Assistant Chief Engineer

Compensation Type: Yearly Highgate Hotels:

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. 

Located in the heart of downtown Providence, Rhode Island, the 294-room Graduate Providence is a landmark hotel with an illustrious past. Designed by the celebrated firm Warren and Wetmore, the architects behind New York City’s Grand Central Station, the hotel debuted to widespread acclaim in 1922 and quickly became the tourist and social center of Providence. Today, deeply woven within the city’s fabric and culture and beloved by generations of guests, the Graduate Providence is an authentic Providence tradition. The Graduate Providence is a member of the Historic Hotels of America.

The Assistant Chief Engineer is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Engineering Department. In the absence of the Director of Engineering, the assistant will assume the administrative, financial and operating aspects of the hotel as they relate to engineering.

• Approach all encounters with guess and employees in a friendly, service oriented manner. Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times. Be attentive, friendly, helpful, and courteous to all guests, managers and fellow employees.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing the proper uniform and nametag while working.
• Comply at all times with Graduate Providence standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Assist in developing and implementing plans to maintain property, equipment, grounds and other assets in a safe and acceptable state of repair.
• Ensure the hotel is in compliance with all local, state and federal laws
• Supervise and train all Engineering Staff in standard operating procedures and loss prevention standards
• Assist in creating and posting all Engineering staff schedules
• Monitor and adhere to annual budget for department
• Assist in developing financial forecasts and actively participate in monthly P&L review meetings
• Implement preventative maintenance program for all hotel equipment
• Ensure staff is assigned to preventative maintenance program for hotel rooms
• Ensure that all emergency and life safety equipment and systems are inspected, tested and certified
• Ensure that room maintenance requests are handled in a prompt and courteous manner
• Follow up on all alarms immediately to determine the exact location and cause. Determine emergency status and report findings to the Front Desk immediately. Take immediate action as necessary.
• Actively participate in energy conservation programs
• Ensure compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Assist with the administration of all vendor contracts controlled by the Engineering Department
• Must have experience with steam boilers.
• Review all guest and meeting planner comment cards to ensure problems are identified and corrected in a timely manner.
• Assist as necessary with special projects and renovations
• Attend meetings as required.
• Perform any other duties as requested by the Chief Engineer or General Manager.

• At least 3 years progressive facilities management experience in a hotel or a related field; or a 2-year college degree and at least 1 year of related experience
• 4-year college degree preferred
• HVAC, electrical, plumbing, boiler operations and general maintenance skills required
• Must have the ability to obtain a Boiler Operators’ license within 90 days of hire date.
• Rhode Island Refrigeration License preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Long hours sometimes required.
• Heavy Work – Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Travel related to company business sometimes required
• Must be able to convey information and ideas clearly.
• Must be able to evaluate and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately.
• Must work well in stressful, high-pressure situations.
• Must maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
• Must be effective in handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary.
• Must have the ability to assimilate complex information, data, etc., from disparate sources and consider, adjust or modify to meet the constraints of the particular need.
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying the concerns and issues raised by co-workers and guests.
• Must be able to work with and understand financial information and data, and basic arithmetic functions.