Assistant Building Engineer I

Basin Street Properties; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Basin Street Properties in California seeks an Assistant Building Engineer I to support operation, maintenance, and repair of commercial office buildings. You will assist with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and BAS systems, while delivering safe, reliable workplace experiences and outstanding tenant service.

This role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and continuous learning, offering hands-on training and mentorship to grow into building engineer positions within a dynamic real estate

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least one year of experience in facilities maintenance, building operations, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or related trades.
• Basic HVAC troubleshooting skills.
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Windows).
• Valid California driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance on commercial building systems.
• Assist with operation, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, BAS.
• Respond to tenant service requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors while ensuring safety and standards.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records using CMMS.
• Assist senior staff during shutdowns, repairs, inspections, and PM activities.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Preventive maintenance

Tenant service

Time management

Safety procedures

HVAC basics

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CMMS (Building Engines / Angus / Yardi / Maximo)

Building Automation Systems

Job description

Basin Street Properties is a fully integrated real estate development and operating company committed to creating superior tenant experiences and enduring relationships. A win-win philosophy drives everything we do. When we serve our tenants well, they're productive, our investors are pleased, and we all succeed. Established in 1974, we are one of Northern California's and Northern Nevada's most prominent investors, owners, and operators of commercial real estate. The company offers a broad range of real estate services, including development, property management, leasing, construction management, financial and asset management, and property acquisition and disposition. We own and manage more than four million square feet across Class A office, multifamily, retail, flex, and hospitality.

The concept of T.H.R.I.V.E. represents Basin Street Properties' core principles - Trust. Honesty. Respect. Integrity. Values. Excellence. Our approach expresses the values and philosophy by which we operate. We are a growing company led by an experienced and highly motivated team. This provides an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to develop professionally and be part of an outstanding team.

Job Description Summary

The Assistant Building Engineer I (ABE I) plays a key role in delivering a safe, reliable, and exceptional workplace experience by supporting the operation, maintenance, and repair of commercial office buildings and their associated building systems. Working under the direction of the Assistant Chief Engineer and Chief Engineer, this position performs preventive maintenance, responds to tenant service requests, assists with troubleshooting building systems, and supports the operation of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and building automation systems.

This position is designed for individuals seeking to build a long-term career in commercial building engineering through hands-on experience, technical training, and mentorship. Success in this role requires a team-first attitude, a commitment to safety, professionalism, exceptional customer service, and continuous learning.

Building Operations

• Perform preventive maintenance on commercial building systems in accordance with established maintenance schedules
• Assist with the operation, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting of HVAC equipment, chillers, boilers, pumps, cooling towers, electrical, plumbing, lighting, and life safety systems
• Perform daily and weekly inspections of mechanical rooms, rooftops, electrical rooms, and building equipment to identify deficiencies requiring repair or corrective action
• Assist with operation and monitoring of Building Automation Systems (BAS)
• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve equipment reliability, energy efficiency, and overall building performance
• Respond to tenant service requests in a timely and professional manner
• Perform general maintenance including minor carpentry, minor wall patching, ceiling tile replacement, door and hardware repairs, and common area maintenance
• Replace HVAC filters, belts, lamps, ballasts, LED drivers, and lighting fixtures as required
• Perform basic plumbing repairs including faucets, flush valves, drains, and fixtures
• Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and professional appearance of engineering spaces, mechanical rooms, shops, and equipment areas
• Assist senior engineering staff during equipment shutdowns, repairs, inspections, and preventive maintenance activities
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors while ensuring work is performed safely and according to company standards
• Maintain accurate maintenance records using the company's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)
• Participate in emergency response activities including equipment failures, power outages, water leaks, and after-hours service calls.

Required Functional Knowledge and Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Basic working knowledge of commercial building mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
• Understanding of preventive maintenance practices
• Experience with lighting maintenance and minor electrical repairs
• General plumbing troubleshooting and repair skills
• Minor carpentry and building repair skills
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, ladders, and testing equipment
• Provides exceptional tenant service while maintaining a professional and responsive attitude
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple work assignments
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to workplace safety and safe work practices
• Willingness to participate in technical and trade-related training programs

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• At least one year of experience in facilities maintenance, building operations, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, industrial maintenance, hotel engineering, healthcare facilities, or related trades
• Basic HVAC troubleshooting skills
• Basic computer skills required (Word, Excel, Windows)
• Valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
• Ability to communicate professionally with tenants, contractors, vendors, and coworkers.
• Demonstrates humility, professionalism, accountability, and a collaborative team-first attitude

Preferred Qualifications

• Two to five years of experience in commercial facilities maintenance, building operations, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, industrial maintenance
• Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS)
• Experience using a CMMS (Building Engines, Angus, Yardi, Maximo, or similar)
• NFPA 70E awareness or training
• EPA Section 608 Certification
• OSHA 10-Hour Certification
• Experience working in commercial office buildings
• Trade school, vocational education, or college coursework in HVAC, mechanical, electrical, or building systems
• Knowledge of lockout/tagout procedures

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position routinely works in commercial office buildings, mechanical rooms, rooftops, parking structures, and outdoor environments. Employees may be exposed to moving mechanical equipment, varying weather conditions, electrical equipment, chemicals, elevated work areas, confined spaces, and loud noise.

The position requires the ability to:

• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Climb ladders and stairs
• Access rooftops, crawl spaces, and mechanical rooms
• Stand, walk, kneel, bend, squat, crawl, reach, and climb for extended periods
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, and testing equipment
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Other Information

• Non-supervisory position
• Full-time
• Occasional overtime may be required
• Local travel between assigned properties may be required
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Comprehensive benefits package available for eligible employees

Compensation

Hourly rate: $32.00–$42.00, depending on experience and qualifications

The Assistant Building Engineer I position is designed as a developmental role within the Engineering Department. Employees are expected to expand their technical knowledge through on-the-job training, formal education, and hands-on experience, preparing them for advancement into Building Engineer positions.

Other Duties

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as business needs require.