Chief Engineer

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Fernwood Property Management was created with a singular mission—to provide superior property management services in Chicago. Our journey began with Lake Meadows Apartments, but our vision extends far beyond. Rooted in values of trust, reliability, and excellence, we are dedicated to fostering vibrant, supportive communities.

The Chief Engineer (SEIU Local 1 Head Janitor) is responsible for maintaining the physical integrity of the property at all times, and managing the safe and efficient operation of all building mechanical, plumbing, and control systems. Reviews and evaluates mechanical and plumbing specifications and drawings, as well as installations, ensuring system functionality, maintainability, and accessibility. Provides technical advice to the Board of Directors, management, staff, and outside consultants relative to design, installation, operation, and repair of building and in-unit systems.

This position ensures all mechanical and plumbing distribution systems, building utilities, environment, and equipment are maintained and operated properly and in compliance with industry standards and applicable building codes, ensuring a safe and secure environment for residents, visitors and staff.

• Plans, directs, and coordinates maintenance operations of building plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and ancillary infrastructure to meet the established annual budget;
• Organizes work for planned and unscheduled maintenance tasks directed to building maintenance staff for efficient and effective performance while ensuring that adequate staff is available to respond to irregularities and/or emergencies;
• Have a working knowledge of the building and its mechanical systems. Be able to take appropriate remediation action in an emergency situation.
• Conduct weekly/daily inspections of the property including but not limited to grounds, building systems, roof, elevator rooms, maintenance shops, storage rooms, common areas, building exteriors, and work order productivity. Note deficiencies observed during inspections and assign team members with proposed plan of action and follow-up for completion within a specific time frame.
• Effectively interacts with staff and maintains good order and discipline among personnel consistent with building policies, initiating commendatory or corrective action as appropriate;
• Ensure that maintenance and janitorial team members are trained and competent in their job duties.
• Interviews and recommends hiring or promotion of qualified staff, and performs annual employee assessments of subordinate personnel;
• Prepares written and oral reports on the condition, renewal needs, and routine maintenance of facilities, components, and related activities including post-incident summaries and root cause analyses;
• Review practices and priorities of maintenance and repair at the property, on a daily basis.
• Identifies and recommends employee safety, technical, soft-skill training, and professional development opportunities as required to ensure optimum performance and development;
• Ensures compliance with applicable OSHA requirements and jurisdictional codes;
• Estimates mechanical and plumbing related project work scope, budgets, and timelines. Work with Maintenance Manager to negotiate third-party vendor contracts and maintenance agreements.
• Participates in design and construction reviews for capital projects;
• Attend trainings and meetings to maintain current knowledge of legal codes and requirements.
• Ensure that sites are inspected and remain in compliance with city and state regulations, as well as health and safety requirements.
• Provide technical expertise, information and assistance to the Property/General Manager in the formulation, development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of two years of college in stationary, marine, mechanical engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired;
• Minimum five years supervisory experience in planning, directing, and…