Chief Engineer

Cowlitz Indian Tribe•Ridgefield, WA

31d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the technical leadership, reliability, and performance of all facility infrastructure systems across the property, including the Central Utility Plant (CUP), hotel, casino, and supporting utility systems. This role serves as the senior technical authority for all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and utility systems, ensuring safe, compliant, and uninterrupted operations in a 24/7 hospitality and gaming environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus seven to ten (7-10) years of facilities experience with three to five (3-5) years in a progressive mechanical engineering leadership or facilities leadership role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must possess excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to foster a supportive and enabling team environment.
Strong hands-on MEP system knowledge and experience
Proven vendor, budget, and preventative maintenance management experience
General knowledge of applicable buildings and fire codes
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills
Basic computer skills in Word, Excel, and Outlook
Ability to lift 50lbs, climb ladders, reach overhead, stand, and walk for extended periods, and other physical requirements related to facilities maintenance work
Must be willing to work in a smoking environment
Must be willing to adhere to company health and safety measures

Nice To Haves

Experience in high-volume casino, hospitality, or other 24/7 environments preferred
Advanced HVAC, mechanical, and electrical systems knowledge preferred
Experience with BAS systems and troubleshooting preferred
Strong understanding of codes and regulatory standards preferred
Relevant certifications preferred
Stationary Engineer License preferred
HVAC Certification preferred
Electrical License (01/06/07) preferred
Experience with CMMS platforms (Hot SOS preferred)

Responsibilities

Promotes superior guest service
Maintains, and perpetuates a positive organizational culture according to the principles of the Spirit of Tâlícn and the Core Values of ilani
Provide direct oversight, training, coaching, and guidance to facilities team members
Provide full technical oversight of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life-safety, generators, and building automation systems
Ensure continuous up time of gaming, hotel, and entertainment operations and all critical systems
Lead response during system failures and emergencies
Identify and mitigate risks before operational impact
Develop redundancy strategies and contingency plans
Thorough understanding of Chillers, Boilers, Cooling Towers, Heat Exchangers, Pumps (HHW, CHW, Condenser), Domestic Hot Water Systems, and Water Softening Systems and Integration points with WWTP
Ensure all systems operate within defined parameters, ranges, and efficiencies
Personally troubleshoot and resolve complex system failures
Maintain inspection readiness at all times
Manage facilities services, vendor contracts, and preventative maintenance programs
Assist the Director of Facilities with developing and managing operating budgets and forecasts
Oversee vendor performance, bids, and contract compliance
Coordinate equipment replacement and minor capital projects
Lead engineering and maintenance staff including scheduling
Provide coaching, training, and performance management
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and professionalism
Ensure compliance with fire, life-safety, OSHA, environmental, and gaming regulations
Serve as primary engineering authority during inspections and audits
Lead emergency response, incident command, and root-cause analysis
Provide 24/7 on-call availability
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
Other duties as assigned