Facilities Apprentice

Facilities Apprentice

Located in the picturesque town of Washington, Virginia, The Inn at Little Washington, situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, has been one of the most decorated restaurants and hotels in the world since 1978. There is no better time to join our growing team of exceptional people. Your next career awaits. Some of our awards include Michelin 2 Stars, Forbes 5 Stars, Michelin Green Star, AAA 5 Diamonds, and Wine Spectator Grand Award. Member of Relais & Chateaux.

Why join our team:

• Health, vision and dental insurance (full time employees)
• Paid time off (Full time employees)
• 401(k) retirement plan with match
• On-the-job training
• Employee education allowance
• Advancement potential
• Flexible schedules
• Employee appreciation events
• Complimentary uniforms / meals
• Referral bonuses
• Competitive pay

The Facilities Apprentice is an entry-level position designed to develop future Engineering professionals through a structured 24-month training program. Working alongside experienced technicians, apprentices receive hands-on instruction while serving as the primary Engineering support for guest accommodations. This role focuses on guest room readiness, preventative maintenance, and exceptional guest service. The Apprentice works closely with the Front Office and Housekeeping teams to ensure guestrooms consistently meet the standards expected at The Inn at Little Washington. Successful apprentices will develop the technical and hospitality skills required to advance into a Maintenance Technician role.

Core Responsibilities

Guest Room Excellence (45%)

• Perform daily guest room inspections before arrivals, including VIP and CIP accommodations.
• Complete minor repairs in occupied and vacant guestrooms.
• Repair doors, locks, furniture, millwork, and case goods.
• Replace lighting, switches, outlets, thermostats, and plumbing fixtures.
• Perform preventative maintenance to reduce guest room service calls.
• Assist with room refresh and renovation projects.
• Ensure guestrooms consistently meet Forbes Five-Star presentation standards.

Guest Service Response (25%)

• Respond promptly to guest maintenance requests.
• Troubleshoot HVAC, televisions, internet, lighting, and plumbing issues.
• Communicate professionally with guests while minimizing disruption.
• Partner with Front Desk and Housekeeping to return rooms to service quickly.
• Document all work using HotSOS.

Engineering Operations (15%)

• Assist Maintenance Technicians with repairs throughout the property.
• Perform daily mechanical room and equipment inspections.
• Learn building automation and energy management systems.
• Assist with water treatment, pools, spas, and seasonal operations.
• Assist with event setup, breakdown, and venue preparation for weddings, private events, and special functions.

Professional Development (15%)

• Complete structured rotations through HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Commercial Kitchen Equipment, Laundry Equipment, Pools & Spas, Fire & Life Safety, Building Automation Systems, Preventative Maintenance Planning, and Luxury Hospitality Standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn
• Customer service or hospitality experience
• Trade school or vocational coursework (preferred)
• Valid driver's license
• No previous hotel maintenance experience required

The Facilities Apprentice program is designed to build long-term careers within the Engineering Department. Advancement is based on demonstrated competency, performance, and departmental needs. Facilities Apprentice ? Maintenance Technician I ? Maintenance Technician II ? Engineering Specialist or Engineering Supervisor ? Assistant Director of Engineering ? Director of Engineering.

24-Month Development Plan

• Quarter 1: Safety procedures, tool identification, HotSOS work order management, guest interaction, basic plumbing repairs, guest room inspections.
• Quarter 2: Electrical fundamentals, door hardware and lock repair, furniture and millwork repair, caulking and finish work.
• Quarter 3: HVAC fundamentals, PTAC and mini-split maintenance, thermostats and controls, indoor air quality.
• Quarter 4: Drywall, painting, tile repair, finish carpentry, preventative maintenance procedures.
• Year 2: Advanced training in boilers, pumps, BAS controls, refrigeration, energy management, commercial kitchen equipment, preventative maintenance planning, leadership, and project planning.

Performance Expectations

• Independently complete guest room inspections and repairs.
• Prepare VIP and CIP rooms to luxury hospitality standards.
• Resolve most guest room maintenance requests without supervision.
• Safely use common tools and diagnostic equipment.
• Accurately document work using HotSOS.
• Demonstrate professionalism while working in guest-facing environments.