Lead Building Engineer, HVAC

Description

Join a team at the intersection of exceptional veterinary care and social change.
 

At the San Francisco SPCA, we believe every pet deserves compassionate, high-quality veterinary care—no matter their guardian’s financial situation. As a nonprofit, we break down barriers to care by offering financial assistance and individualized medical support to thousands of animals each year. Our work doesn’t serve shareholders—it serves pets, people, and the community.

We are seeking a Lead Building Engineer Technician to join our Facilities Department.  This position will oversee facility maintenance, lead teams in hands-on repairs, ensure code compliance, and maintain operational efficiency and safety for our buildings and grounds.  This role reports to the Building Engineer, acting as a project manager and team-lead in their absence, and like our organization's Value "Be Connected", interacts and collaborates with just about every department.

This organization isn’t just about treating patients—it’s about caring for animals, supporting people, and strengthening community.

In this role, you'll perform:

Facilities Maintenance & Technical Operations

• Perform and lead hands-on maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, carpentry, and general building systems.
• Conduct routine inspections to ensure system safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
• Resolve complex maintenance issues and provide technical support to Building Engineering Technicians.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, service reports, and operational documentation.
• Ensure proper operation of life-safety systems, including fire alarms, suppression systems, panels, and emergency equipment.

Training & Development

• Partner with the Facilities Operations Manager and Building Engineer to develop and maintain Best Known Way (BKW) standard operating procedures and best practices for tools and materials.
• Mentor and train technicians through hands-on coaching and by modeling high-quality workmanship.
• Develop and maintain training materials, including manuals, SOPs, checklists, training logs, progress reports, and knowledge assessments.
• Conduct regular training meetings to monitor progress, provide feedback, and update training plans as needed.

Project Coordination & Leadership

• Assist with planning, coordinating, and executing facility projects, including scheduling, resource allocation, and communication.
• Serve as the Building Engineer designee as needed, overseeing daily operations, project execution, and team coordination.

Contractor & Vendor Oversight

• Coordinate and oversee contractors performing maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
• Ensure vendor compliance with safety standards, site procedures, and applicable regulations.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain compliance with OSHA regulations and organizational safety policies, including proper equipment operation, chemical handling, PPE use, and waste disposal.
• Promote a safe work environment by identifying, correcting, and preventing safety hazards that may impact employees, volunteers, clients, animals, or the organization.

Client & Team Service

• Deliver responsive, high-quality facilities support that promotes efficient operations and exceptional service.
• Foster positive relationships with staff, volunteers, clients, and vendors while supporting the organization's mission and humane treatment of animals.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in building engineering, facilities maintenance, or relevant trade fields.
• Demonstrated mastery in plumbing, electrical, HVAC/mechanical, automotive, carpentry, sheetrock, and painting.
• A minimum of two years’ experience mentoring or leading technical maintenance teams.
• Experience coordinating facility projects and vendor work.
• Experience in multi-building environments or high-demand operational settings.
• Valid California Driver’s License and insurable driving record.
• Preferred: Trade certifications (EPA 608, HVAC licenses, journeyman-level certifications).
• Preferred: Bilingual in Spanish
• Preferred schedule: Thursday - Monday
• Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills. 
• Strong diagnostic, troubleshooting, and multi-trade repair skills.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through
• Ability to coach, train, and support team members with varying skill levels.
• Deep knowledge of construction trades including plumbing, electrical, HVAC/mechanical, automotive, carpentry, sheetrock, and painting 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to document work clearly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and cloud-based collaboration tools
• Willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the San Francisco SPCA.
• Preferred: Proficient in Jira or other help desk software 

Salary & Benefits: The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. The salary is expected to range between $39 - $41 per hour.

Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer contribution matching
• Student debt relief program
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Discounts on retail and pet supplies
• Discounts on veterinary care at SF SPCA Mission Campus Veterinary Hospital and Spay/Neuter Clinic

The SF SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job ad reflects the assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The San Francisco SPCA is an at-will employer and may conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screening depending on the role.