Chief Engineer

Key West Historic Inns Collection Chief EngineerKey West Historic Inns is seeking an experienced, hands-on, and highly skilled Chief Engineer to lead the daily Engineering operations across our boutique hotel collection. This role is ideal for a strong technical leader who takes pride in maintaining exceptional properties, solving complex maintenance challenges, and developing a dependable Engineering team.As the Chief Engineer, you will oversee the maintenance, repair, and preventive maintenance of our facilities, equipment, and building systems while ensuring our hotels remain safe, functional, and well-maintained. You will provide daily direction and technical support to the Engineering team, prioritize maintenance needs, and work closely with hotel leadership to address issues that impact our guests and operations.With a collection of historic properties, this role requires someone who can balance proactive maintenance with the unique needs of older buildings. You'll play an important role in protecting our assets, preserving the character of our hotels, and ensuring our Engineering operation consistently supports an exceptional guest experience.Responsibilities include:Leading the day-to-day operations of the Engineering department.Developing, implementing, and overseeing preventive maintenance programs.Troubleshooting, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, kitchen equipment, pools, life safety systems, and other hotel infrastructure.Conducting routine inspections of guest rooms, public areas, mechanical spaces, equipment, and building systems.Responding promptly to guest-impacting maintenance concerns and emergency situations.Monitoring the quality of completed work and ensuring repairs meet company standards and applicable safety requirements.Coordinating and overseeing vendors and contractors performing repairs, inspections, preventive maintenance, and other property services.Assisting with departmental purchasing, inventory management, expense control, and budget planning.Supporting renovation projects, equipment replacements, capital improvements, and other property improvement initiatives.Maintaining accurate work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, equipment records, warranties, permits, inspection reports, and other required documentation.Ensuring compliance with OSHA requirements, fire and life safety standards, environmental regulations, applicable building codes, and company policies.Promoting safe work practices and ensuring proper use and maintenance of tools, equipment, chemicals, and personal protective equipment.Collaborating with Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and other departments to proactively address maintenance needs and support seamless hotel operations.Maintaining the appearance, functionality, and historic character of the Key West Historic Inns collection.Responding to property emergencies and providing Engineering leadership outside of regular business hours as needed.Qualifications include:High school diploma or equivalent required; technical, vocational, or trade school training in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, or a related discipline preferred.5+ years of hotel, institutional, commercial building, facilities maintenance, or HVAC systems experience preferred.3-5 years of Engineering supervisory or leadership experience within hospitality or a comparable environment preferred.Strong working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, emergency, preventive maintenance, life safety systems, and related building disciplines.Refrigeration, HVAC, EPA certification, journeyman-level experience, or other applicable trade certifications highly preferred.Proven ability to independently troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex building system and equipment issues.Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive preventive maintenance programs.Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, coach, motivate, and develop Engineering team members.Working knowledge of departmental purchasing, inventory control, expense management, and budget administration.Knowledge of OSHA requirements, fire and life safety standards, environmental regulations, applicable building codes, and safe work practices.Strong organizational, time management, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to effectively prioritize multiple operational needs.Basic computer and administrative skills, including Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, equipment specifications, and maintenance documentation.Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with guests, team members, vendors, contractors, and hotel leadership.Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.Valid driver's license preferred.Must meet the minimum age requirement of the jurisdiction.Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, severe weather events, and emergency call-ins based on business needs.Benefits include:Multiple Tiers of Medical CoverageDental & Vision Coverage24/7 Teledoc serviceFree Maintenance MedicationsPet InsuranceHotel DiscountsTuition ReimbursementPaid Time Off (vacation, sick, bereavement, and Holidays).401K MatchWorking at Davidson is like nowhere else. It's less of a job, more of a calling. It's part career, part revolution. Because whatever you do here, you play a part in helping redefine the way quality hospitality is delivered to our guests, our clients, our partners, and each other. EOE AA- Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability/Gender Identity/Sexual OrientationDavidson Hospitality is a drug free workplace. Pre-employment drug test and background check required. We participate in E-Verify.