Lead Building Engineer

About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, The Studio Museum in Harlem is a cultural leader that champions and preserves the prolific legacy of artists of African descent while simultaneously promoting critical thinking about art, culture, and community. Born out of an urgent need amid the political, social, and cultural ferment of the late 1960s, the Studio Museum was founded to create a new paradigm in which institutionally ignored artists of color would be seen, discussed, rewarded, and made known to the public. Today, the Studio Museum continues to serve as the nexus for Black artists locally, nationally, and internationally, and for work inspired and influenced by Black culture.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Building Operations and Safety, the Lead Building Engineer must be a proficient HVAC specialist responsible for overseeing MEP mechanical trades within the building's systems. The Lead Building Engineer will apply preventative maintenance practices and diligently address daily work orders from various museum departments. This role also entails managing and monitoring O M budget expenditures, while considering the typical budget constraints associated with a not-for-profit institution.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility where you will be responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of cutting-edge building management and environmental systems aligned with green building objectives. The role demands a high level of expertise in mechanical MEP building systems, encompassing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment repair, supervision of systems like sprinklers, fire pumps, and fire alarms, as well as the maintenance of gas and oil boilers, stormwater tanks, HVAC air-handling and fan-coil units, and controls, along with proficiency in the use of power tools and construction management software tools.

In addition, this role requires a strong grasp of Class-A building design principles and the ability to read and interpret CAD floor plan drawings. It also entails contributing to the development of policies, standards, and inspection procedures related to MEP systems and participating in the preparation and review of drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades and repairs within the museum facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative / Supervision:

• Supervise, hire, mentor, and train engineering staff composed of 4 (four) new workers: 3 assistant engineers, and a handyperson.
• Conduct and file annual inspections and testing reports for all air-handling units (with FDNY), plus annual/triennial gas and oil boiler reports, Cat-1, and Cat-5 elevator inspections (by NYC-DOB), 5-Year Petroleum Bulk Storage inspection report (with DEP/ECB) and complete all other city/state/federal agency inspections and reports as needed, in keeping the entire museum building in full compliance year-round.
• Create budget, seek proposals, and write RFPs for services of varying scope and project size compared to the upkeep of the new museum building.
• Perform mechanical engineering studies of all building equipment; supply useful life analysis of equipment and project budgeting for replacement and repairs of aging systems as needed.
• Escort, oversee and supervise contractors and members of DOB and FDNY when performing repairs or inspections in the museum building.
• Address all building violations involving MEP equipment and check the external NYC ‘DOB-Now’ dashboard for correcting building violations promptly.

MEP / HVAC:

• Read and interpret technical reports, shop drawings, submittals, specifications, and as-built HVAC and MEP drawings.
• Proactively act as project lead on building upgrades involving MEP of both new and old equipment systems.
• Ensure all outside vendors are properly vetted and get proper insurance coverage and paperwork from all MEP vendors who do business with the Studio Museum.
• Manage controls of the building automation/management system (BAS/BMS) governing HVAC, air quality, ventilation, electrical, lighting, plumbing, and fire alarm systems.
• Remotely and locally adjust varying levels of temperature controls for the museum with the focus of protecting all artwork and in supplying maximum comfort levels for all staff and visitors.
• Collaborate with art installers and exhibition department in using engineering team to help in preparing galleries for new exhibitions and in de-installation of artwork as needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor and senior leadership.

Skills and Qualifications  

To be successful in this role, the Lead Building Engineer must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed.

• Demonstrated ability to function as a highly effective manager and an analytical person in a fast-paced work environment.
• Delivers a positive, solution-oriented approach to every situation.
• Ability to manage the demands of a highly public facing environment.
• Provide leadership and collaboration with direct engineering team and with other Museum department members. Hands-on individual with a keen eye for preventative maintenance of an art museum building.
• A NYS valid driver’s license is a plus.
• Ability to successfully execute mechanical building projects while managing the museum building's overall operations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make decisions based on sound assessments, with discretion and a deft hand, and understanding of the Department and Museum’s mission is necessary.
• Strong knowledge of the New York City building code and accessibility guidelines. Experience working with the City of New York’s Department of Buildings and FDNY.
• Knowledge of application of New York City codes of health, safety, and security standards to the performance of maintenance work.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of federal, New York State and NYC law, code, and regulations, including OSHA, ADA, and Department of Health; knowledge of asbestos, lead and other hazardous material, noise pollution, indoor air quality, recycling laws and regulations that pertain to public assembly facilities. Able to complete required professional/OSHA training including Confined Space, Fall Protection, CPR, Hot Work, and Lockout/Tagout.
• Members of Local unions experienced in MEP engineering are welcomed.

Education and Experience 

• A bachelor’s degree in MEP engineering or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 10 years as an engineer with diversified experience in commercial and industrial buildings, or a combination of 5 years as an engineer and 10 years of construction field work that includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing operations of commercial office buildings or property management experience.
• Minimum of 10 years’ supervising building engineering and facility maintenance staff.
• HVAC technical training and EPA refrigeration licenses preferred.
• Understanding of Building Automation Systems (BAS), preventative maintenance methodologies, and work order systems (CMMS).
• FDNY: Certificate of Fitness holder in Sprinklers and Standpipes (S-12, S-13, S-14, or S-15), Refrigeration, Gas & Oil Burners, Fire Alarms, P-98 certification from FDNY for oil fuel tank, UPS (diesel-power generators), Fire & Life Safety Director (building evacuator plus an S-95 CoF for the supervision of a F/A panel).
• Must have proficient tech-savvy knowledge of smart phones and skilled in various computer applications (i.e., Windows 10, Microsoft Outlook 365, Excel, PowerPoint, CAD, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical knowledge equal to a New York Operating Engineer.
• HVAC/Plumbing/Electrical Journeyman or Master level certification
• Universal EPA refrigeration certificate.
• Knowledge and experience with LEED certification requirements.
• Record of accomplishment of learning in an environment that requires cross-functional and building specific training.
•  Experience in working as a team within a museum, cultural center or other facility that requires high interaction with visitors.
• Familiarity with Energy Management and Building Automation Systems and Preventative Maintenance scheduling software.

Work Environment   

• This position is an exempt position and may require working more than forty (40) hours during a work week.
• A fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present.
• Works with a group of team members within Building Operations – a critical department formed of engineering, Facilities, and security staff – and other museum staff.
• Building Accessibility – office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessible accommodation can be further discussed.
• The Museum adheres to COVID-19 safety guidelines as mandated by New York City and State.

Physical Demands

• This is a hands-on role, and it requires the ability to work with hand and power tools.
• Requires the ability to bend, reach, lift, and carry heavy items more than 50-lbs.
• Must be able to work standing up all or most of the time.
• Operate and train staff in the safe use of all hydraulic lifts and Genies or scissor stairs.
• Must be able to work on tall ladders and on roof tops up to 12 stories high.
• Hazards can include moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and exposure to chemicals, atmospheric conditions, noise, vibrations, dust, mist, fumes, petroleum/diesel oil, and other odors and gases.
• Requires working outdoors at times in the rain or snow and during cold, warm, and hot temperatures.
• May need to wear a respirator on specific occasions when working inside mechanical rooms.
• Requires wearing uniform (boots, work trousers, shirts) and PPE and gear suitable for a person working inside a MEP motor-mechanical-machine room with motors, fans, belts, and other machinery-moving parts.

Compensation

$100,000 - $125,000 annually

Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions:  

Please upload your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to your application. No phone calls or faxes, please. 

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.  

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success. 

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. 

The Studio Museum is requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination for employment. In order to be eligible, participants must show proof of vaccination and a form of personal ID.

Salary : $100,000 - $125,000