Building Engineer Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Assistant Building Engineer

Position: Assistant Building Engineer
Department: Building Operations & Maintenance
Company: JMD Heating & Cooling LLC
Reports To: Lead Building Engineer / Chief Engineer / JMD Management

Position Overview

The Assistant Building Engineer is responsible for assisting the Lead Building Engineer with the daily operation, inspection, preventive maintenance, and general upkeep of a commercial or residential building.

This position plays an essential role in ensuring that all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and building systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.

The Assistant Building Engineer is expected to take initiative, identify potential problems before they become major repairs, respond promptly to maintenance requests, and maintain a clean, safe, and professional building environment.

The individual must work closely with the Lead Building Engineer, property management, residents, contractors, and JMD Heating & Cooling LLC to maintain high standards of building operations.

1. Daily Building Inspections & Equipment Monitoring

• Conduct daily walkthroughs of all assigned mechanical rooms, boiler rooms, pump rooms, electrical rooms, and common areas.

• Inspect boilers, chillers, cooling towers, circulation pumps, domestic hot water equipment, and other mechanical systems.

• Record operating pressures, temperatures, equipment status, and any unusual conditions.

• Monitor water levels, system pressures, leaks, unusual vibrations, and equipment noises.

• Inspect mechanical equipment for visible deterioration, corrosion, or developing maintenance concerns.

• Check building automation systems and equipment controllers for active alarms or abnormal operation.

• Report equipment deficiencies immediately to the Lead Building Engineer.

• Maintain accurate daily operating logs and inspection records.

• Verify mechanical spaces remain clean, organized, and free of unnecessary storage.

2. HVAC & Mechanical System Maintenance

• Assist with routine preventive maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment.

• Inspect and replace air filters, belts, and other routine maintenance components.

• Assist with lubrication of motors, bearings, and mechanical equipment as required.

• Inspect air handling units, exhaust fans, pumps, and associated equipment.

• Monitor heating and cooling performance throughout the building.

• Assist with seasonal heating and cooling changeovers.

• Identify water leaks, condensate drainage problems, unusual noises, and equipment malfunctions.

• Assist qualified personnel with troubleshooting and repairs within the employee's training and authorization.

• Maintain cleanliness around all HVAC and mechanical equipment.

• Document deficiencies requiring additional service or repairs.

3. Plumbing & Domestic Water Systems

• Inspect domestic hot and cold water piping for leaks and deterioration.

• Monitor domestic hot water temperatures and circulation equipment.

• Assist with basic plumbing repairs, including faucets, toilets, drains, and accessible fixtures.

• Inspect sump pumps, sewage ejector systems, and associated alarm panels.

• Identify and report leaking valves, failed fixtures, clogged drains, and abnormal water pressure.

• Assist with isolating water systems during scheduled repairs under proper supervision.

• Respond promptly to water leaks and assist with protecting the building from further damage.

• Maintain cleanliness and accessibility around plumbing equipment.

4. General Building Maintenance

• Complete assigned maintenance requests throughout the property.

• Perform minor repairs to doors, locks, hinges, closers, and building hardware.

• Assist with drywall patching, painting, caulking, and minor surface repairs.

• Replace light bulbs and perform approved basic lighting maintenance.

• Inspect common areas, hallways, stairwells, storage areas, and utility spaces.

• Address minor building deficiencies before they become larger maintenance concerns.

• Maintain tools, equipment, supplies, and maintenance workspaces.

• Assist with moving materials, equipment, and supplies as necessary.

• Ensure completed repairs are clean, functional, and professionally finished.

5. Preventive Maintenance Responsibilities

• Follow established daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual preventive maintenance schedules.

• Assist with equipment inspections, filter replacements, lubrication, and general servicing.

• Identify equipment requiring additional maintenance or replacement.

• Maintain organized maintenance records and equipment service histories.

• Assist with maintaining spare parts and maintenance supply inventories.

• Report low inventory levels and materials needed for upcoming maintenance.

• Help ensure preventive maintenance tasks are completed on schedule.

• Communicate outstanding maintenance items to the Lead Building Engineer.

6. Resident & Property Management Support

• Respond professionally and respectfully to residents, building staff, and property management.

• Assist with maintenance requests involving heating, cooling, plumbing, and general building repairs.

• Provide accurate updates regarding the status of assigned work.

• Respect resident privacy and maintain a professional appearance and attitude.

• Follow established procedures when entering occupied units.

• Document maintenance requests, repairs performed, and any additional work required.

• Escalate complaints, unresolved issues, and major repairs to the Lead Building Engineer.

• Maintain positive working relationships with building management and residents.

7. Safety & Emergency Response

• Follow all established workplace safety procedures and building regulations.

• Assist with responding to water leaks, equipment failures, loss of heating or cooling, and other building emergencies.

• Identify and immediately report unsafe conditions.

• Maintain clear access to emergency exits, electrical panels, mechanical equipment, and safety devices.

• Follow lockout/tagout procedures when authorized and properly trained.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment.

• Never operate, repair, or modify equipment beyond assigned training or authorization.

• Assist emergency personnel and contractors as directed.

• Immediately notify the Lead Building Engineer or JMD management of significant emergencies or equipment failures.

8. Communication & Reporting

• Maintain consistent communication with the Lead Building Engineer regarding daily activities.

• Provide updates on completed work, outstanding repairs, and developing equipment issues.

• Document equipment readings, maintenance activities, and service requests.

• Report unusual conditions or deficiencies as soon as they are identified.

• Communicate material and equipment needs before they affect scheduled work.

• Follow directions from JMD management and established building procedures.

• Provide clear shift handoffs when maintenance issues remain unresolved.

• Do not authorize outside contractors, major repairs, or purchases without management approval.

9. Professional Expectations & Accountability

The Assistant Building Engineer is expected to:

• Arrive on time and be prepared to begin assigned duties.

• Maintain a professional appearance and respectful attitude.

• Remain productive throughout the scheduled workday.

• Take initiative instead of waiting to be assigned every task.

• Work independently on authorized routine maintenance responsibilities.

• Follow instructions and accept direction from the Lead Building Engineer.

• Maintain accountability for assigned work and equipment.

• Keep mechanical rooms, maintenance shops, and work areas organized.

• Treat building equipment, tools, and property with care.

• Demonstrate a willingness to learn mechanical systems and develop technical skills.

• Communicate problems rather than allowing them to go unaddressed.

• Support the Lead Building Engineer during equipment failures, major repairs, and scheduled maintenance.

10. Required Skills & Qualifications

• Basic understanding of commercial or residential building maintenance.

• General familiarity with HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical equipment.

• Ability to use common hand tools and maintenance equipment safely.

• Ability to follow technical instructions and maintenance procedures.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to recognize abnormal equipment conditions.

• Ability to perform physically demanding maintenance tasks safely.

• Willingness to learn new systems and troubleshooting techniques.

• Ability to work independently when assigned and collaboratively with the engineering team.

• Previous building maintenance or mechanical experience preferred.

• Relevant HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or building maintenance certifications are beneficial.

11. Chain of Command & Decision-Making Authority

The Assistant Building Engineer operates under the direction of the Lead Building Engineer and JMD Heating & Cooling LLC management.

The Assistant Building Engineer is responsible for performing assigned maintenance, identifying deficiencies, and reporting concerns. Major equipment repairs, system shutdowns, contractor scheduling, and significant purchasing decisions must be approved by authorized management.

In an emergency, the Assistant Building Engineer must immediately follow established emergency procedures, protect occupants and property within the limits of their training, and notify the appropriate supervisor.

12. Performance Expectations

Performance will be evaluated based on:

• Completion of assigned daily and preventive maintenance tasks.

• Accuracy and consistency of building inspection logs.

• Timely response to maintenance requests.

• Ability to identify and report mechanical problems early.

• Cleanliness and organization of assigned areas.

• Quality and completeness of maintenance work.

• Communication with supervisors and property management.

• Reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.

• Adherence to safety procedures.

• Continued improvement in technical knowledge and independence.

Overall Position Objective

The primary objective of the Assistant Building Engineer is to support the Lead Building Engineer in maintaining a safe, reliable, efficient, and professionally operated building.

This position is not limited to responding to maintenance requests. It requires consistent equipment monitoring, preventive maintenance, proactive identification of deficiencies, accurate documentation, and active participation in the daily operation of the property.

The Assistant Building Engineer should consistently look for what needs attention, take responsibility for assigned tasks, and contribute to preventing equipment failures and unnecessary building downtime.