Job Title: Hotel Chief Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Hotel Chief Engineer to lead our property's maintenance and engineering department. This critical leadership role is responsible for the effective management of all engineering operations, including the maintenance and repair of the hotel’s physical plant, equipment, and grounds. The ideal candidate will possess a solid, practical knowledge of complex HVAC and heavy mechanical systems, ensuring a safe, efficient, and comfortable environment for guests and staff. Your expertise will be instrumental in preserving our asset value and upholding our commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

As the Hotel Chief Engineer, you will direct and perform a wide range of maintenance tasks to ensure the seamless operation of the property. Your duties will include:

• Preventive Maintenance: Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all equipment, guest rooms, and public areas to ensure maximum uptime and asset longevity.
• Troubleshooting & Repair: Provide hands-on diagnosis and repair of advanced mechanical and electrical systems, including chillers, boilers, heat pumps, VAVs, BAS controls, pumps, motors, compressors, cooling towers, and emergency generators.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, train, and supervise the engineering team. Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and high performance. Schedule staff to ensure 24/7 coverage and timely response.
• Capital Planning & Execution: Assist in the planning and execution of capital expenditure projects. Solicit bids, manage contracts, and oversee project implementation to ensure on-time, on-budget completion.
• Energy Management: Monitor and manage utility consumption (electricity, water, gas) through the Building Automation System (BAS) and other tools. Implement energy conservation initiatives to achieve sustainability goals and reduce operational costs.
• Budgeting & Financial Oversight: Develop and manage the annual engineering department budget, including forecasting for maintenance, repairs, staffing, and supplies. Control expenditures and manage inventory effectively.
• Vendor & Contractor Management: Oversee and coordinate the work of outside contractors and vendors to ensure compliance with contracts, safety standards, and quality expectations.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, EPA, and fire safety codes. Lead the property's safety committee and emergency response programs.
• SOP Development: Establish and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all engineering tasks to ensure consistency and quality.
• Guest Service Support: Respond promptly to guest-related maintenance issues, ensuring problems are resolved quickly and effectively to maintain high levels of guest satisfaction.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with Operations, Housekeeping, and F&B leadership to coordinate maintenance activities and support their operational needs without disrupting the guest experience.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 7+ years of progressive experience in facilities management, preferably within a hotel or large commercial building environment. Minimum of 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Technical Expertise:
• Demonstrated hands-on proficiency with complex HVAC systems (chillers, boilers, heat pumps, VAVs, building automation/BAS controls).
• Solid working knowledge of heavy mechanical equipment (pumps, motors, air compressors, cooling towers, emergency generators).
• Proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, blueprints, and technical manuals.
• Certifications & Licenses:
• EPA 608 Universal Certification is required.
• Trade licenses (e.g., electrical, plumbing, stationary engineer) are highly preferred.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a skilled technical team.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, management, guests, and vendors.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, and work for extended periods. Ability to lift, push, and pull a moderate amount of weight. Ability to work in various environmental conditions.

Schedule & Availability

This position requires a flexible schedule, including the ability to work weekends and holidays as needed. The Chief Engineer is expected to be on-call to respond to property emergencies.

Performance Metrics

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Equipment Uptime: Maximizing the operational availability of critical systems.
• Work Order SLAs: Meeting or exceeding service level agreements for work order completion times.
• Energy KPIs: Achieving targeted reductions in utility consumption and costs.
• Audit Readiness: Consistently passing internal and external safety, brand, and regulatory audits.

Compensation & Benefits

$80K - $90K + 20% Bonus Potential

Relocation Assistance

Temp Housing

If interested, please send your resume to jay@geckohospitality.com