Operations & Maintenance

Chuck Vaughn

katherinemorgan — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 23:41:52 +0000

Chuck Vaughn katherinemorgan Mon, 09/27/2021 - 16:41

Chuck Vaughn is a Plant Operator in the Biosphere 2 Energy Center. The Energy Center and Technosphere systems provide electrical services and environmental controls such as heating, cooling and ventilation to manage variables in the diversity of Biomes. He has been with the University of Arizona for five years, 1 ½ years of that with B2. With a lifelong curiosity, and skills developed over 40 years of Central Plant Operation and Environment Safety, he helps support the scientific missions at Biosphere 2. His favorite job is making it rain.

Chuck Vaughn

Operator

avaughn1@arizona.edu

Robert Willing

katherinemorgan — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:49:20 +0000

Robert Willing katherinemorgan Thu, 09/23/2021 - 08:49

Bob Willing is a night shift Stationary Engineer at Biosphere 2 , has been employed here for 6 years . Bob had a career in the Automotive Industry for 40 years ,with the last 8 years of that being self-employed . Bob started at the U of A with Facility Management - Sheet Metal Shop in 2015 doing Space Frame maintenance at Biosphere 2 , in 2017 was trained and became a night shift Stationary Engineer. He works with researchers monitoring and maintaining air and water temperatures , lighting , as well as monitoring the quantity of rain in the Biomes and keeps them with in the perimeters of what the research requires. Bob does minor maintenance and repairs on equipment as needed .

Robert Willing

Night Operator

willing@arizona.edu

Charles Gates

katherinemorgan — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:45:30 +0000

Charles Gates katherinemorgan Thu, 09/23/2021 - 08:45

Charles served in the United States Navy and attended a variety of Vocational schools from 1984 to 1988. He started working at Biosphere 2 in September of 1990, while also active in the United States Naval Reserve. Charles was a member of the original Energy Center start up crew and helped commission the generators, boilers, chillers, cooling towers and associated equipment. Charles was called to active duty for Desert Shield Desert Storm and returned in May of 1991. He helped to support both Biosphere missions, operating and maintaining the plant/equipment 24/7 until Columbia University transitioned to grid power. After Columbia, Charles secured employment with Pima County as a co-gen plant operator/mechanic, but has also maintained part-time status as a Biosphere 2 employee, and is a valued member of our team. He has assisted in the development of operational protocols and has trained many new operators over the years.

Charles Gates

Operator

cgates@arizona.edu

Adriana Juarez

katherinemorgan — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:27:42 +0000

Adriana Juarez katherinemorgan Thu, 09/23/2021 - 08:27

Adriana Juarez is in charge of Landscape and Groundskeeping at Biosphere 2, and has been at Biosphere 2 for seven years, supervising a crew of up to five people. Her responsibilities include planting, pruning, trimming, mowing, sculpting, and nurturing plant life both inside the respective biomes, as well as outside desert flora surrounding the Biosphere 2 Lab. She sets up and maintains irrigation systems, interfaces with contractors and vendors, helps with pipe and plumbing repairs, and breaks away for special projects as needed. Adriana has domestic and commercial janitorial experience, along with a foray into food service.

Adriana Juarez

Lead Groundskeeper

adrianajuarez@arizona.edu

Tim McMullen

katherinemorgan — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 16:04:14 +0000

Tim McMullen katherinemorgan Sat, 09/18/2021 - 09:04

Tim McMullen began work at Biosphere 2 for Columbia University in 2001 building the original Trex trails prior to opening the facility for public tours. Tim then transitioned to work on the main University of Arizona campus as a contractor and continued to build and create, utilizing his engineering skills. He returned to Biosphere 2 as a maintenance mechanic in early 2017. Tim is responsible for facility repairs and takes a proactive approach to building maintenance and integrity.

Tim McMullen

Maintenance Technician

mcmullen1@arizona.edu

Steve Littler

katherinemorgan — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 16:00:01 +0000

Steve Littler katherinemorgan Sat, 09/18/2021 - 09:00

Steve Littler has been with Biosphere 2 for thirty years and manages Operations, Maintenance, and Landscaping personnel, as well as the Energy Center power generation and climate control facility. Some of his duties include interfacing with vendors, service providers, contractors, county, state, and federal air quality permitting and compliance, project management, Emergency Medical Services, Haz Mat, UST, and safety training. Steve is also involved with access and security, wildlife relocation, conference logistics and public interface, fire safety, and medical first responder training.

Steve received his BFA from the University of Arizona in 1981 and began work at the University of Arizona Foundation’s Oracle Conference Center. In 1993, after ten years in mining and process control, Steve returned to the Biosphere as an Energy Center Operator, and In 1999 Steve was promoted to Biosphere Operations Supervisor with Columbia University.

Steve and his team continue to develop and refine operations protocols, and support the science, mission, and public outreach espoused by the University of Arizona.

Steve Littler

520-621-3949

Biosphere 2 Maintenance & Plant Lead

slittler@arizona.edu