Chief Engineer

Job Title: Chief Engineer

Location: Cooperstown, NY

Salary: up to $85,000 (Based on Experience)

Type: Full-Time

Reports To: General Manager

Housing Benefit: Up to 2 months rent-free employee housing available while relocating

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead the Engineering and Maintenance Department for a premier luxury resort in Cooperstown, NY. This individual will oversee all engineering operations, preventive maintenance programs, capital improvement projects, safety compliance, and energy management while ensuring the property is maintained to the highest standards.

The ideal candidate will have previous hotel engineering leadership experience, preferably as a Chief Engineer within a luxury, historic, or full-service hotel or resort. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to exceptional guest service are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Maintenance Leadership

• Lead the daily operations of the Engineering and Maintenance Department
• Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and develop engineering staff
• Assign and prioritize work orders, maintenance requests, and special projects
• Manage department performance, staffing, and operational efficiency
• Maintain department equipment, tools, inventory, and supply levels

Facility & Building Operations

• Oversee all hotel mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire/life safety, elevator, and building systems
• Maintain the hotel's physical appearance and operational efficiency
• Develop and manage preventive maintenance programs to minimize downtime
• Conduct regular property inspections and address maintenance needs promptly
• Respond quickly to emergency situations and implement effective solutions

Guest Service & Hotel Operations

• Ensure guest maintenance requests are handled professionally and promptly
• Partner with hotel leadership to maintain luxury service standards
• Work closely with all departments to support seamless daily operations
• Participate in facility management and property leadership meetings

Safety, Compliance & Sustainability

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, fire, environmental, and safety regulations
• Maintain repair records, maintenance logs, and equipment documentation
• Monitor and test fire alarm systems, CCTV, emergency systems, and security equipment
• Lead energy conservation and sustainability initiatives to reduce operating costs
• Maintain safe and clean mechanical rooms and engineering work areas

Financial & Project Management

• Prepare and manage departmental budgets
• Assist with capital planning and facility improvement projects
• Coordinate outside vendors and contractors for specialized repairs
• Monitor project timelines, maintenance expenses, and department performance
• Support hotel leadership with maintenance planning and operational improvements

Qualifications

Experience & Skills

• Minimum 5 years of hotel or resort engineering/maintenance experience required
• Minimum 2 years of engineering leadership or management experience required
• Previous Chief Engineer experience within a hotel or resort strongly preferred
• Luxury and/or historic hotel experience highly preferred
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building systems
• Experience managing preventive maintenance programs
• Proven leadership, budgeting, scheduling, and project management experience
• Familiarity with hotel property management systems
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work flexible hours, weekends, holidays, and participate in an on-call rotation

Certifications

• EPA Certification preferred
• Fire Safety Director (FSD) certification preferred

Benefits & Perks

Core Benefits

• Free health and vision insurance (employee)
• Dental coverage
• 401(k)
• FSA
• Profit-sharing pension plan (10% of annual income, vested after 3 years)
• Free term life insurance (1x annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Teledoc coverage ($10/month – family included)

Time Off & Lifestyle

• 13 paid holidays (including birthday)
• Vacation:
• 80 hours (Years 1–4)
• 120 hours (Years 5–9)
• 160 hours (Year 10 )
• 56 hours sick time annually
• Free hot meals while working
• Free gym membership
• Retail, restaurant, spa, and golf discounts
• Friends & family room discounts

Educational Support Program

After one year of full-time employment:

Student Loan Repayment

• $500 per quarter after Year 1
• $750 per quarter after Year 2

Education Sponsorship

• 50% reimbursement for approved industry-related education
• Up to $5,000 per calendar year
• One-year post-completion employment commitment required

Interview Process

• Initial phone interview with hotel leadership
• Executive interview with the President
• Final on-site interview with the Executive Leadership Team

Additional Notes

• Hotel engineering experience is required
• Leadership experience within hotel engineering is required
• Previous Chief Engineer experience is strongly preferred
• Luxury and historic hotel experience is highly preferred
• Relocation assistance is available through temporary employee housing
• We are seeking a hands-on leader interested in making a long-term contribution to the organization

Interested Candidates – Apply Today

Please submit:

• Resume
• Salary expectations
• Availability
• At least one professional reference