CHIEF Engineer

Chief EngineerSouth Seas Resort is seeking an experienced, hands-on Chief Engineer to provide operational leadership for the resort's Engineering Department while ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all resort facilities, infrastructure, and mechanical systems.Reporting directly to the Director of Engineering, the Chief Engineer serves as the department's operational leader, providing direct oversight of the daily maintenance, repair, and preventative maintenance programs across the resort. This position leads by example, working alongside the engineering team to troubleshoot complex building systems, respond to operational issues, and ensure exceptional service for guests and owners.The Chief Engineer is responsible for maintaining the resort's physical assets, including guest accommodations, public spaces, restaurants, marina, golf clubhouse, pools, water features, recreational facilities, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness center, spa, commercial spaces, and back-of-house operations. This role partners closely with all resort departments to support operational excellence while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, sustainability, and guest satisfaction.Essential ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipProvide daily hands-on leadership of the Engineering Department while actively participating in maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of resort facilities and equipment.Lead by example, working alongside technicians during complex repairs, emergency situations, and critical maintenance projects.Conduct daily property inspections to assess the condition, appearance, safety, and functionality of all resort assets.Ensure timely completion of preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and work orders throughout the resort.Prioritize engineering requests based on guest impact, operational needs, and safety considerations.Respond to after-hours emergencies and operational issues as needed.Resort Maintenance & FacilitiesOversee maintenance and repairs for guest rooms, public areas, restaurants, meeting spaces, marina, golf clubhouse, pools, water park, recreation facilities, tennis center, fitness center, spa, employee facilities, grounds, commercial spaces, and infrastructure.Ensure the proper operation of HVAC systems, chillers, boilers, generators, plumbing, electrical distribution, refrigeration, irrigation, fire life safety systems, elevators, water treatment systems, and other critical building systems.Maintain effective preventive maintenance and asset management programs that maximize equipment life and minimize downtime.Ensure all engineering work meets applicable building codes, manufacturer specifications, and regulatory requirements.Leadership & Team DevelopmentSupervise, coach, train, develop, and mentor Engineering Supervisors, Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, and support staff.Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, and employee development.Conduct regular departmental meetings, safety training, and technical skill development sessions.Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and resort safety policies.Financial & Administrative ManagementAssist in preparing and managing departmental operating budgets and capital improvement projects.Monitor labor productivity, overtime, inventory, purchasing, and departmental expenses.Adhere to all purchasing policies, contractor bidding requirements, and financial controls.Prepare project scopes, obtain contractor proposals, and oversee vendor performance.Utilize HotSOS or equivalent maintenance management systems to monitor work orders, preventive maintenance, and asset history.Preventive Maintenance & Asset ManagementEnsure preventive maintenance schedules are executed consistently across all resort facilities.Develop long-term maintenance strategies and recommend capital improvements.Monitor utility consumption and implement energy conservation initiatives.Oversee water treatment programs, pool operations, and environmental compliance.Collaboration & Guest ExperiencePartner closely with Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Front Office, Recreation, Marina, Golf, Security, and other departments to support seamless resort operations.Participate in daily operations meetings and property walk-throughs.Ensure engineering response times meet service expectations while minimizing disruption to guests.Professionally communicate project updates and facility conditions to resort leadership.Compliance & SafetyEnsure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, fire life safety, environmental requirements, and building codes.Maintain emergency preparedness procedures and participate in emergency response activities.Support resort risk management initiatives and maintain accurate engineering records and documentation.QualificationsHigh School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, or related technical field preferred.Minimum of 7 years of progressive engineering or facilities maintenance experience within a resort, hotel, commercial property, healthcare, or similar environment.Minimum 3–5 years of engineering leadership or supervisory experience.Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams in a luxury resort or full-service hospitality environment preferred.Extensive knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, mechanical systems, building automation systems, generators, chillers, boilers, and water treatment.Working knowledge of building codes, life safety systems, OSHA regulations, and preventive maintenance programs.Experience managing vendors, contractors, capital improvement projects, and departmental budgets.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems such as HotSOS or equivalent.Ability to obtain or maintain applicable licenses or certifications required by local or state regulations.Leadership CompetenciesThe successful Chief Engineer is a visible, hands-on leader who is equally comfortable troubleshooting equipment in the field as they are coaching employees, managing projects, and communicating with executive leadership. This individual demonstrates integrity, accountability, technical expertise, and a commitment to excellence while fostering a culture centered on safety, teamwork, and exceptional guest service.Physical RequirementsFrequently stand, walk, climb ladders, crawl, bend, kneel, and work in mechanical spaces.Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds with assistance.Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.Respond to emergencies that may require extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays.