Building Superintendent

Breaking Ground; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Breaking Ground in Brooklyn is seeking a Building Superintendent for 90 Sands, a 30-story permanent housing building. You will supervise Maintenance Supervisors, manage day-to-day operations, and serve as the senior technical lead for building systems, infrastructure, and preventive maintenance.

The role requires on-site residency, after-hours coverage, and extensive experience with boilers, HVAC, BMS, electrical, plumbing, and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or Trade School Certification required; advanced technical training preferred.
• Minimum 7 years in building operations or facilities maintenance; 5+ years with complex mechanical/HVAC systems.
• Minimum 3 years supervisory or team lead experience.
• Extensive technical experience with boilers, HVAC, BMS, and related controls.
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (Maintenance Connection or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day building operations and walkthroughs.
• Supervise Maintenance Supervisor and Assistant Maintenance Supervisor.
• Oversee major building systems including boilers, HVAC equipment, and BMS.
• Monitor energy efficiency and preventive maintenance needs.
• Prepare for and coordinate inspections and ensure code compliance.

Skills

HVAC systems

Low pressure boiler operations

Building Management Systems (BMS)

Electrical, plumbing, and carpentry

Supervisory experience

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

High School Diploma / GED or Trade Certification

Advanced technical training preferred

Tools

Maintenance Connection

MRI / Property management systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

90 Sands

Located in DUMBO, Brooklyn, 90 Sands offers 491 units of permanent, supportive housing to low-income New Yorkers, people living with HIV/AIDS, and chronically homeless individuals, including individuals with mental illness. Built on the former site of the Watchtower Society, the 30-story building features a multipurpose room for community events and meetings, a digital library/computer lab, and a fitness room. The Center for Urban Community Services provides comprehensive onsite social services, and Breaking Ground coordinates property management services.

Building Superintendent

Reporting to the Senior Property Manager, the Building Superintendent oversees day-to-day operations for one of Breaking Ground’s most prominent permanent housing buildings. This role provides direct supervision of the Maintenance Supervisor and Assistant Maintenance Supervisor and serves as the senior technical lead for all building systems, infrastructure, and preventive maintenance programs. The Building Superintendent ensures the building remains structurally safe, exceptionally clean, and highly maintained, directly supporting Breaking Ground’s mission of ending homelessness and enhancing quality of life for over 490 tenants.

This position manages a complex building environment that includes a large low pressure boiler plant, a Building Management System (BMS), and all HVAC components, as well as multiple commercial spaces and event areas used for public and private functions. The Building Superintendent develops and implements preventive maintenance programs; performs advanced electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and carpentry repairs; coordinates inspections; oversees vendor activity; monitors purchasing; and ensures that all Certificates of Fitness and code compliance requirements are met.

This role requires on-site residency and after-hours emergency coverage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Building Operations and Technical Oversight
  • Lead day to day building operations, performing regular walkthroughs
  • Supervise Maintenance Supervisor(s) and Assistant Maintenance Supervisor(s)
  • Oversee all major building systems, including low pressure boilers, HVAC equipment (chillers, RTUs, air handlers, cooling towers, pumps, motors, VAVs, and heat pumps), domestic hot water systems, ventilation/exhaust, and specialized mechanical components
  • Monitor, manage, and optimize the Building Management System (BMS) for energy efficiency, equipment performance, and preventive maintenance needs
  • Ensure the building is fully operational and ready for tours, fundraising activities, and public/private events
  • Oversee the maintenance of 490+ residential units, common areas, staff offices, and multiple commercial spaces
  • Perform general electrical, plumbing, carpentry, mechanical, and related trade work as needed
• Preventive Maintenance and Compliance
  • Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems
  • Maintain compliance with all FDNY, DOB, DOH, and other regulatory requirements; track and update Certificates of Fitness, inspection logs, and testing records
  • Proactively monitor and address summonses, violations, and city complaints using tools such as SiteCompli, and develop strategies to reduce future violations
  • Prepare for and lead all annual, building-wide inspections by city agencies and funders
• Leadership and Staff Management
  • Provide daily direction, coaching, and task assignments to maintenance staff and supervisors
  • Ensure timely and high quality unit turnover, repair work, and work order resolution
  • Foster a collaborative, results-driven environment that promotes professional growth and engagement
  • Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders
• Emergency Response and Facilities Management
  • Respond to after-hours building emergencies and coordinate staff response to resolve conditions quickly and safely
  • Oversee correction of emergency conditions involving HVAC failures, plumbing leaks, boiler issues, electrical outages, sprinkler activations and other critical systems
• Budgeting and Purchasing
  • Assist in preparation of the annual maintenance department budget and manage operating expenses, inventory, and purchasing throughout the year
  • Evaluate cost saving opportunities,equipment life cycle planning, and capital replacement needs
• Resident and Stakeholder Communication
  • Address tenant maintenance concerns professionally through meetings, written communication, and/or coordination with social services staff
  • Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to ensure building operations support organizational goals
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education and Experience
  • High School Diploma, GED, or Trade School Certification required; advanced technical training preferred
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in building operations, facilities maintenance, or related trades, with at least 5 years involving complex mechanical and HVAC systems
  • Minimum 3 years of supervisory or team lead experience in a facilities or maintenance environment
  • Extensive technical experience with:
    • Low pressure boiler operations
    • HVAC systems, including chillers, pumps, motors, air handlers, pneumatic/electric controls
    • Building Management Systems (BMS)
  • Prior experience with computerized maintenance management system platforms (Maintenance Connection or equivalent) required
• Technical Skills
  • Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, manuals, and floor plans
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
  • Familiarity with MRI or other property management systems preferred
• Certifications Required
  • S 12 Fire Sprinkler
  • S 13 Standpipe
  • S 95 Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems
• Preferred Certifications
  • F 07 Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor
  • W 07 Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor (alternative)Additional FDNY Certificates of Fitness relevant to HVAC, boiler operation, or BMS controls
• Additional Skills Required
  • Ability to work with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing mental illness and/or homelessness
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
  • Must reside on site and participate in emergency coverage rotation
  • Must complete any required building certifications within six months of hire