Building Engineer

SUMMARY: The Building Engineer is responsible for working directly with the property and engineering management in implementing and maintaining the energy management, preventive maintenance, quality standards, operating objectives, and goals of the owner. This must be done in a manner that not only protects, but also maximizes the value of the property.

It is the policy of MetroNational that the highest possible professional standards be always maintained when you perform your assigned duties and responsibilities. Our success as a business is directly related to the quality of the services that we provide. In the performance of your duties as a Building Engineer as described below, you are accountable for all your actions.

Your contact with tenants, prospective tenants, owners, and vendors is to be guided by the highest professional standards including positive, supportive, friendly behavior and legendary service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform all plumbing, electrical or HVAC requirements of the building(s)
• Maintain heaters, chillers, pumps, fan coil units, etc.
• Monitor and adjust all mechanical/pneumatic equipment, control gauges, distributor panels, valves, thermostats, diffusers, and other equipment necessary to provide a comfortable environment for the buildings.
• Repair doors, ceilings, hand railings, and floors.
• Perform preventive maintenance duties, including changing filters, oiling motors, replacing light fixtures, inspecting/adjusting belts, replacing bearings, aligning shafts and annual inspections as directed by manufacturers.
• Inspect engine room equipment, fan room equipment, cooling tower, all motors, house pumps and sump pumps.
• Document and report activities.
• Clean, lubricate and service a wide variety of pumps, valves, pneumatic controls, electrical, mechanical and hydraulic devices.
• Troubleshoot, evaluate and make recommendations to upgrade maintenance operations and/or implement savings opportunities.
• Possess competent knowledge of the use and care of tools and equipment used in facility and ground maintenance.
• Respond immediately to emergency situations and customer concerns.
• Inspect buildings, grounds and equipment for unsafe or malfunctioning conditions.
• Inspect new installation for compliance with building codes and safety regulations.
• Maintain and operate life safety/fire systems.
• Perform welding, carpentry and snow removal when necessary.
• Comply with all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agency and Company directives as related to building operations and practice safe work habits.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION DUTIES:

• Understand OSHA guidelines and how to ensure that all equipment is maintained to guidelines/standards.
• Read and follow written and oral instructions.
• Convey thoughts and recommendations orally and/or in writing to supervisors, contractors, and others in order to solve building-related problems.
• Operate and use necessary manual and power-driven tools.
• Lift and carry objects and up to 50 pounds for distance of up to 30 feet.
• Climb ladders and stairs.
• Assist in understanding and establishing or improving preventive maintenance and overhaul schedules for all equipment and mechanical systems within the project.
• Assist or take responsibility for maintenance and operation programs/schedules for all equipment.
• Repair and maintain equipment in ceilings, on roofs, and in tenants' suites including but not limited to:
• Door repair and ceiling title repair in buildings
• Painting of all mechanical areas.

ENGINEERED SYSTEM RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Test, maintain, and restore to working order any component of the main engineering systems used within a property, including but not limited to the following:
  • Structural
  • Emergency warnings
  • Heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC)
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Execute performance tests using the appropriate tools/equipment
  • Restore systems to working order, which includes identification and repair and/or replacement of:
  • Pumps
  • Motors
  • Generators
  • Compressors
  • Blowers and fans
  • Pump and engine valves
  • Electrical outlets and light fixtures
• Read and operate test equipment (refrigerant gauges, thermometers, volt-ohm and amp meters).
• Read and comprehend blueprints and schematic diagrams of wiring, plumbing, pneumatics, and building construction.
• Require working knowledge of systems from 12 volts and batter supplied power.

EMERGENCY SYSTEM DUTIES:

• Respond appropriately to and assist emergency response personnel, at any time when on duty or on call and to:
• Be able to carry and/or otherwise move people and equipment
• Test and maintain emergency systems including:
  • Fire alarms
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire suppression equipment
  • Emergency power supply systems (natural Gas or diesel driven)
• Ensure compliance with the emergency procedures for each property in conjunction with property management guidelines.

OTHER:

• Maintain a safe work attitude by continuously evaluating workplace risks.
• May require shift work and/or on call duties.

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

Education:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent. Trade school training/education is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years building maintenance experience.
• Appropriate license/permit for trade as may be required, i.e. Journeyman or Master Electrician License or City Licenses

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Technical Skills:

• Must possess basic computer skills, ability to operate Windows based software
• Must have a thorough understanding of HVAC, electrical and building automations systems.
• Ability to interpret mechanical, electrical blueprints and schematics.

Personal Skills:

• Manage own time on a daily basis with little supervision
• Must be able to handle multiple projects, changing priorities and continually heavy workloads.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, to permit the employee to function in a general office environment and accomplish tasks and duties at outlined above.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

ABOUT METRONATIONAL

MetroNational is a private, family-owned real estate investment, development, and management company located in Houston whose core interest is the Memorial City mixed-use development. The cornerstones of its business philosophy are teamwork, loyalty, integrity, and professionalism, which have led to winning several awards:

• Houston Chronicle Top Work Place
• Houston Business Journal Healthiest Employers
• Houston Business Journal Best Places To Work
• Cigna Well-Being Award
• American Heart Association Fit-Friendly Worksite
• Mother-Friendly Worksite