facilities are prepared and functional for program activities

Fleet & Vehicle Maintenance

• Coordinate routine maintenance on organizational vehicles and trailers
• Coordinate service appointments and maintain vehicle maintenance logs
• Ensure vehicles are stocked, clean, and operationally ready for program needs
• Track mileage and coordinate vehicle use scheduling

Product Activation & Client Support

• Activate and deliver products from Spark-Y's service menu (STEAM kits, urban ag systems, sustainable builds)
• Ensure product quality before delivery and and provide technical support to school and community partners for installed systems (in-person and virtual troubleshooting)
• Support client onboarding with technical training on system use and maintenance
• Respond to client questions and troubleshoot issues with installations or products

Systems & Technical Problem-Solving

• Diagnose and repair technical issues while identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency
• Collaborate with program staff to solve project-specific technical challenges
• Document technical processes and create reference materials for common repairs/maintenance

Essential Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training, certifications, or apprenticeships preferred
• 1-3 years of hands-on technical work experience (construction, facilities maintenance, manufacturing, or related fields)
• Demonstrated proficiency with power tools, hand tools, and basic machinery
• Experience with building, construction, or fabrication projects
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to safety protocols and ability to train others on safe practices
• Valid driver's license and comfortable driving vehicles/trailers
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks with minimal supervision
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and perform physical labor
• Experience or willingness to work with youth in educational/mentorship capacity

Non-Essential Experience

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification
• Experience with urban agriculture systems, aquaponics, or hydroponics
• Facilities management or building operations experience
• Basic electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or specialized construction knowledge
• Experience with vehicle/fleet maintenance
• Background in sustainability education, green building, or renewable systems
• Youth development, coaching, or teaching experience
• Familiarity with project management tools
• Small engine repair or equipment maintenance certifications

Compensation & BenefitsAnnual Salary: $46,000-$54,000 FTE base (salary commensurate with experience)Annual Raises: Performance-based salary increases reviewed each fiscal yearPTO: 12 days + 7 personal/sick days, most federal holidays, and 2 day PTO accrual annuallyHolidays: Most Federal holidays plus extended breaks for Thanksgiving, winter break, and 4th of JulyMonthly Health Stipend / ICHRA: $125-$200 /monthTele-Health Enrollment: Provides access to basic consultation and prescription services401K Retirement Plan: Eligible after 90 days with 50% employer match on the first 3% you contributeMaternity/Paternity Policy: 3 paid weeks (15 business days) following FMLA
Equal Employment OpportunityWe are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

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