Building Superintendent

Breaking Ground•New York, NY

3d•$110,000•Onsite

About The Position

Located in East Harlem, 1760 Third Avenue, offers 434 units of permanent, supportive housing to low-income New Yorkers. Located between East 97th and 98th Streets, the building will reserve 261 of 434 total units for individuals exiting homelessness, including a subset of 40 units for young adults aging out of foster care or who have experienced homelessness. The balance of 172 units will be set aside for households with incomes at or less than 60% of the area median income. The building features amenities such as a multi-purpose room, a fitness center, a computer lab, a medical suite, as well as office space for Breaking Ground's property management and social services teams. Reporting to the Senior Property Manager, the Building Superintendent oversees day-to-day operations for one of Breaking Ground’s most prominent permanent housing buildings. This role provides direct supervision of the Maintenance Supervisor and Assistant Maintenance Supervisor and serves as the senior technical lead for all building systems, infrastructure, and preventive maintenance programs. The Building Superintendent ensures the building remains structurally safe, exceptionally clean, and highly maintained, directly supporting Breaking Ground’s mission of ending homelessness and enhancing quality of life for over 490 tenants. This position manages a complex building environment that includes a large low pressure boiler plant, a Building Management System (BMS), and all HVAC components, as well as multiple commercial spaces and event areas used for public and private functions. The Building Superintendent develops and implements preventive maintenance programs; performs advanced electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and carpentry repairs; coordinates inspections; oversees vendor activity; monitors purchasing; and ensures that all Certificates of Fitness and code compliance requirements are met. This role requires on-site residency and after-hours emergency coverage.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or Trade School Certification required; advanced technical training preferred
Minimum 7 years of experience in building operations, facilities maintenance, or related trades, with at least 5 years involving complex mechanical and HVAC systems
Minimum 3 years of supervisory or team lead experience in a facilities or maintenance environment
Extensive technical experience with: Low pressure boiler operations, HVAC systems, including chillers, pumps, motors, air handlers, pneumatic/electric controls, Building Management Systems (BMS)
Prior experience with computerized maintenance management system platforms (Maintenance Connection or equivalent) required
Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, manuals, and floor plans
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
S 12 Fire Sprinkler Certification
S 13 Standpipe Certification
S 95 Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems Certification
Ability to work with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing mental illness and/or homelessness
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
Must reside on site and participate in emergency coverage rotation
Must complete any required building certifications within six months of hire

Nice To Haves

Advanced technical training preferred
Familiarity with MRI or other property management systems preferred
F 07 Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor Certification
W 07 Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor (alternative) Certification
Additional FDNY Certificates of Fitness relevant to HVAC, boiler operation, or BMS controls

Responsibilities

Lead day to day building operations, performing regular walk throughs
Supervise Maintenance Supervisor(s) and Assistant Maintenance Supervisor(s)
Oversee all major building systems, including low pressure boilers, HVAC equipment (chillers, RTUs, air handlers, cooling towers, pumps, motors, VAVs, and heat pumps), domestic hot water systems, ventilation/exhaust, and specialized mechanical components
Monitor, manage, and optimize the Building Management System (BMS) for energy efficiency, equipment performance, and preventive maintenance needs
Ensure the building is fully operational and ready for tours, fundraising activities, and public/private events
Oversee the maintenance of 490+ residential units, common areas, staff offices, and multiple commercial spaces
Perform general electrical, plumbing, carpentry, mechanical, and related trade work as needed
Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems
Maintain compliance with all FDNY, DOB, DOH, and other regulatory requirements; track and update Certificates of Fitness, inspection logs, and testing records
Proactively monitor and address summonses, violations, and city complaints using tools such as SiteCompli, and develop strategies to reduce future violations
Prepare for and lead all annual, building-wide inspections by city agencies and funders
Provide daily direction, coaching, and task assignments to maintenance staff and supervisors
Ensure timely and high-quality unit turnover, repair work, and work order resolution
Foster a collaborative, results-driven environment that promotes professional growth and engagement
Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders
Respond to after-hours building emergencies and coordinate staff response to resolve conditions quickly and safely
Oversee correction of emergency conditions involving HVAC failures, plumbing leaks, boiler issues, electrical outages, sprinkler activations and other critical systems
Assist in preparation of the annual maintenance department budget and manage operating expenses, inventory, and purchasing throughout the year
Evaluate cost saving opportunities, equipment life cycle planning, and capital replacement needs
Address tenant maintenance concerns professionally through meetings, written communication, and/or coordination with social services staff
Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to ensure building operations support organizational goals
Perform other duties as assigned