What are the responsibilities and job description for the Building Engineer position at White-Spunner Realty?
Building Engineer
Reports To
Regional Property Manager/President
Direct Reports
None (initially)
Location
Pensacola, FL
Status
Full-Time / Non-Exempt
THE OPPORTUNITY
You will be the hands-on technical resource responsible for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems at our Pensacola property. This is not a reactive maintenance role. You will be the person who knows the building — its quirks, its needs, and its potential — and builds a proactive approach to keeping it operating at its best.
WSR is in active transformation, raising the bar on how we operate, document, and maintain our properties. The Building Engineer is central to that mission — institutionalizing best practices, tightening vendor relationships, and ensuring our asset is protected for the long term.
WHAT YOU’LL OWN
HVAC Systems
• Inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot rooftop units (RTUs), split systems, chillers, cooling towers, AHUs, VAV boxes, and associated controls
• Replace or direct replacement of filters, belts, bearings, motors, contactors, capacitors, and refrigerant components in accordance with manufacturer specs
• Monitor and adjust building automation system (BAS) or thermostat setpoints, schedules, and alarm thresholds
• Verify refrigerant charge, superheat/subcooling, and system pressures; perform EPA 608-compliant refrigerant handling and record-keeping
• Coordinate and oversee annual HVAC preventive maintenance contracts; review service reports and verify completion of all scheduled tasks
Electrical Systems
• Perform routine inspection and testing of electrical panels, breakers, disconnects, contactors, and wiring in compliance with NFPA 70 (NEC)
• Troubleshoot and repair lighting systems including ballasts, LED drivers, photocells, occupancy sensors, and emergency egress lighting
• Test and document monthly emergency lighting and exit sign battery backup performance per NFPA 101 requirements
• Coordinate with licensed electricians for load calculations, panel upgrades, and any work requiring a licensed electrical permit
• Maintain and test transfer switches and generator sets; log run hours, fuel levels, and load bank test results
Plumbing Systems
• Inspect and maintain domestic water systems including pressure reducing valves (PRVs), backflow preventers, water heaters, pumps, and distribution piping
• Troubleshoot and repair restroom fixtures, flush valves, faucet cartridges, and supply stops; address drain stoppages and sewer line issues
• Coordinate annual backflow preventer testing with a licensed tester and submit reports to the local water authority
• Monitor water heater temperatures (min. 120°F at fixture, 140°F at tank) and inspect expansion tanks and T&P relief valves
• Identify and remediate signs of water intrusion, pipe condensation, and active leaks; document findings and corrective actions
Fire & Life Safety Systems
• Coordinate and witness annual fire sprinkler system inspections, 5-year internal pipe inspections, and pump flow tests per NFPA 25
• Ensure fire alarm panel (FACP) is fully operational; coordinate annual inspection and testing by a licensed fire alarm contractor per NFPA 72
• Maintain fire extinguisher inspection logs; coordinate annual certification and hydrostatic testing on schedule
• Oversee kitchen hood suppression system semi-annual inspections and ensure proper documentation is posted
• Escort and supervise life safety contractors; review all inspection reports and ensure deficiencies are corrected and documented
Building Envelope & General Maintenance
• Inspect roof membrane, flashings, drains, scuppers, and penetrations on a scheduled basis; document condition and coordinate repairs with licensed roofing contractors
• Maintain exterior sealants, caulking, and weatherstripping at windows, doors, and building penetrations to prevent water intrusion
• Inspect, lubricate, and adjust door hardware including closers, hinges, panic hardware, and access control devices
• Perform routine parking lot, sidewalk, and exterior inspections; identify trip hazards, drainage issues, signage deficiencies, and lighting outages
• Maintain elevator equipment room logs; coordinate with elevator contractor for monthly and annual inspections per ASME A17.1
Work Order & Documentation Management
• Receive, prioritize, and close work orders using property management software; document labor, materials, and completion notes for each task
• Maintain an equipment inventory log including make, model, serial number, installation date, warranty status, and service history for all major mechanical and electrical equipment
• Produce monthly maintenance reports summarizing completed PMs, open work orders, vendor activity, and any outstanding capital or safety items
• Photograph and document all significant repairs, inspections, and deficiencies; file records in the property management system
Vendor & Contractor Oversight
• Manage all service contracts for the property including HVAC, fire/life safety, elevator, pest control, janitorial, landscaping, and building controls
• Solicit and evaluate competitive bids for repair and capital projects; prepare scope of work documents and review contractor submittals
• Verify contractor licensing, insurance certificates (COI), and compliance with building rules before allowing site access
• Inspect completed contractor work against scope; issue punch lists and withhold final payment authorization until deficiencies are resolved
Emergency Response & On-Call Support
• Serve as the primary on-call contact for after-hours building emergencies including HVAC failures, water intrusion, power outages, elevator entrapments, and fire alarm activations
• Isolate water supply, electrical circuits, or gas service as required during emergency events; coordinate with utilities and emergency responders
• Maintain an emergency contact list for all utility providers, licensed contractors, and building ownership; ensure list is current and accessible
• Document all emergency events with a written incident report including timeline, cause, corrective action taken, and follow-up items
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Experience
• 5 years of experience in building engineering, facilities management, or a related technical operations role
• Demonstrated experience managing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a commercial real estate environment
• Experience overseeing vendors and contractors, including scoping work and reviewing bids
• EPA 608 certification (Universal) preferred; other relevant trade licenses or certifications a plus
Skills & Competencies
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and building automation systems
• Organized and process-oriented — you don’t just fix problems, you build systems to prevent them
• Clear communicator — you can translate technical issues into plain language for tenants, ownership, and management
• Self-directed — you manage your own schedule, prioritize competing demands, and don’t need to be micromanaged
• Comfortable with technology — experience with property management software or work order systems is a plus
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Clean driving record required
• OSHA 10-Hour certification desirable
• Working knowledge of ADA code requirements desirable
• Must be willing to submit to a background check and drug test
Character
• Trustworthy and reliable — the team and tenants count on you showing up, following through, and telling the truth about what you find
• Pride in your work — you hold yourself to a higher standard than the minimum and notice what others miss
• Steady under pressure — emergencies happen; you stay calm, make good decisions, and communicate clearly
• Service-minded — you understand that a well-maintained building is a service to tenants and ownership alike, and you take that seriously
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN YEAR ONE
• A documented preventive maintenance program is in place and running on schedule for the property
• You know the building — its systems, its history, and its needs — better than anyone else in the organization
• Vendor relationships are organized, evaluated, and delivering consistent results
• Deferred maintenance and capital needs are identified, documented, and actively being addressed in priority order
• The property management team views you as a reliable partner who communicates proactively and follows through
• You have earned the trust of leadership as someone who protects the asset and raises the bar on how we operate