Chief Engineer at Waterton in Chicago, IL

Who is Waterton?

We are passionate about delivering an incredible Resident Experience, which we believe is made possible by offering an extraordinary experience for our talented associates. We value performance that delivers experiences that exceed expectations, coupled with an unwavering commitment to Investor, Guest, and Resident service excellence. With over 30 years of investment and property management experience, we strive to exemplify what we call Resitality®.

We are looking for a talented Chief Engineer to join our team!

The Chief Engineer will safeguard the interests of the owners by maintaining the physical condition of property and equipment according to company guidelines and standards, and protecting the property and equipment from damage, loss and deterioration. This position assesses and directs the service team.

How you will contribute to our team:

• Service Requests: You will ensure service requests are assigned to appropriate service technician and completed professionally and accurately within twenty-four (24) hours, which may include scheduling an appropriate vendor if necessary. You will ensure that all service requests are signed off and you will report any variance from our 24-hour commitment where appropriate.
• Preventive Maintenance: You will update, execute and document preventive maintenance schedule on a regular basis and advise Community Manager of outstanding items.
• Property Inspections and Maintenance: You will perform regular property inspections to ensure compliance with established standards regarding the grounds, risk management, safety, cleanliness and general appearance, including cleanliness and landscaping management.
• Employee Management: As the manager, you will plan and direct the activities of the service team. You will partner with the Community Manager regarding all aspects of the employment cycle – recruitment, hiring, orientation, training and development, performance management and discipline in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Resident Relations: As a “front line” employee who interacts very regularly with our residents, you will work to establish and maintain good relations with residents, prospective residents, all customers, vendors and co-workers. You will use your communication skills to interact in a courteous and professional manner at all times.
• Occupancy Management: You and your team will ensure apartments are ready for occupancy by overseeing and scheduling all facets of the make-ready process in accordance with leasing needs and as outlined in the Waterton Residential Standards of Performance. This includes but is not limited to move out/move in inspections, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, appliance repair, carpet cleaning/replacement, painting, equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance and cleaning.
• Budget Preparation and Management: Assist Community Manager in preparing the property’s budget for normal maintenance operations and recommend property upgrades and capital improvements. Monitor the budget and plan purchases and contracted services in accordance with approved budgetary guidelines. You will also help make recommendations for capital improvement projects.
• Maintain Commitment to Safety: You and your team will maintain life safety equipment including but not limited to fire pumps, sprinklers, emergency generators, fire panels, smoke detectors, CO detectors, etc., including testing equipment as required. You will ensure there is a safe, clean and organized work environment (i.e. shop, pool maintenance room, storage areas). You will utilize all reasonable safety measures and precautions and require Associates to do the same.
• Overall: You’ll be an excellent teammate who helps create and deliver departmental and organizational goals, including sharing best practices on process improvement, refining and introducing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).

What our ideal candidate looks like:

• You’ve “been there, done that”. Our ideal candidate a minimum of five (5) years of plumbing, electrical, mechanical, drywall repairs, carpentry, and/or pool/spa maintenance experience. Minimum of two years’ supervisory experience or equivalent is required.
• You have some credentials. We require a High School Diploma or equivalent. In addition, You must have your EPA-CFC Certification. An EPA-LBP certification is required for any property older than 1978.
• You’re a great communicator. You easily manage relationships and build rapport with others, and you’re a pro at motivating others.
• You know how to hire, retain, and develop others. You can manage human resources concerns at the site level, and you have a sharp eye for hiring, engaging and retaining top maintenance talent.
• You’re very tech-savvy. You’d consider yourself an experienced user of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word and Outlook, as well as property management software like Yardi.
• You like change; you really like change. You can easily adapt as the situation warrants, and you are able to focus on multiple deadlines and change as the demands and fast pace requires. You also possess very strong project management skills, juggling big and small tasks alike.
• You’re a taskmaster. Your time and project management skills are very strong, and you have the ability to focus on the smallest details while keeping the larger process running effectively to meet and juggle tight deadlines.
• You’re a fixer. You demonstrate tact and empathy when dealing with Resident and Associate concerns, and you work to resolve them quickly, never losing sight of the criticality of customer service.

How we will recognize and reward you:

This is a Union position. Healthcare, retirement and other related benefits are provided through partnership with the Union.

Why Waterton?

Waterton has grown from very humble beginnings with one phone and two desks to the successful, nationally recognized real estate investment and management firm it is today. As Waterton has evolved and grown, one thing has remained constant, the drive to achieve results by exceeding expectations.

Our Associates embrace and embody The Waterton Way, which serves as our core values: Be Nice, Listen and Talk, Own It, Get It Done, and most importantly Have Fun. We look for exceptional candidates with the passion and expertise that it takes to wow every resident, guest, and investor.

We firmly believe that our superior ability to serve our customers differentiates us. We empower our Associates to think and act like an owner and use the Waterton Way to serve our residents and guests in a way that exceeds their expectations, going above and beyond to create the ultimate service experience or what we call Resitality®!

Does this sound like you? Apply today!

Waterton strongly supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.