Assistant Chief Engineer

Job Title: Assistant Chief Engineer

Location: Cooperstown, NY

Salary: $65,000 - $70,000 (Based on Experience)

Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Chief Engineer

Housing Benefit: Up to 2 months rent-free employee housing available while relocating

Overview

We are seeking an Assistant Chief Engineer to support the daily operation of the Engineering and Maintenance Department for a premier luxury resort in Cooperstown, NY. This role will assist with maintaining all hotel buildings, equipment, and mechanical systems while ensuring a safe, efficient, and exceptional guest experience.

The ideal candidate will have a strong maintenance background with experience in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and general building maintenance. Hotel engineering experience is preferred but not required. This position offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to grow into a Chief Engineer role over the next several years.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Maintenance Operations

• Assist the Chief Engineer with the daily operation of the Engineering Department
• Perform and coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance throughout the property
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair:
• HVAC systems
• Plumbing systems
• Electrical systems
• Refrigeration equipment
• Boilers and hot water systems
• Kitchen and laundry equipment
• Ice machines
• Water treatment systems
• Emergency generators
• Lighting systems
• Fire and life safety systems
• Respond promptly to guest and departmental maintenance requests
• Maintain guest rooms, public areas, restaurants, meeting spaces, and back-of-house facilities
• Participate in renovation and capital improvement projects
• Monitor utility usage and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs

Preventive Maintenance

• Assist with developing and maintaining preventive maintenance programs
• Perform scheduled inspections of equipment and building systems
• Maintain accurate work orders, maintenance logs, and inspection records
• Recommend repairs and equipment replacement before failures occur
• Maintain inventory of tools, parts, and maintenance supplies

Safety & Compliance

• Follow OSHA regulations and company safety procedures
• Enforce Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
• Maintain compliance with fire, life safety, environmental, and health regulations
• Respond to emergency situations including power outages, fire alarms, and severe weather
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe engineering work areas
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Leadership

• Provide daily guidance and support to Engineering staff
• Assist with scheduling and assigning maintenance work
• Monitor quality of repairs and maintenance activities
• Communicate maintenance priorities with department leaders
• Serve as acting department leader in the Chief Engineer's absence

Guest Service

• Provide professional and responsive service to guests and fellow employees
• Respond quickly to maintenance issues that impact the guest experience
• Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude

Qualifications

Experience & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Technical school or trade school education preferred
• Minimum 3 years of building maintenance or engineering experience preferred
• Hotel or resort engineering experience preferred but not required
• Supervisory or leadership experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of:
• HVAC systems
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing
• Refrigeration
• General building maintenance
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems
• Ability to read blueprints, manuals, and technical documents
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office and work order systems
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-ins

Certifications

• EPA Certification preferred
• Fire Safety Director (FSD) certification preferred or ability to obtain
• Valid driver's license preferred

Benefits & Perks

Core Benefits

• Free health and vision insurance (employee)
• Dental coverage
• 401(k)
• FSA
• Profit-sharing pension plan (10% of annual income, vested after 3 years)
• Free term life insurance (1x annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Teledoc coverage ($10/month family included)

Time Off & Lifestyle

• 13 paid holidays (including birthday)
• Vacation:
• 80 hours (Years 14)
• 120 hours (Years 59)
• 160 hours (Year 10+)
• 56 hours sick time annually
• Free hot meals while working
• Free gym membership
• Retail, restaurant, spa, and golf discounts
• Friends & family room discounts

Educational Support Program

After one year of full-time employment:

Student Loan Repayment

• $500 per quarter after Year 1
• $750 per quarter after Year 2

Education Sponsorship

• 50% reimbursement for approved industry-related education
• Up to $5,000 per calendar year
• One-year post-completion employment commitment required

Interview Process

• Initial phone interview with hotel leadership
• Executive interview with the President
• Final on-site interview with the Executive Leadership Team

Additional Notes

• Hotel engineering experience is preferred but not required
• Strong building maintenance experience with HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems is required
• Leadership potential is highly valued, as this role is intended to develop into a future Chief Engineer position
• Relocation assistance is available through temporary employee housing
• We are seeking a hands-on professional looking to build a long-term career with the organization

Interested Candidates Apply Today

Please submit:

• Resume
• Salary expectations
• Availability
• At least one professional reference