Chief Building Engineer

Chief Building Engineer

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to "Doing the Most Good". We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for kids after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

The Chief Building Engineer will give oversight and assistance to the day-to-day operations of the physical facilities, and property of the Freedom Center. This includes all building and utility infrastructure as well as direct supervision of all maintenance staff of the Freedom Center / Harbor Light Center.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• As a member of the Freedom Center management team, will provide supervision of day-to-day operations of the physical facilities and property of the Freedom Center.
• Maintain a consistently high level of efficiency in the physical operations of the Freedom Center.
• Inspect and provide daily maintenance or supervision: All facilities including offices, meeting areas, food service areas, group rooms, gymnasiums, education areas, chapel, mechanical components, parking lots and landscaped areas. All electrical, security, communication, and ventilation systems for the Freedom Center. Monitor Building Automation System. Emergency generator system and fuel requirements as needed. Identify any needed repairs or special projects to plumbing, electrical, windows, or structures. Provide direct guidance to appropriate staff and assist with completion of necessary repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Develop, supervise, and execute year-round preventative maintenance plan.
• Manage Building Automation System.
• Responsible for upkeep, maintenance, and cleanliness of the maintenance shop and all janitorial storage areas in all the buildings of the Freedom Center.
• Provide guidance and assistance in repair and upkeep of facility mechanical systems. Assist with preventive maintenance for the Freedom Center systems, equipment and components - this will include operating, diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical and electronic building systems: air handling equipment, fire alarm system, building automation system, fluid pumping for cooling and heating, security card access, refrigeration and boilers.
• Coordinate with Freedom Center / Harbor Light Property Assistant for completion of capital projects, purchasing and other required functions.
• Work with outside equipment contractors to manage and repair HVACR, boilers and other equipment as necessary due to internal staff limitations.
• Complete routing facility inspections as required by Salvation Army, licensing and accreditation standards.
• Coordinate with external security vendor for provided services.
• Ensure the completion and documentation of routine maintenance of all vehicles and motor driven equipment.
• Maintain list of approved vendors to supply items needed for maintenance and custodial functions of the facility.
• Verify accurate facility inventories
• Purchase equipment and supplies as authorized by the Executive Director in compliance with budgetary considerations.
• Maintain updated files on warranties on buildings and equipment related to the operational aspects of the Freedom Center.
• Maintain facility maintenance logs as required by policy.
• Maintain a structured work order system to monitor and document facility repairs and upkeep.
• Coordinate deliveries of supplies when they arrive, and also the removal of supplies or garbage as necessary.
• Assist Executive Director in securing maintenance and vendor agreements.
• Work with IT staff to ensure the correct operation of the low voltage operations of the Freedom Center. Coordinate with contracted maintenance and support vendors for equipment operations.
• Follow and ensure adherence to The Salvation Army Policies and Procedures when supervising the maintenance, custodial and security aspects of the operation.
• Leadership to Staff
• Assist Freedom Center Administrator to ensure maintenance and custodial areas have competent and trained employees, committed to the mission of Freedom Center and The Salvation Army.
• Will provide direct supervision to the maintenance and custodial staff; supervise and establish daily operational routines that include janitorial services, trash pickup, grounds beautification, upkeep, and ongoing repairs. Supervise and quality control check all work performed by the Freedom Center maintenance and custodial staff. Provide instruction to all maintenance and custodial staff in the proper use of all equipment and cleaning supplies.
• Work with Harbor Light administration to ensure maintenance and custodial receive required training as mandated by The Salvation Army and the Harbor Light CARF accreditation.
• Ensure that all maintenance, custodial and security staff receive appropriate safety training as necessary.
• Maintain clear channels of communication with staff, volunteers and program participants.
• Provide training to staff on facility operations and mechanical systems.
• Meetings and Communication
• Meet regularly with the Freedom Center Administrator to participate in setting priorities and recommendations for repairs, remodeling, and replacement of facilities and equipment.
• Work in cooperative manner with the other on-site directors and managers and supervisors of the Freedom Center, discussing any problems that may be occurring within the facilities in which their programs operate.
• Attend all scheduled staff meetings and management team meetings.
• Safe Working Environment
• Maintain a safe working environment for all employees, guests and clients of the Freedom Center. Report all problems with the facilities to the Freedom Center Administrator. Check daily for any signs of graffiti or vandalism damage to the Freedom Center buildings and property, including bus stops, fences, and light poles. Report any incidents, which may include photographs and a written account. Report serious vandalism to the Police Department. Monitor established plans that safeguard any and all facilities, supplies, and equipment related to the buildings and grounds of the Freedom Center.
• Other duties as completed as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Education: Documented college or trade school education in HVACR and boiler maintenance/repair. Industry Trade Certificates/licenses (OSHA, HVAC, etc.). City of Chicago Stationary Engineer License.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years' experience in managing and operating a facility in excess of 100,000 square feet. Demonstrated experience in supervising the custodial and maintenance aspects of a multi-faceted residential and educational facility. Knowledge and previous work with Building Automation Systems.

Skills/Abilities:

• This individual will demonstrate a commitment to supporting the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation of faith-based service organization.
• An interpersonal style that is service orientated as well as anticipates and responds to the needs of client departments using diplomacy and etiquette.
• The ability to work with considerable freedom to schedule work and time requirements within the established guidelines, displaying a high degree of judgment and good interpersonal skills.
• A demonstrated positive role model for maintenance staff that can lead staff in completing assigned duties.
• Knowledge of facilities, equipment, and operations that can operate the Freedom Center independent of outside sources.
• An extensive knowledge of large residential and community centers offering a wide variety of programs and services.
• The knowledge of how to relate to all clients serviced by the Freedom Center in a manner that displays a sensitivity to their needs and a respect for their worth as individuals.
• An understanding of how to supervise staff, community service workers, volunteers, and participants of varying education levels and diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of modern boiler and HVACR systems.
• Demonstrated ability to complete repairs and general maintenance on boiler and HVACR systems.
• Knowledge of methods used in general housekeeping/maintenance.
• Must have a valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• A "hands-on" knowledge of how to effectively work with diversity in the workplace.

Job Limitations:

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. The individual will keep the Executive Director informed of all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• This position is required to do strenuous physical work and must have good physical and mental health.
• Must be able to lift or move up to 100lbs.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions for this position the employee is regularly required to manage the custodial and maintenance components and equipment of a multi-faceted residential and educational facility.
• The work environment for this poison includes an office and facility environment with a low to high noise level.
• Must be able to work with clients who have poor social skills