Job Description:
Responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of city buildings, including plumbing, electrical, mechanical, HVACR, building automation, life safety, fire protection, security and related building systems. The Building Engineer must have working knowledge of modern facility operations, including connected equipment, digital work order systems, BMS/BAS operation, trend logs, alarms, energy management tools, mobile documentation and safe coordination with outside contractors. The position requires the ability to identify abnormal conditions, respond quickly, perform hands-on repairs where appropriate, and support reliable, safe and energy-conscious building operation.
Essential Job Duties Under the Direction of the Chief Engineer:
1. Inspect buildings, grounds, mechanical rooms, equipment and systems for unsafe, abnormal or malfunctioning conditions.
2. Conduct general preventative maintenance on mechanical, electrical, HVACR, plumbing and building automation systems. Work includes lubrication, adjustment, cleaning, filter changes, belt replacement, sensor checks, calibration support, consumable part replacement and periodic equipment testing.
3. Perform troubleshooting, diagnostics and repairs on all mechanical and HVACR equipment, including air handling units, rooftop units, split systems, pumps, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, exhaust systems, VFDs, motors, hydronic components, refrigeration circuits and related controls.
4. Operate, monitor and maintain the Building Management System / Building Automation System (BMS/BAS), including schedules, setpoints, alarms, graphics, trend logs, overrides, controller communication issues and basic control sequence verification.
5. Use BMS/BAS data, trend logs, meters, gauges, test instruments and field observations to diagnose comfort complaints, equipment faults, nuisance alarms, energy waste and abnormal system operation.
6. Respond quickly to emergency situations, equipment failures, leaks, environmental complaints, loss of heating/cooling, alarms and other building-related issues.
7. Assist with installation, modification, replacement and commissioning support of building equipment, controls, sensors, networked devices and system upgrades.
8. Perform and/or oversee electrical and plumbing repair and troubleshooting within the limits of licensing, safety requirements and department procedures.
9. Perform and/or oversee water treatment, testing, documentation and follow-up for boilers, cooling towers, closed loops and related systems.
10. Use digital work order / CMMS platforms, tablets, mobile devices, photos and electronic records to receive, prioritize, document and close out work orders accurately.
11. Prioritize service calls, document corrective actions, communicate status updates and follow up upon completion.
12. Troubleshoot, evaluate and recommend equipment repairs, service upgrades, controls improvements, energy conservation measures and capital replacement needs.
13. Coordinate maintenance and repair efforts with outside contractors, vendors, controls technicians, IT support and city departments when work cannot be completed in-house.
14. Coordinate contractor access, tenant/user communication and management approvals for work orders requiring outside support. Maintain accurate records of contractor work, findings and recommendations.
15. Order parts, filters, supplies and materials as required, while maintaining stock, inventory control and proper documentation.
16. Work with the Chief Engineer and Building Manager in planning, budgeting and supporting annual maintenance, capital projects and equipment replacement planning.
17. Be responsive to occupant complaints in the areas of safety, plumbing, HVACR, mechanical, electrical, indoor air quality and environmental needs through direct contact and the work order system.
18. Prepare and maintain maintenance logs, equipment records, digital files, inspection documentation, BMS notes, alarm history and repair records.
19. Be familiar with and conform to all written operating procedures, safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, cybersecurity awareness practices and site-specific building procedures.
20. Maintain clean, safe and professional work areas, mechanical rooms, storage rooms, shops and equipment spaces.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.
Technology and 2026 Work Environment Expectations:
- Ability to work in a modern, technology-supported facility environment using BMS/BAS platforms, digital work orders, mobile devices, cloud or network-based documentation, electronic drawings, equipment histories and remote support tools.
- Working knowledge of modern HVACR and controls-related technology such as BACnet/Modbus communication, VFDs, VRF/VRV systems, smart sensors, connected thermostats, energy dashboards, alarming, trending and basic networked device troubleshooting.
- Ability to document work with clear notes, photos, readings, alarm history, trend captures and repair recommendations in a professional manner.
- Ability to coordinate with IT, controls contractors and equipment vendors while following department policy for passwords, remote access, network security and equipment access.
Skills, Education and Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in building operations, engineering, HVACR, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting and repair.
- Hands-on mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot and repair building HVACR and mechanical equipment.
- Working knowledge of building mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVACR, controls, life safety, fire protection and security systems.
- Experience operating and maintaining BMS/BAS systems, including schedules, setpoints, alarms, trends, overrides and basic controller-level troubleshooting.
- Ability to use computers, tablets, smartphones, digital meters, test instruments, CMMS/work order software, email and electronic documentation systems.
- Ability to read and understand blueprints, mechanical drawings, control diagrams, wiring diagrams, equipment manuals and sequence of operation documents.
- Ability to handle multiple projects, prioritize work and make sound operational decisions.
- Holds necessary and required licenses and certifications for assigned work (D2,S2 or OE2). HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, BMS/BAS, Building Operator, OSHA, EPA 608 or other applicable technical training is preferred where applicable.
- Completion of college, trade school, technical school, HVAC certificates, Building Operator Program coursework, engineering technical training, or building operations and maintenance training certificates preferred.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
- Strong customer service, communication, documentation and computer skills.
Other Job Requirements:
- Available for emergency response and on-call coverage as assigned.
- Able to lift 50 pounds.
- Able to climb ladders, access mechanical rooms, rooftops, equipment spaces and other building areas safely.
- Able to use required personal protective equipment and follow all safety procedures.
Schedule: Monday through Friday - 8:00am - 4:00pm
***This is a union position covered under the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
***Benefits are provided in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and include paid time off, recognized holidays, sick leave, pension/annuity/welfare contributions, training benefits, and other negotiated employment benefits.
Guardian Service Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, citizenship, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Guardian Service Industries is committed to integrity, excellence, and diversity among its employees. Our company participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.
