Chief Engineer/Building Maintenance

About the job: The Chief Engineer oversees all maintenance operations for a high-rise condominium, ensuring the building is safe, well-maintained, and operating efficiently. This role supervises the maintenance team, coordinates vendors, manages preventative maintenance programs, and works closely with Property Management and the Board to support capital projects, inspections, and regulatory compliance.

Duties & Responsibilities

Staff Supervision & Operations

Supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate maintenance personnel.
Assign and prioritize work orders, preventative maintenance tasks, and emergency responses.
Ensure adequate staffing coverage, including after-hours and on-call responsibilities.
Enforce safety procedures and professional conduct standards.
Provide technical guidance and hands-on assistance when necessary.

Maintenance, Repairs & Building Systems Oversight

Oversee maintenance and operation of major building systems, including but not limited to: Electrical and lighting systems, plumbing and domestic water systems, HVAC and ventilation systems, elevators and vertical transportation, fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and life-safety systems, emergency generators and backup systems, pool and spa facilities, and other critical building infrastructure.
Ensure timely and efficient verbal and written responses to maintenance requests from residents and management.
Perform regular inspections of the property to identify areas needing maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
Manage and coordinate all building repairs, renovations, and upgrades.
Maintain system logs, inspection records, and maintenance documentation.
Perform hands-on maintenance work when necessary

Preventative Maintenance

Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules
Develop, implement, and manage a warranty / preventive maintenance program to ensure all building systems and equipment are properly serviced.
Maintain accurate electronic records of maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs and provide monthly reports to Property Manager/Board of Directors.

Compliance & Safety

Coordinate and support fire inspections and life-safety testing, elevator certifications, pool and health department requirements.
Ensure compliance with the municipal regulations, including safety codes, fire codes, and environmental laws.
Maintain and update OSHA requires safety protocols, ensuring that all maintenance staff are trained in proper safety procedures.

Emergency Response & Risk Management

Lead maintenance response during emergencies and after-hours incidents
Respond to emergencies, such as power outages, floods, or fire alarms, ensuring the safety and security of residents.
Coordinate staff actions during alarms, outages, flooding, or safety events
Ensure staff readiness and familiarity with emergency procedures

Vendor & Project Coordination

Coordinate vendors, contractors, engineers, and inspectors.
Develop necessary vendor RFPs, obtain quotes, and manage relationships with service providers.
Assist with proposal reviews, scope coordination, and project logistics.
Monitor contractor work for general compliance with approved scope and site safety.
Support capital improvement and restoration projects, including mobilization and access coordination.

Budget, Inventory & Reporting

Assist Property Manager with annual maintenance budgeting and cost controls
Manage and maintenance inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies.
Oversee the procurement of materials and supplies, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Recommend repairs, replacements, and upgrades based on condition and lifecycle
Identify maintenance issues that may affect reserve components or capital planning.
Provide regular updates to management regarding building conditions and priorities

Resident Relations

Communicate effectively with the building manager regarding maintenance issues, upcoming repairs, and any disruptions to building services.
Address resident complaints related to building systems promptly and professionally.
Ensure timely and efficient verbal and written responses to maintenance requests from residents and management.

Qualifications

Fluent in English and Spanish
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Hospitality, Construction, Facilities Management or equivalent (preferred) or Technical or vocational training in engineering or a related field plus 5-10 years of experience in facilities management or related field.
Minimum of [5-10] years of experience in building maintenance, with at least [3-5] years in a supervisory role, preferably in a high-rise residential or commercial setting.
Extensive knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
Proficiency in using maintenance management software and tools.
Proficiency with MC Office: Outlook, Excel, Word
Familiarity with local building codes and safety regulations.
Ability to read technical documents, plans, and vendor proposals
Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with residents, management, and vendors.
Ability to respond to emergencies outside normal business hours, including weekends & holidays
Ability to troubleshoot complex building systems and make decisions under pressure.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
Must obtain Florida UST Class A/B Certification within 90 days

Schedule

Hours are as assigned by Property Manager, may include weekend hours, or after hours as needed.

Physical Demands

Required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, reach, stoop, climb, and lift and carry items weighing 50 pounds or less. The position requires manual dexterity; auditory and visual skills; and the ability to follow written and oral instructions and procedures in English.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside and outside.

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401K Matching Program
10 Paid Holidays (may vary between properties)
17 PTO Days
Advancement Opportunity