Assistant Chief Engineer

The Sonnenalp is hiring an Assistant Chief Engineer. This role will be posted until August 31st or until filled.

The Assistant Chief Engineer’s primary responsibilities are to assist the Chief Engineer with the maintenance of all electrical and mechanical equipment used in heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration, water supply, and power systems for the Sonnenalp Hotel, One Willow Bridge Road, and Sonnenalp Club. This should be done in a manner that ensures total guest satisfaction and the quick and effective resolution of problems and complaints. Critical to success in this responsibility is participation in and compliance with the preventative maintenance schedule and program as outlined by the company. Maintaining all facilities in a quality manner consistent with budget parameters is of the utmost importance. This position reports directly to the Chief Engineer of the hotel and is responsible for the supervision and productivity of all employees in the engineering area, including staffing, training, and performance management. The Assistant Chief Engineer will be responsible for performing the duties of the Chief Engineer in their absence. The incumbent must be willing to work varying shifts, which include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Oversee daily operations, including maintenance rounds and monitoring of equipment such as boilers, pumps, compressors, and meters, while attending morning meetings to address guest needs.
  
• Manage work orders and plan seasonal or special projects, ensuring proper scheduling and completion.
  
• Supervise engineering staff through training, task assignment, evaluation, coaching, and performance management.
  
• Coordinate and oversee work performed by outside contractors; handle ordering of major parts, tools, and equipment.
  
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for all facilities and systems.
  
• Ensure safety compliance and emergency response readiness, including assisting with fire alarms and conducting audits.
  
• Respond to guest maintenance requests in a professional, courteous, and timely manner.
  
• Maintain mechanical rooms, shop areas, vehicle fleet, and support seasonal operations such as furniture moves and holiday décor.
  
• Provide leadership support, represent the department in meetings, and step in for the Chief Engineer when needed.
  
• Monitor and manage departmental budget and expenses, while contributing to reporting, efficiency improvements, and sustainability initiatives.
  

• At least 5 years� experience in a hotel engineering department or a similar environment.
  
• Minimum 2 years management experience, with emphasis on mentoring and coaching.
  
• Minimum 1 year of experience with budgeting and vendor negotiation.
  
• Must hold certification in one of the following: CPO, EPA 608 universal, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, BMS (Niagara AX/Trane)
  

• HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems and controls high level skills.
  
• Must be familiar with boilers, chillers, and refrigeration equipment and controls.
  
• Practical experience should include: painting, drywall repair, carpentry, and other miscellaneous maintenance duties.
  
• Should be familiar with pool, hot tub and spa equipment operations. CPO certified is preferred.
  
• Should be familiar with commercial kitchen and commercial laundry equipment repairs.
  
• Room maintenance and repairs, including: floor heat, gas fireplaces, light fixtures, switches, locks, bathroom fixtures, doors, windows. TV, DVD, mini-refrigerator and safes.
  
• Must have good diagnostic skills and know when to call in an outside contractor.
  
• Able to use and interpret the Trane Communication heating and cooling system.
  

• Must have a valid Driver�s License and a clean driving record.
  
• Must be proficient in e-mail, internet, and Microsoft Office programs.
  
• HotSOS experience preferred.
  
• A high level of guest service skills is an absolute must.
  

• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull material weighing up to 100 pounds.
  
• Must be able to work under conditions requiring prolonged standing, lengthy walking, frequent bending, stretching, crawling through tight spaces, and working up to the rooftop level.
  
• Requires the ability to distinguish colors and symbols.
  
• Requires frequent exposure to dust, dirt, water and chemicals.
  
• Required to work outside in all weather conditions.
  
• May be required to work evenings and weekends.
  

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  
• Resort Discounts
  
• Holiday Pay, Paid Time Off, and Sick Pay
  
• 401(k) Retirement Plan & Roth 401(k)
  
• Voluntary Life Insurance
  
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
  
• Employee Assistance Program
  
• Parking Credit or Discounted Bus Passes
  
• Healthy Lifestyle Winter Benefit
  

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position, and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.