Chief Engineer - Union CHA

HHDC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

HHDC is seeking a Chief Engineer in Chicago to lead property maintenance operations and a maintenance staff. The role oversees work orders, preventive maintenance, repairs, turnovers, contractors, and emergency response while delivering excellent resident service.

This union-represented, full-time position requires on-call duties and travel between properties as needed. Pay ranges from $72,000 to $74,000 per year, with a schedule Monday–Friday and on-call responsibilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of apartment maintenance experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of team lead or supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, appliances, and general building maintenance.
• Must obtain UPCS Inspection Certification within six months of hire.
• Must maintain required union certifications.
• Strong leadership, organization, communication, and customer service skills.
• Basic computer skills, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and assign daily work to maintenance and janitorial staff.
• Prioritize work orders and ensure timely completion.
• Establish daily and weekly maintenance schedules.
• Supervise contractors and monitor maintenance projects.
• Maintain inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Train and provide guidance to maintenance staff.
• Establish and maintain preventive maintenance schedules.
• Perform and oversee plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, painting, appliance, and general property repairs.
• Monitor vacant unit turnovers and property conditions.
• Maintain key control and property security procedures.
• Assist with grounds, custodial, emergency, and general maintenance duties as needed.
• Ensure staff follows company and workplace safety procedures.
• Participate in the rotational 24-hour on-call schedule.
• Assist at other properties when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Customer service

Organization

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

SUMMARY

The Chief Engineeris a union-represented maintenance leadership position responsible for overseeing property maintenance operations and maintenance staff. This position coordinates work orders, preventive maintenance, repairs, unit turnovers, contractors, and emergency response while ensuring excellent service to residents.

Full-Time: 40 hours per week
Schedule: Monday–Friday, on-call
Pay Rate: $72,000–$74,000 per year

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversee and assign daily work to maintenance and janitorial staff.
• Prioritize work orders and ensure timely completion.
• Establish daily and weekly maintenance schedules.
• Supervise contractors and monitor maintenance projects.
• Maintain inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Train and provide guidance to maintenance staff.
• Establish and maintain preventive maintenance schedules.
• Perform and oversee plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, painting, appliance, and general property repairs.
• Monitor vacant unit turnovers and property conditions.
• Maintain key control and property security procedures.
• Assist with grounds, custodial, emergency, and general maintenance duties as needed.
• Ensure staff follows company and workplace safety procedures.
• Participate in the rotational 24-hour on-call schedule.
• Assist at other properties when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversees maintenance and janitorial staff, assigns work, monitors performance, and supervises contractors. May assist with hiring, training, and employee evaluations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of apartment maintenance experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of team lead or supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, appliances, and general building maintenance.
• Must obtain UPCS Inspection Certification within six months of hire.
• Must maintain required union certifications.
• Strong leadership, organization, communication, and customer service skills.
• Basic computer skills, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must provide required hand tools.
• Reliable vehicle, insurance, and safe driving record required.
• Must be willing to travel between properties as needed.

PHYSICAL & WORK REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to stand, walk, bend, squat, climb, crawl, and lift up to 50 pounds. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in varying conditions. Evening, weekend, and emergency work is required.

UNION REPRESENTATION

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the company and SEIU Local 1.