Chief Engineer

As the Chief Engineer at our property in Dallas, your primary responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance team to ensure timely service requests, maintaining the property's physical condition, and managing all aspects of preventative maintenance. You will coordinate repairs, maintain records, and ensure that all vacant units meet our 5-day turn policy. Additionally, you will supervise outside contractors and manage inventory, all while adhering to company safety standards.

To qualify for the Chief Engineer role at our Dallas location, you should have a high school diploma or GED, and ideally possess 3-5 years of experience in managing maintenance or a related field. HVAC experience is preferred, alongside strong time management skills and a reliable work ethic. Being able to communicate clearly and positively with residents and team members is also crucial.

Yes, the Chief Engineer position at our property in Dallas is indeed a live-in role! This means you will be on-site to manage day-to-day operations and respond promptly to any maintenance issues that arise, ensuring a high standard of living for our residents.

As the Chief Engineer, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous PTO policy, 401k with company match, discounted rent, health plans sponsored largely by the employer, and wellness programs. Additionally, you'll have access to gym facilities and monthly team lunches, creating an engaging and supportive work environment.

In your role as Chief Engineer in Dallas, you'll oversee and schedule the maintenance team to ensure all tasks are completed efficiently. You will also hire and develop staff, promote teamwork, and manage relationships with third-party contractors, ensuring that all services align with our company’s standards and timelines.

In order to prioritize maintenance requests effectively, I assess each request based on urgency and impact on resident satisfaction. I typically categorize requests into emergency, urgent, and routine, ensuring immediate action on any issues that affect safety or security while scheduling less critical tasks for a later time.

I have hands-on experience with HVAC systems, including installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. I ensure regular inspections are performed and any repairs or upgrades are completed in compliance with safety standards, which helps maintain a comfortable environment for residents.

I maintain motivation by setting clear expectations and recognizing individual contributions. Regular team meetings and training sessions foster collaboration and skills development, while incentives like bonuses and team outings help keep morale high and align everyone towards our shared goals.

In the event of an after-hours maintenance emergency, my first step would be to assess the situation and respond accordingly. I ensure that I have a contact list of emergency vendors and reliable team members for support. Communication with residents is key, so I would follow-up to inform them about the progress and expected timeline for resolution.

In my previous role, I was responsible for developing a budget for maintenance operations. I reviewed historical data and forecasted necessary repairs and improvements. I closely monitored spending against the budget and sought competitive bids for services to ensure quality while remaining cost-effective. This proactive approach avoided overspending and kept our maintenance program running smoothly.

Safety protocols are crucial in maintenance operations, as they ensure the well-being of staff and residents. By adhering to safety guidelines and providing proper training, I promote a culture of safety that reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, ultimately contributing to a more effective and reliable maintenance team.

Managing vendor relationships involves clear communication and establishing trust. I regularly evaluate vendor performance and ensure they understand our expectations. I maintain open lines of communication and schedule regular check-ins to address any issues, creating a mutually beneficial partnership that aligns with our operational needs.

I primarily use property management software like Entrata to track maintenance requests. This tool allows for effective logging, prioritization, and tracking of service requests while enabling communication with both team members and residents about the status of their requests, streamlining the overall maintenance process.

To ensure a property is ready for new tenants, I implement a rigorous make-ready process that includes thorough inspections and repairs, compliance checks, and necessary cleaning. Tracking timelines closely allows the property to meet the required turn policy, while ensuring an excellent first impression for incoming residents.

I approach resident feedback with an open mind, seeing it as an opportunity for improvement. I listen actively to their concerns, communicate transparently about actions taken to address issues, and make adjustments in our processes if necessary to enhance the overall resident experience.