The Chief Engineer is responsible for maintaining the entire hotel facility at both the Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati Rookwood and the Hilton Garden Inn Cincinnati Midtown, including physical building structure, all mechanical, electrical, HVAC systems, and related equipment. This individual ensures the upkeep of guest areas and maintains an attractive hotel environment at both properties. The Chief Engineer manages all rehabilitation, expansion, and special projects, and provides consistent, cost-effective maintenance programs that ensure safe and efficient hotel operations. This position reports directly to the General Manager with dotted-line oversight from the Corporate Director of Engineering & IT.
Duties & Responsibilities
Including, but not limited to:
- Perform maintenance and preventive maintenance of hotel interior and exterior at both hotels, including parking lot signage, lighting, common areas, electrical, and mechanical equipment.
- Review maintenance problems, complaints, and work orders to prioritize and schedule work; track all work orders appropriately.
- Inspect both properties regularly to identify potential and current maintenance needs.
- Solicit bids from contractors and evaluate proposals; ensure contracted work is completed to specifications.
- Coordinate with local health, safety, fire, and building inspectors to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance assignments across both properties.
- Service hotel pools, including adjusting chemicals, water chemistry, and cleaning filters.
- Complete and maintain accurate maintenance logs.
- Maintain building exteriors where not serviced by a contractor (e.g., lawn care, painting, irrigation systems).
- Supervise and schedule maintenance staff as applicable.
- Maintain an inventory of spare parts for common equipment.
- Read, log, track, and interpret readings from meters, gauges, and other measuring instruments.
- Keep all engineering areas clean, organized, and maintained in a neat, efficient manner.
- Provide a safe work environment by adhering to all safety, security procedures, and applicable rules.
- Complete special projects as assigned by the General Manager or Director of Engineering & IT.
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Requirements
Certifications & Experience
- Minimum 2 years of HVAC experience required.
- Hotel or commercial maintenance experience preferred; other relevant maintenance experience will be considered.
Technical Knowledge
- Proficient understanding of mechanical equipment: kitchen refrigeration and cooking equipment, boilers, water heaters, and ice machines.
- Working knowledge of electrical and plumbing maintenance and repair.
- VRF/VRV system experience preferred; willingness to be trained required.
- Willingness to be trained on pool maintenance and water chemistry.
- Willingness to be trained on basic computer networking and hardware/software troubleshooting.
Other Requirements
- Strong customer service skills and professional demeanor.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and accurately follow directions.
- Must be available for on-call situations as needed.
- Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.
- Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record meeting LHG corporate insurance requirements.
- Must be able to remain alert for the full duration of assigned shift.
Core Competencies
- Safety & Security Awareness
- Problem Solving
- Technical & Job Knowledge
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Physically demanding role with both indoor and outdoor responsibilities (approximately 80% indoor, 20% outdoor).
- Must be able to withstand frequent extreme changes in temperature.
- Frequent lifting, carrying, pulling, and pushing loads up to 50 lbs.
- Frequent climbing of stairs and ladders; standing, walking, reaching, bending, kneeling, crawling, and use of forceful grip.
- Frequent use of phone and communication radio.
- Occasional use of PC, mouse, and keyboard; fine motor skills required.