Hotel Chief Engineer

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with Employer Match

Complimentary Employee Meals

Generous Paid Time Off

Job summary

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham, NC, is hiring a Chief Engineer responsible for overseeing maintenance operations for the property. This role supports safety compliance and the guest experience.

The ideal candidate will have experience in hotel maintenance, expertise in HVAC systems, and strong leadership skills. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in hotel or commercial maintenance required.
• Leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day maintenance operations.
• Coordinate with vendors and manage budgets.
• Conduct ongoing inspections for safety compliance.

Skills

Building systems knowledge

Maintenance operations

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical school or trade certification

Tools

HVAC systems

Power tools

Maintenance equipment

Job description

Job Location: WDI - Durham, NC 27705

Position Type: Full Time

Are you looking for a career with room for growth and development? Join our skilled Engineering team!

The Chief Engineer is responsible for performing and supervising day-to-day maintenance operations for the property’s interior and exterior facilities. This role helps ensure that the property is maintained in a safe, efficient, and high-quality condition while supporting the overall guest and employee experience.

The Chief Engineer works closely with the Area Director of Engineering to support preventative maintenance, energy management, safety compliance, vendor coordination, budgeting, and daily engineering operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and oversee property distribution systems, including electricity, water, steam, gas, and related utilities.
• Maintain and operate air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and refrigeration systems.
• Ensure the proper maintenance of buildings, grounds, equipment, fixtures, and furnishings.
• Respond promptly and professionally to service requests from guests, employees, and management.
• Coordinate and monitor services performed by outside contractors in accordance with contracts, leases, service agreements, and warranties.
• Schedule daily maintenance work in a manner that minimizes disruption to guests, employees, and property operations.
• Assist the Area Director of Engineering with planning, implementing, and maintaining effective energy management and preventative maintenance programs.
• Assist with the preparation of capital expenditure plans, maintenance budgets, and monthly financial reporting.
• Maintain records related to utilities, equipment, repairs, maintenance costs, purchasing, and inventory.
• Initiate purchase orders, approve invoices as appropriate, and maintain adequate inventory of parts, tools, and supplies.
• Train, supervise, schedule, and support Engineering team members.
• Conduct ongoing inspections of buildings, grounds, systems, and equipment to ensure compliance with OSHA, fire, life safety, and other applicable regulations.
• Take appropriate action to correct safety, maintenance, or compliance concerns.
• Respond to major emergencies and coordinate effectively with leadership, emergency personnel, vendors, and team members.
• Participate in the Safety Committee and support property safety and sanitation programs.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with Employer Match, eligible after 6 months
• Free Parking
• Complimentary Employee Meals
• Family & Friends Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Growth and Development Opportunities
• Competitive Pay

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical school, trade certification, or related training preferred.
• Previous experience in hotel, resort, club, commercial, or institutional maintenance required.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, refrigeration, and general building maintenance required.
• Experience with preventative maintenance programs, vendor coordination, and inventory control preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of building systems, maintenance operations, and safety procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve maintenance issues efficiently and effectively.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, coach, and support team members.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining property standards.
• Ability to read and understand manuals, safety procedures, technical documents, and basic reports.
• Basic computer skills, including email, work order systems, and Microsoft Office preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during emergencies or high-pressure situations.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and respond to emergencies as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, kneel, reach, and lift throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier items with assistance.
• Ability to climb ladders and work in mechanical rooms, rooftops, confined spaces, and outdoor areas as needed.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and environmental conditions.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment.