Chief Engineer

Job Description

Job Summary

Responsible for the day-to-day operational management of all aspects of the assigned properties to assure well-managed, well-maintained properties, placing maximum emphasis on positive response to the concerns and needs of the tenants, environmental health and safety and quality programs in coordination and conjunction with the Owner’s goals and objectives.  Reports to and is accountable to the Commercial Property Supervisor. This is a non-exempt position.

General Responsibilities

The activities listed below are not all inclusive. However, they are indicative of the type of activities normally performed by the Chief Engineer.

Supervisory duties

·      Prioritizes work orders.

·      Establishes daily work schedules for maintenance staff

·      Follows up on work assignments for efficient, thorough completion.

·      Maintains record of types and frequency of service requests received

·      Establishes emergency maintenance on-call schedule

·      Maintains inventory of equipment, tools, and supplies

·      Makes management-approved purchases of supplies, equipment and services

·      Makes regular inspections of the property; periodically inspects all suites

·      Notifies management of maintenance problems and recommended solutions

·      Assists in preparation of all maintenance-related records

·      Meets with on-site manger daily to report on status of all scheduled work

·      Assists in move-in and move-out procedures

·      Makes recommendations for contract services and supervises contract maintenance workers

·      Trains new maintenance staff members

·      Maintains good security practices

·      Informs management of tenant needs, when appropriate.

·      Establishes preventive maintenance schedule work on all equipment

·      Maintains updated preventive maintenance information (e.g., location of all equipment, frequency of service, service telephone numbers)

·      Knows current condition of all vacant suites

·      Keeps mechanical rooms, workshops or utility rooms clean, orderly, and safe.

·      Provides role-model for maintenance staff by following all company policies and procedures and presenting an appearance appropriate to the image of the property

·      Identifies present and future needs of property.

·      Responsible for key control system for entire property.

·      Ensures staff follow work safety procedures.

·      Provides back up assistance for social program activities when needed.

·      Attends punch list inspections for all new suites; handles construction related items.

Specific Responsibilities

• Responsible for the operation and maintenance of all building equipment.
• Responsible for the maintenance and operation of all building equipment to ensure the operation of equipment is within design capabilities and to achieve proper environmental conditions prescribed by the building management.
• Ensures the performance of equipment with preventive maintenance as prescribed by manufacturer's recommendations and specifications.
• Responsible for all housekeeping functions and maintaining the professional appearances of equipment and engineering spaces.
• Maintains an energy management program to ensure measures are taken to operate all systems in the most efficient manner to keep operating costs at a minimum.
• Reviews building operations, preventive maintenance, training, energy management and equipment status on a frequent basis.
• Responsible for maintaining the building lighting system, including element and ballast repairs or replacements.
• Responsible for programming and knowledge of building software programs including but not limited to Johnson Controls Facility Explorer, Carrier iVUE, Lutron Vive and DSX Access Systems.
• Responsible for monitoring and troubleshooting security camera operations in coordination with IT

·      Supervises the life support/safety program for the building including a city approved fire evacuation plan, maintenance and testing of the fire alarm system, sprinkler system, emergency poster and lighting and any other building components relating to tenant safety. 

·      Keeps fire evacuation plan up to date with the assistance of architects, engineers, insurance providers and government officials.

·      Maintains records of materials used or stored in the building that require material safety data sheets. Assures these materials are stored and used properly.

·      Monitors the operation of all elevators in the building and garage. Informs the Commercial Property Manager when repairs are needed. Maintains cab light and interiors. Arranges for annual tests as required by code.

·      Monitors Tenant HVAC usage and associated overtime requests and provides billing data as needed

• Monitors painting requirements for all indoor and outdoor surfaces.   
• The monthly inspection of fire extinguishers. 
• Coordinates with City of Houston health inspectors for solid waste manifests
• The performance of roof maintenance and minor roof repairs.
• Receives and reviews proposals from outside contractors. Assures that all applicable building permits are arranged for and posted on the job site.
• Various building maintenance duties as assigned by the property management.
• Performs or dispatches engineering staff to execute the following duties (when applicable):
  • Operation, maintenance and repair of all boilers, heaters, pumps, valves and lines used in the distribution of hot and chilled water.
  • Operation, maintenance and repair of refrigerant compressors, condensers, evaporators, traps, transfer pumps, expansion valves, stop valves and float valves, together with all refrigerant lines and devices used to control temperature.
  • Operation, maintenance and repair of pumps, handling brines or other secondary refrigerating liquids, together with all valves and lines used in the system.
  • Operation, maintenance and repair of all air compressors, together with distribution lines and all valves and devices for air control.
  • Operation, maintenance and repair of all natural and manufactured gas distribution lines, including all valves and control devices. 
  • Operation, maintenance, and repair of water filters, softeners, piping and pumps used in conjunction with water distribution, including all sinks, toilet bowls, supply lines, drains and water lines.
  • Operation, maintenance and repair of all types of electrical motors and engines used to power pumps, compressors and fans.
  • Operation, maintenance and repair of sanitary sewer systems, including sump pumps, basins, toilets, urinals and piping.
  • Maintenance and repair of trash compactors, including electrical and hydraulic systems.
  • Maintenance and repair of kitchen equipment.
  • Maintains proper operation during seasonal changes and recalibrate controls based upon weather conditions to assure energy efficient operations.
  • Maintains all equipment as required per preventive maintenance programs.
  • Life safety and security systems - equipment maintenance applicable in engineers' scope will be included.
  • Obtains thorough knowledge of power, water, and gas turnoffs, clean-out traps, fire extinguishers and fire hydrants.
  • Assists in all aspects of the property's maintenance, including grounds, custodial, preventive, corrective, deferred and emergency maintenance:
  • Maintains exterior and public lighting.
  • Clears gutters and downspouts.
  • Repairs minor structural wear and damage to buildings.
  • Moving furniture, fixtures and office partitions, repairing locks, doors, hinges, furniture and other miscellaneous items.
  • Cleans sidewalks, alleyways, hallways, and common areas.
  • Paints, when required
  • Picks up trash on property.
  • Monitors the building trash compactor and schedules hauls on the compactor container.
  • Watches out for the unusual.
  • Performs limited exterminating services, when required.

•                All maintenance personnel must wear a back support belt when lifting or moving heavy objects. Goggles must be worn when handling any type of chemicals or where flying or falling particles are encountered. Hand protection must be worn when hands are exposed to harmful substances and/or sharp objects. Footwear with substantial soles (sturdy, rubber and adequate tread) is to be worn at all times.