Chief Building Engineer

Avanath • Washington, DC

3d • $48 - $50

About The Position

The Chief Building Engineer manages, oversees, and facilitates all aspects of community maintenance, from capital improvement projects to preventive maintenance and repairs of building systems. The role is responsible for protecting and maximizing property value while providing residents and staff with professional, attentive customer service. The position calls for positive engagement, relationship-building, collaboration with vendor and community partners, and an open, professional approach to resolving resident and team-member concerns.

The Chief Building Engineer oversees building systems and maintenance operations, including mechanical, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, boiler, fire-alarm, and security systems. The role also supervises maintenance staff, coordinates contractors and projects, manages supplies and safety practices, and communicates regularly with management. The position is classified as essential staff and includes after-hours availability for emergencies, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

• At least 5–7 years of experience in residential property maintenance.
• A plumbing license is required.
• C. 3rd Class Boiler Operator License.
• CFC Universal certification is required.
• Low- and high-pressure boiler license required.
• Experience with Building Maintenance Systems (BMS).
• High-school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of engineering and building systems.
• Driver’s license required.
• Proven history of managing expenses effectively.
• Excellent attendance.
• Professionalism and positive engagement in interactions with residents and staff.
• Ability to be reachable after hours and address emergencies, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of supervisory experience within the last five years preferred.
• C. 3rd engineer license preferred.
• Formal vocational or technical training in maintenance, mechanical, or electrical work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, responsive customer service to residents and others; address questions and complaints, assign work orders efficiently, and follow up on resident matters.
• Present a favorable image of the community and enforce community policies delegated by the Community Manager.
• Diagnose and complete resident-requested work orders and routine maintenance and repairs in accordance with policies, procedures, safety standards, and code requirements.
• Operate and maintain mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
• Oversee safe and efficient operation of the building’s low-pressure steam-heating, fire-alarm, and security systems.
• Maintain required engineering logbooks and inspection reports for low-pressure steam-heating and water-treatment systems; complete daily boiler blow-downs and inspections required by DCRA.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs for building systems.
• Oversee maintenance staff work orders, internal repairs, and unit turns through Yardi Voyager, including basic IT repairs.
• Schedule maintenance personnel for regular shifts, on-call coverage, snow and ice control, special events, and emergencies.
• Act as the primary contact for maintenance repairs, small projects, and capital projects completed by outside contractors.
• Ensure required safety precautions and procedures are followed and keep current records of the condition of building and grounds assets.
• Consult with management about internal repairs, capital projects, and other work; provide monthly updates on ongoing projects and maintain ongoing communication about building issues.
• Order and maintain necessary maintenance supplies, tools, equipment, and staff PPE.
• Conduct annual maintenance staff reviews in conjunction with the General Manager.
• Ensure bulk trash is disposed of safely and that spaces containing mechanical and electrical equipment remain clean.
• Remain reachable by cell phone after hours for life- or property-threatening emergencies and common-area issues, including building operations outside regular scheduled workdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Respond to emergency conditions, including sewer backups and water flooding into the building.
• Review available technical information to understand building equipment design and operating characteristics.
• Report equipment malfunctions, injuries, accidents, and other safety issues; participate in safety meetings, complete required OSHA and other safety training, and report incidents promptly and accurately.
• Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and operational procedures; report violations or infractions to the appropriate individuals.
• Conduct business in compliance with company policies, Fair Housing, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other laws applicable to the apartment industry.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Personal time off
• Paid holidays
• Training and development opportunities, including online training platforms, classes, and one-on-one coaching
• Opportunities for advancement and promotion from within
• Flexible work schedules to accommodate employees’ varying needs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED