Chief Engineer

Job Summary

The Chief Engineer is responsible for general maintenance and repairs in guest rooms, meeting spaces, the restaurant, and public spaces, in accordance with Choice standards, ensuring that the highest degree of quality guest service is maintained at all times. Preventative maintenance for guest rooms and public spaces is included. The Chief Engineer also performs some repairs on mechanical, electrical, plumbing, kitchen, and laundry equipment. The Chief Engineer is responsible for staffing, scheduling, training, and developing engineering staff.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversees engineering and maintenance operations of the hotel, hotel property, restaurant, and grounds.
• Responds to engineering and maintenance concerns.
• Develops and implements engineering systems and procedures.
• Performs and/or monitors the maintenance and preventative maintenance program.
• Responds to all building-related safety concerns.
• Maintains departmental compliance with hotel maintenance procedures.
• Supports hotel departmental maintenance programs and executes daily, weekly, and monthly checklists.
• Plans the work of the Engineering Department and distributes assignments accordingly.
• Assigns regular and special duties for engineering staff; schedules employees and assigns extra days off according to the occupancy forecast.
• Supervises all engineering staff, assists in hiring new employees as needed, and takes disciplinary action when policies are not followed.
• Submits weekly payroll.
• Evaluates employees for the promotion process when openings arise.
• Conducts monthly departmental meetings, takes minutes, and copies the General Manager.
• Participates in weekly room inspections in conjunction with the General Manager, Executive Housekeeper, and Front Office Manager.
• Monitors and manages supplies and equipment for operations.
• Signs off on all supply requisitions submitted to the General Manager for approval.
• Addresses guest-related concerns.
• Maintains guest rooms, public spaces, and back-of-house areas in good repair by performing various tasks related to a variety of trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, painting, wall covering, and tiling, to ensure an attractive and well-maintained hotel.
• Prepares the month-end report by the 1st of the following month.
• Monitors and ensures all out-of-order (OOO) rooms are addressed and placed back in order immediately, in conjunction with the Front Office Manager and Executive Housekeeper.
• Conducts a monthly inventory of engineering supplies.
• Performs weekly testing of property generators to ensure operational effectiveness and sends a report detailing the results to the General Manager.
• Conducts annual Generator, Fire/Elevator, Ministry of Works, and Ministry of Tourism hotel inspections, and follows up on any concerns.
• Conducts daily roll call meetings and inspects staff.
• Works alongside outside contractors to ensure that their agreed-upon work is carried out and accomplished.
• Ensures that all meter readings (water/electrical) are carried out and correspond with actual billings.
• Enforces a comprehensive Preventative Maintenance Program for guest rooms and all engineering equipment.
• Checks lights throughout the entire property in the evenings a minimum of three (3) times per week.
• Is responsible for properly storing and safekeeping company assets relevant to Engineering, including maintaining par stock and inventory.
• Inspects company asset trailers, ensuring cleanliness, temperature control, and accurate inventory.
• Conducts monthly inspections and preventative maintenance on pool equipment and lists findings on the Inspection Sheet.
• Properly maintains pool chemical and temperature readings to ensure safe use for guests, and maintains accurate logs.
• Ensures the pool is vacuumed daily, brushed as required, and free of debris.
• Conducts monthly inspections and preventative maintenance on Heater and Fire Pump Systems, including but not limited to all water heaters, lift station pumps and controllers, booster pump systems, fire pump systems and controllers (with jockey pump), hot water storage reservoirs, solar collector panels, and associated equipment, and lists findings on the Equipment Inspection Sheet.
• Conducts weekly inspections and preventative maintenance on Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment, including but not limited to all A/C units (public spaces, rooms, and back of house), walk-in freezers and coolers, double-door coolers and freezers, deli-top coolers, dual freezer/coolers, single-door coolers, under-counter coolers and ice machines, and all free-standing ice machines, and lists findings on the Equipment Inspection Sheet.
• Maintains a detailed log of all preventative maintenance and provides monthly reports to management.
• Inspects and cleans indoor and outdoor A/C coils quarterly or as required.
• Ensures an adequate inventory of necessary specific materials and parts for preventative maintenance and frequent repairs is on hand.
• Inspects and cleans boiler fire tubes annually.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Maintenance, or a related technical field preferred.
• Trade certification or vocational training in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems strongly preferred.
• Universal EPA 608 (or local equivalent) refrigerant handling certification preferred.
• Valid Bahamian driver's license (or legal equivalent) in good standing.
• Pool Operator certification (CPO or equivalent) preferred.
• OSHA 10 / OSHA 30 (or local equivalent) safety training preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive engineering/maintenance experience, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or leadership role, preferably within a hotel or resort environment.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise across HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, pool systems, kitchen equipment, and laundry equipment.
• Proven experience managing preventative maintenance programs, outside contractors, and departmental budgets.
• Experience with life safety systems, including fire pumps, generators, elevators, and emergency response procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of building systems, mechanical and electrical codes, and OSHA / local safety regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and equipment specifications.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Strong leadership, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with sound judgment under pressure.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Budgeting, cost-control, and vendor-management skills.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional guest service and maintaining brand standards.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and reach for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs (23 kg) regularly, and up to 75 lbs (34 kg) occasionally, with or without assistance.
• Must be able to climb ladders, scaffolding, and stairs; work at heights; and work in confined spaces.
• Must have manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination sufficient to operate hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment safely.
• Must be able to work in varied environmental conditions, including heat, humidity, cold, noise, dust, vibrations, and exposure to cleaning chemicals, refrigerants, and pool chemicals.
• Must have visual acuity (with or without correction) sufficient to inspect equipment, read gauges and meters, and distinguish colors on wiring and warning labels.
• Must have hearing (with or without correction) sufficient to detect equipment alarms and communicate with team members and guests.
• Must be able to respond to emergencies, including evacuations, and perform essential duties under physically demanding conditions.

Working Conditions

• Hotel is a 24/7 operation; must be available to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, public holidays, and on-call rotations.
• Must be available to respond to emergency maintenance situations outside of normal working hours.
• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions typical to The Bahamas.
• Will work in close proximity to guests and must maintain a professional, courteous demeanor at all times.
• Required to wear and maintain designated uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the business. Employees are required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.

Comfort Suites Paradise Island Bahamas is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.