Director of Engineering, Chaminade Resort & Spa

Pyramid Global Hospitality•Santa Cruz, CA

4d•$120,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Engineering is a hands-on working leader responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, repair, and overall condition of Chaminade Resort & Spa’s physical property. This position requires a strong technical background and an individual who is comfortable working alongside the Engineering team—not simply directing from an office. The Director of Engineering will lead by example, personally assisting with troubleshooting, repairs, preventative maintenance, inspections, projects, and emergency response. This position is responsible for ensuring that guest rooms, public spaces, back-of-house areas, mechanical systems, grounds, recreational facilities, and resort infrastructure are maintained to the highest standards of safety, functionality, and appearance. The ideal candidate is a working engineer and strong leader who can diagnose problems, pick up a tool when needed, teach the team, prioritize work, and hold themselves and others accountable for maintaining a premier resort property.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of progressive engineering, maintenance, or facilities experience, preferably within a full-service hotel or resort.
Previous Engineering leadership or supervisory experience required.
Strong hands-on technical knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, carpentry, and general building maintenance.
Demonstrated ability to personally troubleshoot and complete repairs.
Experience leading and developing a maintenance or engineering team.
Experience with preventative maintenance programs.
Strong understanding of hotel operations and the importance of guest service.
Experience with budgets, purchasing, vendors, contractors, and capital projects.
Knowledge of applicable building, safety, environmental, and fire/life safety regulations.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and emergency situations.
Computer proficiency and experience with computerized maintenance management systems preferred.
Engineering, facilities, construction, or trade certifications are preferred.
Must be comfortable working with tools and performing hands-on maintenance and repair work on a regular basis.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crawl, climb ladders and stairs, and work in confined or elevated spaces.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment, tools, and materials.
Ability to safely operate hand tools and power tools.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations throughout the resort.
Ability to perform physical maintenance and repair tasks as required.

Nice To Haves

Computer proficiency and experience with computerized maintenance management systems preferred.
Engineering, facilities, construction, or trade certifications are preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as an active, working member of the Engineering team and regularly perform maintenance and repair work throughout the property.
Personally troubleshoot and repair plumbing, electrical, HVAC, mechanical, carpentry, appliance, and general building maintenance issues.
Respond directly to guest room and public area maintenance calls when needed.
Perform preventative maintenance inspections and repairs throughout the resort.
Conduct daily property walks to identify maintenance, safety, cleanliness, and appearance concerns.
Inspect guest rooms, meeting spaces, public areas, back-of-house areas, pools, spa facilities, recreational areas, and grounds.
Assist Engineering team members with complex repairs and technical issues.
Train team members through hands-on demonstration and coaching.
Maintain tools, equipment, mechanical rooms, workshops, and Engineering storage areas in a clean, organized, and professional condition.
Be willing and able to work alongside the team during periods of high workload, staffing shortages, emergencies, or major projects.
Respond to emergency maintenance situations and facility-related guest concerns quickly and professionally.
Maintain and troubleshoot HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing, pumps, water systems, boilers, appliances, lighting, mechanical equipment, and other property systems.
Oversee and personally participate in preventative maintenance programs.
Monitor building automation and energy management systems.
Maintain pools, spas, water features, and related mechanical and chemical systems in accordance with applicable requirements.
Ensure fire/life safety systems and emergency equipment are properly maintained and inspected.
Maintain accurate records of equipment, repairs, inspections, warranties, and preventative maintenance.
Lead the Engineering team through a hands-on management approach.
Set the standard for work quality, urgency, professionalism, and guest service.
Work alongside Engineering associates and provide coaching and technical guidance in real time.
Train team members on proper repair techniques, preventative maintenance, safety procedures, and equipment operation.
Schedule and assign daily work based on occupancy, guest needs, property priorities, and staffing levels.
Monitor completion and quality of work orders.
Hold team members accountable for performance, attendance, productivity, safety, and department standards.
Create a culture where the Engineering team takes pride in the appearance and condition of the resort.
Participate in hiring, onboarding, performance management, and development of Engineering associates.
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive preventative maintenance program.
Establish recurring inspection and maintenance schedules for guest rooms, equipment, mechanical systems, and facilities.
Track completion of preventative maintenance and identify recurring issues.
Analyze equipment failures and determine root causes to reduce repeat repairs.
Proactively identify aging equipment and recommend replacement or improvement.
Ensure guest rooms and facilities are returned to excellent condition following repairs.
Assist with planning, coordinating, and executing capital improvement projects.
Be actively involved in renovation and construction projects from planning through completion.
Perform hands-on work when appropriate and coordinate Engineering labor to support projects.
Manage contractors and vendors while ensuring work meets property standards.
Inspect completed work and identify deficiencies requiring correction.
Minimize disruption to guests and hotel operations during projects.
Maintain documentation related to projects, equipment, warranties, and completed work.
Develop and manage the Engineering department operating budget.
Monitor labor, supplies, repair costs, utilities, equipment, and outside service expenses.
Identify opportunities to reduce expenses through preventative maintenance and efficient operations.
Evaluate whether repairs should be completed internally or contracted to outside vendors.
Maintain appropriate inventory of parts, tools, supplies, and equipment.
Obtain quotes and manage vendor relationships.
Review invoices and service agreements for accuracy and value.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, building codes, and safety requirements.
Maintain required permits, inspections, licenses, and certifications.
Oversee fire/life safety inspections, testing, and maintenance.
Ensure proper pool and spa maintenance and water quality.
Maintain OSHA and workplace safety standards.
Ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials.
Conduct regular safety inspections and immediately address hazards.
Participate in emergency preparedness and response procedures.
Monitor utility usage and identify opportunities to reduce energy and water consumption.
Maintain HVAC, lighting, plumbing, and other systems for maximum efficiency.
Identify equipment or operational changes that can reduce utility costs.
Support resort sustainability and environmental initiatives.
Recognize that Engineering is a critical part of the overall guest experience.
Respond promptly and professionally to guest maintenance concerns.
Follow up on recurring guest room issues and ensure problems are permanently resolved.
Partner with Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Spa, Recreation, and other departments to resolve property-related issues.
Maintain a professional and service-oriented presence throughout the resort.
Take ownership of property issues rather than simply passing them along to others.