Chief Engineer

Key West Collection•Key West, FL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Key West Historic Inns is seeking an experienced, hands-on, and highly skilled Chief Engineer to lead the daily Engineering operations across our boutique hotel collection. This role is ideal for a strong technical leader who takes pride in maintaining exceptional properties, solving complex maintenance challenges, and developing a dependable Engineering team. As the Chief Engineer, you will oversee the maintenance, repair, and preventive maintenance of our facilities, equipment, and building systems while ensuring our hotels remain safe, functional, and well-maintained. You will provide daily direction and technical support to the Engineering team, prioritize maintenance needs, and work closely with hotel leadership to address issues that impact our guests and operations. With a collection of historic properties, this role requires someone who can balance proactive maintenance with the unique needs of older buildings. You'll play an important role in protecting our assets, preserving the character of our hotels, and ensuring our Engineering operation consistently supports an exceptional guest experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
5+ years of hotel, institutional, commercial building, facilities maintenance, or HVAC systems experience preferred.
3-5 years of Engineering supervisory or leadership experience within hospitality or a comparable environment preferred.
Strong working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, emergency, preventive maintenance, life safety systems, and related building disciplines.
Proven ability to independently troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex building system and equipment issues.
Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive preventive maintenance programs.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, coach, motivate, and develop Engineering team members.
Experience coordinating vendors, contractors, inspections, equipment repairs, and property improvement projects.
Working knowledge of departmental purchasing, inventory control, expense management, and budget administration.
Knowledge of OSHA requirements, fire and life safety standards, environmental regulations, applicable building codes, and safe work practices.
Strong organizational, time management, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to effectively prioritize multiple operational needs.
Basic computer and administrative skills, including Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, equipment specifications, and maintenance documentation.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with guests, team members, vendors, contractors, and hotel leadership.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Valid driver's license preferred.
Must meet the minimum age requirement of the jurisdiction.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, severe weather events, and emergency call-ins based on business needs.

Nice To Haves

Technical, vocational, or trade school training in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, or a related discipline preferred.
Refrigeration, HVAC, EPA certification, journeyman-level experience, or other applicable trade certifications highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day operations of the Engineering department, providing direction, technical guidance, and support to Engineering team members.
Lead, coach, train, and develop the Engineering team while promoting accountability, teamwork, safety, and quality workmanship.
Develop, implement, and oversee preventive maintenance programs for guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house spaces, equipment, and building systems.
Assign and prioritize work orders and ensure maintenance requests are completed accurately, efficiently, and within established timelines.
Troubleshoot, diagnose, maintain, and repair HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, kitchen equipment, pools, life safety systems, and other hotel infrastructure.
Serve as a technical resource for complex maintenance issues and assist the Engineering team with troubleshooting and repairs when needed.
Conduct routine inspections of guest rooms, public areas, mechanical spaces, equipment, and building systems to proactively identify maintenance and safety concerns.
Respond promptly to guest-impacting maintenance concerns and emergency situations while minimizing disruption to hotel operations.
Monitor the quality of completed work and ensure repairs meet company standards and applicable safety requirements.
Coordinate and oversee vendors and contractors performing repairs, inspections, preventive maintenance, and other property services.
Assist with departmental purchasing, inventory management, expense control, and budget planning.
Support renovation projects, equipment replacements, capital improvements, and other property improvement initiatives.
Maintain accurate work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, equipment records, warranties, permits, inspection reports, and other required documentation.
Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements, fire and life safety standards, environmental regulations, applicable building codes, and company policies.
Maintain emergency systems and support property preparedness for equipment failures, utility interruptions, severe weather, and other emergencies.
Promote safe work practices and ensure proper use and maintenance of tools, equipment, chemicals, and personal protective equipment.
Collaborate with Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and other departments to proactively address maintenance needs and support seamless hotel operations.
Maintain the appearance, functionality, and historic character of the Key West Historic Inns collection.
Respond to property emergencies and provide Engineering leadership outside of regular business hours as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.