Assistant Chief Engineer

Cousins Properties•Atlanta, GA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Chief Engineer performs hands-on maintenance and repairs to building systems to ensure the safe, efficient, and proper operation of assigned properties. The role assists with system operation, monitoring, preventive maintenance, and project administration, and may perform selected management duties. When the Chief Engineer is absent, the Assistant Chief Engineer performs the Chief Engineer’s duties on a short-term basis. This is an on-site position in Atlanta, Georgia, and is not remote or hybrid. The role works with electrical, HVAC, life-safety, security, and other building systems; administers maintenance programs and projects; prepares budgets and reports; supervises vendors and contractors; and may directly supervise employees. The position requires availability for after-hours, weekend, and emergency assignments, with readiness comparable to the Chief Engineer’s 24/7 availability. It is an entry-level management position.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience in the building maintenance industry; an accredited trade-school degree in HVAC, electronics, or another related trade may count for up to 2 years of this experience.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to work well with others and interact positively with customers.
Specialized training in various tools and building equipment.
Knowledge and expertise in operating heavy equipment such as chillers, generators, switchgear, pumps, and air-handling units.
Basic personal-computer skills and the ability to produce basic spreadsheets, memos, and email messages; equivalent union training and certification is acceptable.
Knowledge of the safe and proper use of ladders, lifts, hand tools, multimeters, amp probes, anemometers, airflow meters and hoods, pressure gauges, drain augers, plungers, safety goggles, hearing protection, and fire extinguishers.
Prior experience assigning team projects, helping and teaching others, and accepting responsibility for actions and results.
Ability to respond urgently, solve problems, and take on a variety of tasks associated with the position.
Demonstrated integrity, sound business ethics, compliance with organizational values, and ability to protect confidential information.
Ability to provide optimum customer service while performing job functions.
Ability to communicate clearly, present information straightforwardly, ask questions, and listen to understand others’ perspectives.
Ability to stand and remain mobile for up to 4 hours at a time; bend, stoop, squat, stretch, climb, and perform cleaning and maintenance tasks.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and continuously.
Ability to perform tasks involving grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, handling objects, reaching, talking, listening, hearing, and visual acuity.
Availability for after-hours, weekend, and emergency assignments, with 24/7 readiness.

Nice To Haves

An accredited trade-school degree in HVAC, electronics, or another industry-related trade (may be credited toward up to 2 of the 8 required years of experience).
Typing skills.
Equivalent union training and certification.

Responsibilities

Maintain and repair building systems to support the safe, efficient, and proper operation of assigned properties.
Troubleshoot electrical systems, including A.C. circuits, and replace outlets, switches, lighting ballasts, circuit breakers, and motor-control starters.
Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on HVAC equipment; respond to HVAC calls; inspect chillers; record inspection findings; and adjust building energy-management systems and controls.
Test and adjust chemical treatment levels in water systems and troubleshoot pumping systems, power induction units, and fan-powered terminal units.
Respond to fire-alarm and trouble calls, operate life-safety system points, and inspect emergency generators and fire pumps weekly, recording results and recommending outside service as appropriate.
Repair and replace door closures, door hardware, and door operators; adjust and repair security systems; and interpret mechanical drawings and wiring diagrams.
Maximize the performance and professional development of assigned personnel; potentially supervise employees, assist with interviews, counsel subordinates, and document disciplinary actions.
Administer projects by drafting proposals, developing scopes of work, conducting bidding, overseeing contract performance, and closing out projects.
Prepare engineering budgets for utilities, repairs and maintenance, and capital improvements; estimate consumption, costs, and budget line items; monitor operating-budget variances and report findings.
Prepare written reports and present them to appropriate Property Management or Engineering officials.
Manage and execute preventive-maintenance programs, including automated applications, and supervise vendors’ and contractors’ work.
Assist Property Management as required and assist the Chief Engineer with preventive and operational maintenance in accordance with industry standards and the Cousins Way Manual.
Coordinate paid time off with the Chief Engineer so that one of them is present while the other is away.
Be available for after-hours, weekend, and emergency assignments, including 24-hour, 7-day readiness at the same level as the Chief Engineer.
Perform remedial tasks such as painting, cleaning, and unclogging toilets or drains.
Assume team leadership and project oversight as delegated by or needed to assist the Chief Engineer.
Perform other Engineers’ duties in their absence as circumstances require or a supervisor determines, and periodically review and inspect work performed by less experienced Engineers.