Job Description
Job Description
THE WESTCHESTER CORPORATION
Job Title: Chief Engineer
Department: Operations – Maintenance
Reports to: Director of Operations
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Westchester is seeking a full-time Chief Engineer (CE), DC 3rd Class, to lead the engineering and maintenance operations across our 10-acre campus in Washington, D.C. The CE works under the guidance of the Director of Operations and is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the low-pressure steam generation systems, as well as the oversight and maintenance of HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, boilers, building envelope components, common areas, and related infrastructure.
The CE supervises a team of maintenance technicians and ensures compliance with District of Columbia regulations while driving continuous improvement through performance metrics, preventive maintenance strategies, and technology-enabled processes. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, senior member of a collaborative, safety-focused team and deliver measurable operational results.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Management
• Coach and advise maintenance technicians.
• Provide the Director of Operations with information and reports, as needed, on the
status and performance of all building systems and building maintenance activities.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and strong customer service.
• Contribute to staff development through ongoing training and mentoring.
Plant & Equipment Operations
• Start, stop, and monitor plant equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Operate and maintain low-pressure steam generation systems.
• Maintain and troubleshoot HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and boiler systems.
• Inspect and maintain the building envelope, including roofs, exterior walls, windows,
and drainage systems.
• Oversee maintenance in common areas, mechanical rooms, and maintenance shops.
• Read gauges, record operational data, and analyze trends for predictive maintenance.
• Conduct chemical analysis and maintain chemistry logs.
• Serve as a technical resource across plant and building operations.
• Utilize monitoring systems to measure and control plant and equipment performance.
Technology & Process Optimization
• Use CMMS and BMS tools to improve workflow efficiency and equipment reliability.
• Strengthen digital record-keeping, reporting, and data-driven decision making.
• Support SOP development and continuous process improvement.
• Identify technologies or best practices that enhance plant operations.
Safety, Compliance Quality Control
• Ensure compliance with District of Columbia regulations.
• Enforce safety protocols and proactively identify hazards.
• Conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance.
• Address technical issues promptly and escalate when required.
QUALIFICATIONS
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• DC Class 3 Steam Engineer license (required).
• Minimum 8 years of steam plant operations experience; residential/multi-family
preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supervising technical teams.
• Strong understanding of steam, condensate, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and
regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CMMS, and BMS systems.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, bend, push, pull, and reach frequently.
• Ability to lift up to 65 lbs.
• Comfortable working in confined spaces and environments involving hazards.
BENEFITS (FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES)
• Bi-weekly direct deposit pay
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Medical/dental insurance (85% employer-paid)
• 401(k) plan (eligible after 1,000 hours)
• Flexible spending account (pre-tax)
• Commuter benefits (pre-tax)
Company DescriptionOverview of The Westchester: Built in 1931 on one of the highest points in the city, The Westchester is a five-building, self-governing, member-owner co-op community that houses more than 500 apartments ranging in size from studios to three bedrooms. The Westchester maintains its original grandeur, with more than 10 acres of beautiful, landscaped grounds, including a three-level sunken garden, and provides numerous amenities and commercial services, including a grocery store, restaurant, fitness center, valet, library, hair salon, barbershop, guest rooms, and on-site parking. The Westchester is a short walk from restaurants and other businesses in neighboring Glover Park, Cathedral Heights, and Georgetown, and is adjacent to Glover-Archbold Park.
The Westchester offers more than a home, but also a diverse, vibrant, engaged multi-generational community where member-owners collaborate with The Westchester staff on multiple fronts. Our Main Lobby is the site of a concert series with performances by professional musicians. The community holds monthly gatherings where neighbors can get to know one another. We are also electronically connected, with an internal website and social media.
The Westchester seeks to set the standard for a quality living experience in our nation's capital, and central to our success is a dedicated team of professionals focused on exceptional customer service, operational efficiency, and innovation. Westchester staff have provided a legacy of excellence that has contributed to the ongoing success of our community.
As The Westchester nears its centennial as one of Washington’s best-known addresses, we are embarking on exciting developments, with an ambitious long-range capital plan to modernize the physical and virtual infrastructure and to build a strong, forward-looking management structure. As an employer, The Westchester is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. We value integrity, innovation, and collaboration, encouraging our employees to share their ideas, take initiative, and grow their careers.
The Westchester is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences
Company Description
Overview of The Westchester: Built in 1931 on one of the highest points in the city, The Westchester is a five-building, self-governing, member-owner co-op community that houses more than 500 apartments ranging in size from studios to three bedrooms. The Westchester maintains its original grandeur, with more than 10 acres of beautiful, landscaped grounds, including a three-level sunken garden, and provides numerous amenities and commercial services, including a grocery store, restaurant, fitness center, valet, library, hair salon, barbershop, guest rooms, and on-site parking. The Westchester is a short walk from restaurants and other businesses in neighboring Glover Park, Cathedral Heights, and Georgetown, and is adjacent to Glover-Archbold Park.\r\nThe Westchester offers more than a home, but also a diverse, vibrant, engaged multi-generational community where member-owners collaborate with The Westchester staff on multiple fronts. Our Main Lobby is the site of a concert series with performances by professional musicians. The community holds monthly gatherings where neighbors can get to know one another. We are also electronically connected, with an internal website and social media. \r\n\r\nThe Westchester seeks to set the standard for a quality living experience in our nation's capital, and central to our success is a dedicated team of professionals focused on exceptional customer service, operational efficiency, and innovation. Westchester staff have provided a legacy of excellence that has contributed to the ongoing success of our community. \r\n\r\nAs The Westchester nears its centennial as one of Washington’s best-known addresses, we are embarking on exciting developments, with an ambitious long-range capital plan to modernize the physical and virtual infrastructure and to build a strong, forward-looking management structure. As an employer, The Westchester is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. We value integrity, innovation, and collaboration, encouraging our employees to share their ideas, take initiative, and grow their careers. \r\n\r\nThe Westchester is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences