Chief Engineer

Unicoi State Park & Lodge; Helen (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Unicoi State Park & Lodge in the North Georgia mountains seeks a hands-on Chief Engineer to lead our Maintenance Department, ensuring safe, comfortable, and memorable guest experiences. You will oversee engineering, maintenance, and facility operations, develop preventive maintenance programs, manage budgets, and mentor a high-performing team to uphold the property's standards and guest safety.

This on-site role requires strong leadership, technical expertise across mechanical, electrical, and

Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience in engineering, maintenance, facilities management, or hospitality engineering.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and building systems.
• Experience developing and managing preventive maintenance programs.
• Strong budgeting, inventory management, and project management skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and team-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Engineering & Maintenance team while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and exceptional service.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve comprehensive preventive maintenance programs for all buildings, equipment, utilities, and public areas.
• Plan, organize, prioritize, and oversee maintenance projects from concept through completion.
• Manage departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, approve invoices, and ensure cost-effective operations.
• Maintain inventory and oversee purchasing of tools, equipment, parts, and maintenance supplies.
• Ensure the safe, efficient operation and repair of all building systems, mechanical equipment, and infrastructure.
• Monitor work quality, provide coaching and training, and ensure all maintenance standards are consistently met.
• Schedule staff, approve time off, manage overtime, and ensure appropriate departmental staffing.
• Track maintenance records, utility usage, repair costs, preventive maintenance schedules, and operational performance.
• Maintain lock and key control while ensuring the security of all facilities.
• Oversee the property's Loss Prevention initiatives and partner with overnight operations to maintain a safe environment for guests and team members.
• Respond to emergencies quickly and effectively to protect guests, employees, and property while restoring operations as efficiently as possible.
• Support the Safety Committee and promote a strong culture of workplace safety.
• Ensure compliance with all State of Georgia, Department of Natural Resources, Coral Hospitality, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Partner closely with the General Manager and department leaders on capital improvements, facility enhancements, and special projects.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Preventive maintenance

Troubleshooting

Team building

Safety

Project management

HVAC systems

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Job description

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Are you a hands-on leader who thrives on solving problems, leading teams, and maintaining exceptional facilities? Do you enjoy working in a beautiful outdoor setting where no two days are the same? Unicoi State Park & Lodge is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead our Maintenance Department and help ensure our guests enjoy a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience.

Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, Unicoi State Park & Lodge features guest rooms, cabins, restaurants, meeting spaces, outdoor recreation, and miles of scenic beauty. As our Chief Engineer, you'll play a critical leadership role in maintaining the entire property while building a high-performing maintenance team dedicated to excellence.

What You'll Do

As Chief Engineer, you will oversee all engineering, maintenance, and facility operations across the property while leading a skilled maintenance team. Responsibilities include:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Engineering & Maintenance team while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and exceptional service.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve comprehensive preventive maintenance programs for all buildings, equipment, utilities, and public areas.
• Plan, organize, prioritize, and oversee maintenance projects from concept through completion.
• Manage departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, approve invoices, and ensure cost‑effective operations.
• Maintain inventory and oversee purchasing of tools, equipment, parts, and maintenance supplies.
• Ensure the safe, efficient operation and repair of all building systems, mechanical equipment, and infrastructure.
• Monitor work quality, provide coaching and training, and ensure all maintenance standards are consistently met.
• Schedule staff, approve time off, manage overtime, and ensure appropriate departmental staffing.
• Track maintenance records, utility usage, repair costs, preventive maintenance schedules, and operational performance.
• Maintain lock and key control while ensuring the security of all facilities.
• Oversee the property's Loss Prevention initiatives and partner with overnight operations to maintain a safe environment for guests and team members.
• Respond to emergencies quickly and effectively to protect guests, employees, and property while restoring operations as efficiently as possible.
• Support the Safety Committee and promote a strong culture of workplace safety.
• Ensure compliance with all State of Georgia, Department of Natural Resources, Coral Hospitality, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Partner closely with the General Manager and department leaders on capital improvements, facility enhancements, and special projects.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a proven maintenance leader with strong technical knowledge, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to motivate and develop a team.

Qualified candidates should possess:

• Previous leadership experience in engineering, maintenance, facilities management, or hospitality engineering.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and building systems.
• Experience developing and managing preventive maintenance programs.
• Strong budgeting, inventory management, and project management skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and team‑building skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and exceptional guest service.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations as needed.

Why Unicoi?

At Unicoi State Park & Lodge, you'll have the opportunity to lead maintenance operations for one of Georgia's premier state park destinations. Every day brings new challenges, meaningful projects, and the satisfaction of preserving a property that thousands of guests enjoy each year.

If you're ready to lead, build, improve, and make a lasting impact, we'd love to welcome you to the Unicoi team.