Facilities Engineer

Summary: Provides direct management support to Director, Capital Construction for Garden maintenance and engineering projects for a variety of Garden construction, renovation and maintenance projects to include mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems.  Responsible for researching and analyzing existing and proposed systems to determine how they are/will be used, actual capacities and system effectiveness.  Analysis will lead to determination of feasibility of design or application of alternative systems.

• Gathers, documents and tracks departmental staff and other user’s requirements concerning program for proposed construction, maintenance, repair or alterations to existing and new facilities; provides technical advice to Director, Capital Construction regarding engineering/architectural design of new and existing facilities, always considering cost effective solutions.

• Provides analysis of the mechanical and electrical systems for all new projects and renovations at the Garden; recommends conceptual design changes to consultant plans and evaluates plans and specifications regarding compliance with various institution and industry safety codes, building codes and regulations.

• Manages project personnel (vendors, contractors, Garden facilities technicians) in the care of all Garden facilities assigned including but not limited to buildings, systems and all outdoor features except horticulture related activities.

• Coordinates and schedules work, ensures quality and completion in a timely manner.

• Enforces safety policies with staff.

• Prepares and implements preventative maintenance for systems.

• Insures compliance with all Federal, State and local ordinances related to maintenance operations.

• Provides written operational narratives for major mechanical systems at the Garden as well as developing and maintaining drawing documentation for all ME systems.

• Helps to develop engineering plans and specifications, including detailed drawings, or blueprints using computer-aided design software (AutoCAD), for a variety of building facilities.

• Conducts inspections of existing facilities and determines the feasibility of proposed alterations or additions.

• Performs and or leads commissioning of all assigned projects and repairs.

• Performs audits to determine the adequacy of building design from standpoint of one or more specialized areas such as mechanical, electrical or architectural. 

• Responds to “on call emergencies”.

• Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.

• Plans, organizes and reviews details for projects under the direction of the Director, Capital Construction.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Behave & communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises project team members as assigned. May also supervise contractors (7 to 10 projects per year), volunteers, interns or students from various trade schools.

Core Competencies

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.

• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus. 

• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.

• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.

• Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.         

     

• Minimum of three to five (3 - 5) years related experience in design/construction of buildings, facilities or structures.

• Prior direct supervisory experience and experience instructing employees and or contractors.

• Experience with AutoCAD required. 

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of engineering theory and practices; the principles and

 practices of building engineering, including one or more specialized areas such as mechanical,

 electrical. 

• Knowledge of state building codes, rules and regulations.

• Knowledge of the materials, methods, practices, machinery, tools and equipment used in large and small-scale construction work.

• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical and environmental systems; and, computer systems as applied to environment and energy management.

• Knowledge of modern methods and techniques of installation, operation and maintenance of mechanical equipment.

• Knowledge of modern security requirements particularly as applied to design concepts, perimeter security and security related equipment.

• Exhibits sound judgment and decisiveness. Considers the relative costs and benefits of potential

 actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Must be able to accurately read blue prints (architectural and MEP).

• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner.

• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests.  All staff are strongly encouraged to receive COVID-19 vaccinations by hire date, and the Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on community health department guidelines.  When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain visas, vaccinations and immunizations for all countries where travel is required.   

• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

• B.S. in Facilities Management with emphasis on HVAC systems preferred, or a B.S. in mechanical engineering or related Engineering area.

• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:  

• Must have excellent computer skills to be able to utilize a variety of Maintenance operational software programs such as: Andover Energy management system; Total Maintenance Authority (computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) software); ISES Facility Condition Analysis software (database tracking system) as well as the ability to learn others. 

• AutoCAD skills. 

• Familiarity navigating through various PC applications including, but not restricted to Microsoft Office

 suite (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).

• Solid Internet research skills.

Other Skills and Abilities: N/A                 

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written).

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions and information to effectively execute and achieve results.

• College math aptitude is necessary to understand MEP systems as well as for ordering materials, calculating electrical/ heating and cooling loads, and geometry for fabrication of new work.

                 
Reasoning Ability: 

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.  

• Ability to analyzes system operation and provide system programming changes. 

• Evaluate needed repairs to determine the most cost effective and safe manner to complete the necessary tasks 

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and clean, insurable driving record (prior to employment).

• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid chauffeur’s license within (2) months of hire date is required.

• Must be able to lift and carry 75 lbs. 

• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including fall restraint.

• Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, walk boards and walkways to analyze situations at varying heights.

• Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time-- 45% or more of the workday is standing on feet.

• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).

• Supervision/work may be performed in/on all city sites in all types of weather (i.e. in temperatures over 100 F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed.

• May be required to assess situations in noisy, hot/cold environments and with water or other materials present.

• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding Garden operations.

• Members of Garden staff and other Maintenance Department Staff.

• Garden staff, volunteers and guests when working or answering trouble calls.

• Outside consultants, architects, engineers and equipment suppliers.