Building Engineer

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change.

Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid has provided high-quality legal aid to vulnerable, low-income people and communities – helping to remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and reach their goals. MLA also identifies and seeks to remedy systemic barriers. MLA’s core work includes eviction and foreclosure prevention, family law, children’s rights, consumer protection, securing public benefits, and access to healthcare. MLA advocates operate primarily through the courts, via individual representation of indigent clients, but also engage in impact litigation, public communication and outreach, and policy advocacy.

Through this holistic approach, Maryland Legal Aid serves to amplify the voices of tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders each year and seeks to be a leader in the legal services field nationwide.

Job Summary: MLA is committed to maintaining a safe, efficient, and comfortable environment for all staff, clients, and visitors at our Baltimore City office. We are seeking a skilled and proactive Building Engineer to join the Administrative Services Unit (ASU) department. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the overall maintenance and operation of MLA’s Baltimore City building (53,000 s/ft), supervising out-sourced building contractors, and ensuring timely resolution of maintenance tickets. 

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Facilities, the Baltimore City Building Engineer will oversee the preventative maintenance and repair of building systems, supervise key building contractors, and efficiently complete maintenance tasks with excellence, to ensure that the building operates effectively. This role requires a hands-on approach to maintenance, along with strong organizational and communication skills. 

Key Responsibilities 

Preventative Maintenance: 

• Conduct comprehensive inspections of building hallways, bathrooms, staircases, public areas, emergency exits, building systems, and equipment to identify and mitigate actual or potential issues.   
• Execute weekly, monthly, and quarterly maintenance activities, including testing fire alarms, emergency lighting, and reviewing building automation systems. 
• Manage outsourced maintenance tasks, including HVAC system checks, fire device inspections, plumbing inspections, security systems, and electrical system evaluations. 
• Perform workstation set-ups for Baltimore City offices. 
• Maintain an adequate inventory of building supplies that are required for the day-to-day operation of the building.
• Grounds Management – ensure that all building entryways and sidewalks are clean and unobstructed.

Supervision of Contractors: 

• Serve as the primary contact/point person with all contractors for building-related maintenance and repairs. Manage and coordinate all repairs, maintenance, and other building-related activities with the contractors/trades.
• Coordinate all repairs, maintenance, construction, and other facilities issues with contractors, including HVAC, elevator maintenance, and cleaning service vendors.
• Ensure contractors adhere to service agreements and complete tasks to the company’s standards.
• Conduct regular meetings with contractors to review performance and address any issues.
• Ensure that bids/quotes from Contractors align with MLA service standards, including the provision of Certificates of Insurance (COIs), and Substantial Completion Dates for capital projects.

Task Tracking and Reporting: 

• Track task completion and generate reports via Monday.com. 
• Ensure timely resolution of maintenance tickets, prioritizing urgent requests and closing tickets within established timelines. 

Building Systems Management: 

• Operate and maintain building automation systems to optimize energy efficiency.  
• Monitor and adjust HVAC systems to maintain building occupancy comfort. 
• Address and resolve building system malfunctions promptly to minimize disruptions. 
• Manage security access card system and key log. 

Safety and Compliance: 

• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and building codes.
• Troubleshoot and respond to unexpected/emergency maintenance requests.
• Conduct regular safety checks and audits.  Implement corrective actions as needed.
• Serve as MLA’s primary contact/point person for all after-hours, weekend, and holiday burglar and fire alarm system trouble calls. 
• Ensure that all safety devices are in satisfactory working order (e.g. AED machines, Fire Extinguishers).
• Participate in emergency preparedness drills and maintain readiness for building emergencies.

Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 3 years of proven experience as a Building Engineer, or a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and communicate resolution timelines.
• Ability to work independently or as a member of a group.
• Ability to produce quality work under time pressure and multitask. 
• Certification in building maintenance, HVAC, or a related field is a plus. 

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training or an associate degree in a related field preferred. 

Core Competencies: 

• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work. 
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records. 
• Proactive approach to maintenance and problem resolution. 
• Strong customer service skills. 

 BENEFITS 

The salary range for the Building Engineer $47,000 - $56,000.  In addition, MLA offers employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; three weeks of paid time off; paid sick leave; 14 annual paid holidays; and more.  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application. 
• References will be required at the time of the final interview.  

Maryland Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace, reflective of our core values, for all employees.