Chief Engineer

The New York Public Library•New York, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) is part of The New York Public Library (NYPL), which consists of four major research libraries and 88 branch libraries located in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. The newly renovated, state-of-the-art, LEED Silver certified, 180,000 square-foot facility, is NYPL’s largest and busiest circulating library, with more than 1.7 million visits a year. The Facilities department is tasked with keeping all NYPL locations safe, clean, comfortable, and welcoming for our patrons and staff. Reporting to the Senior Building Manager, the Chief Engineer manages the maintenance and operation of the physical plant, including the facility's mechanical, HVAC, electrical, elevator, fire protection, and plumbing systems.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or vocational training in relevant fields
Must possess a valid Refrigerating System Operating Engineer (Q-01), issued by the NYC Fire Department
Valid driver’s license and clear driving record
Ability to qualify and obtain valid certificates of fitness for the following: Standpipe and Sprinkler systems; P-98 - Supervision of Fuel-Oil Piping and Storage Systems, A-35 - Certificate to Operate and Maintain Air Compressors, F-89 - High Rise Fire and Life Safety Director and Freon Handler (CFC)
7+ years of relevant technical experience
3+ years of substantial supervisory experience
Experience in building trades in a collectively bargained environment
Experience with the operation and maintenance of large-scale heating, air conditioning (Large Central Units and Package Units), elevator, electrical, and plumbing systems
Experience reading blueprints, maintaining logs, writing reports, and preparing work schedules
Strong technical background in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
Ability to manage a team and supervise building engineers
Proficient with Microsoft Word and Google Suite
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to respond effectively to emergencies
Must be familiar with all hand tools, specialty tools and equipment required to operate machinery throughout the facility

Responsibilities

Direct overall operation, maintenance, and reliability of all building systems and equipment, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with standards
Oversee and validate work performed by outside vendors, ensuring technical accuracy, quality, and timely completion of contracted services
Conduct and enforce routine inspections, rounds, and preventative maintenance programs; maintain detailed logs of equipment status, temperatures, flows, and consumption
Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain critical systems, including chillers, cooling towers, generators, air compressors, motors, pumps, and associated controls to ensure peak efficiency
Supervise, train, and coordinate engineering and maintenance staff, including refrigerating system operating engineers (Q-01), while managing schedules, shift coverage, and performance
Manage building automation systems (BMS), adjusting controls and monitoring system performance to maintain optimal environmental and operational conditions
Lead maintenance of HVAC components, including air filters, coils, fan coil units, dampers, fans, and ventilation systems, as well as pneumatic and electric controls
Administer departmental operations, including budgeting (overtime), materials procurement, task prioritization, recordkeeping, and response to emergency situations, including off-hours coverage
Serve as senior on-site authority during emergencies, including acting as an FDNY-certified Fire and Life Safety Director
Manage approximately 6 staff members; onsite operating engineers and maintenance personnel
Coach others to develop in-depth knowledge and expertise in all areas within their function
Ensure compliance with safety procedures and local ordinances