Chief Engineer

Job Title: Chief Engineer
Department: Engineering/Maintenance
Reports To: General Manager
Location: The Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown, NY
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary:

The Chief Engineer is responsible for managing the overall maintenance and engineering operations of a luxury hotel property, ensuring the highest standards of safety, functionality, sustainability, and guest satisfaction. This includes supervision of engineering staff, preventive maintenance programs, energy management, and compliance with legal and brand standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Engineering department, including staffing, training, budgeting, and performance management.
• Ensure the hotel’s physical facilities (including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire/life safety systems, and elevators) are maintained in optimal operating condition.
• Prioritize, plan, schedule assign, and supervise the engineering department staff.
• Oversee the maintenance tasks, work orders, and special projects ensuring timely and accurate completion.
• Respond to guest’s maintenance needs promptly and ensure guests receive professional, efficient prompt, and courteous service to hotel standards.
• Maintain the physical appearance and operational efficiency of the hotel including physical. mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.
• Implement and monitor preventive maintenance schedules on systems and facilities to avoid system failures and minimize downtime and ensure guest satisfaction.
• Coordinate with external vendors and contractors for specialized services and capital projects.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure guest satisfaction and seamless hotel operations.
• Lead sustainability and energy conservation initiatives in line with brand standards and local regulations.
• Ensure proper records are kept relating to all plant and equipment for the hotel including repair and service records.
• Prepare and manage the department budget and capital expenditure planning.
• Conduct regular inspections of hotel facilities to identify maintenance needs and ensure brand standards are upheld.
• Respond promptly to emergency situations and provide effective solutions.
• Mentor and develop a skilled engineering team with a focus on continuous improvement and service excellence.
• Take responsibility for the cleanliness and safety aspects of all plant and mechanical equipment rooms.
• Attend all Facility Management/Property meetings as required, passing on necessary information to the maintenance team in regular junior staff meetings.
• Establish and maintain department equipment and supply inventory levels appropriate to property requirements
• Provide training to staff on supplies, inventory, maintenance, and ordering procedures.
• Train engineering department staff on correct maintenance procedures and assist in repairs as needed.
• Maintained, monitored, and tested the hotel’s emergency and security systems, features like Fire Alarm, CCTV, baggage scanners, etc.
• Discuss with GM / Department heads on maintenance status and inspection reports.
• Develop, implement, and manage energy conservation programs for the property to minimize expenses.
• Ensure maintenance staff is wearing proper uniforms with name tags and upholds hotel grooming and hygiene standards.
• Responsible for quality service, meeting/exceeding financial goals, short and long-term planning, and day-to-day operations.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 5 years of engineering or maintenance experience in full-service hotel or resort, with at least 2 years in a managerial role.
• Strong technical knowledge of building systems and hotel operations.
• Previous experience in HVAC and electrical
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and project timelines.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with hotel property management systems
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• FSD and EPA certification preferred
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and on-call duty.

Desirable Traits:

• Detail-oriented with a passion for high standards and luxury guest experiences.
• Proactive problem solver with strong decision-making skills.
• Committed to sustainability and energy-efficient operations.
• Collaborative leader who inspires trust and accountability.