Congratulations to Local 302 member Esdras Flores for receiving the Engineer of the Year Award from the Washington State Society of Healthcare Engineering – Pacific Northwest region!

This award aims to honor the remarkable front-line staff who are the backbone of hospitals.

Esdras is the lead engineer for the Facilities Maintenance team at Seattle Children's Hospital and was chosen for this award because he is:

• Always willing to do whatever it takes, whether he is on shift or not, to ensure the facility is as safe as it can be for patients and families.
• Relentless in looking for simple solutions in complex systems
• Dedicated to helping those around him grow and learn

Esdras works on all types of maintenance operations including plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, pumps, valves, kitchen equipment, operating rooms, and laboratories. He collaborates with other departments, is a wealth of knowledge, a main source of troubleshooting problems, and provides training for staff members.

“I take great pride in being a member of IUOE Local 302 for over 6 years,” said Esdras. “The networking with fellow members and the exchange of knowledge have been invaluable. I appreciate the collaborative spirit within the union.

“One aspect I find particularly rewarding is applying the skills acquired to contribute to a great cause here at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

"Knowing that our work plays a vital role in keeping the hospital operational for the kids who need the hospital services is truly rewarding.”