Assistant Chief Engineer

The Assistant Chief Engineer supports the Director of Resort Operations and Chief Engineers in overseeing the maintenance, repair, and operation of all resort facilities, including hotel buildings, condo-hotel units and common areas, resort amenities, back-of-house areas, and infrastructure. This position plays a critical leadership role in ensuring a safe, efficient, and well-maintained environment for guests, members, owners, and colleagues.

The Assistant Chief Engineer is responsible for supervising engineering colleagues, coordinating preventive maintenance programs, managing work order completion, supporting capital and special projects, and assisting with departmental budgeting and operational planning. This role serves as a hands-on leader who promotes exceptional service, operational excellence, and compliance with all safety, regulatory, and resort standards.

The Assistant Chief Engineer will consistently model and promote the Wild Dunes Resort culture and help position the resort as both the Destination and Employer of Choice.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Department Operations

Assist the Director of Facility Operations in managing the daily operations of the Engineering Department.

Supervise, coach, train, and develop Engineering colleagues to ensure high levels of performance, productivity, accountability, and engagement.

Monitor team attendance, appearance, conduct, and adherence to resort policies, procedures, and service standards.

Assign, prioritize, and inspect work to ensure quality, efficiency, and timely completion.

Serve as the department leader in the absence of the Director of Facility Operations.

Participate in weekly operational, property management, and leadership meetings as required.

Maintenance & Facilities Management

Assist the Director of Facility Operations in managing daily maintenance operations, preventive maintenance programs, and capital projects involving resort facilities, condo-hotel operations, amenities, infrastructure, and equipment.

Oversee the maintenance, repair, and operation of building systems, including:

HVAC systems

Electrical systems

Plumbing systems

Mechanical equipment

Life safety systems

Pools and water features

Carpentry and general building maintenance

Perform and verify completion of preventive maintenance programs designed to maximize equipment life and minimize operational disruptions.

Conduct regular inspections of hotel facilities, condo-hotel units and common areas, amenities, guest areas, and back-of-house spaces to identify maintenance needs, operational deficiencies, and safety concerns.

Coordinate and oversee vendors and contractors to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with resort standards.

Support renovation projects, capital improvements, and long-term maintenance planning initiatives.

Work Order & Asset Management

Manage and monitor the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and work order process.

Ensure all maintenance activities are accurately documented and work orders are completed and closed in a timely manner.

Analyze maintenance trends, recurring issues, and equipment failures to improve operational efficiency.

Maintain inventory controls for tools, equipment, parts, and supplies.

Assist with procurement activities and maintain inventory levels that support resort operations.

Financial Responsibilities

Assist in the preparation and management of annual operating and capital budgets.

Monitor departmental expenses and identify opportunities to improve efficiencies and control costs.

Support forecasting and planning efforts related to maintenance, equipment replacement, and capital expenditures.

Safety & Compliance

Promote and maintain a culture of safety throughout the department.

Ensure compliance with all Wild Dunes Resort policies and procedures.

Support compliance with OSHA standards and all local, state, and federal regulations.

Ensure all lockout/tagout procedures and equipment safety protocols are consistently followed.

Report and address unsafe conditions immediately.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Communication & Guest Service

Communicate effectively with the Director of Facility Operations to ensure proper maintenance of hotel facilities, condo-hotel units and common areas, outlets, amenities, and all critical building systems and equipment.

Communicate major repairs, equipment failures, and facility concerns to the Director of Facility Operations for review and action.

Foster positive working relationships with guests, owners, members, vendors, contractors, and fellow colleagues.

Deliver exceptional service and resolve maintenance-related concerns professionally and promptly.

Demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and professionalism in all interactions while supporting Wild Dunes Resort service standards.

Emergency Response

Be available to respond to emergency situations and operational incidents as needed, including:

Severe weather events

Power outages

Fire and life-safety incidents

Equipment failures

Natural disasters

Other emergencies impacting resort operations

Additional Responsibilities

Consistently work in a safe and professional manner.

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Facility Operations.

Qualifications & Experience &Education

High School Diploma or GED required.

Technical school, vocational training, trade certification, or related education preferred.

Experience

Minimum five (5) years of progressive engineering, facilities maintenance, or building operations experience required.

Minimum two (2) years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.

Luxury resort, hotel, condo-hotel, or hospitality property management experience strongly preferred.

Extensive knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, life safety systems, and general building maintenance.

Experience managing maintenance operations within a large-scale resort environment preferred.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and schematics.

Working knowledge of building automation systems and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC) and applicable building codes preferred.

Experience with preventive maintenance programs and asset management systems.

Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment.

Knowledge of equipment safety procedures and lockout/tagout requirements.

Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Job Requirements

Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and meet resort driving standards.

Must be able to safely operate resort vehicles in varying weather conditions.

Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Ability to prioritize multiple projects and changing operational demands.

Ability to remain calm and effective during emergencies.

Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments as business needs require.

Must have the ability to resolve problems and conflicts diplomatically and professionally.

Colleagues hired by Wild Dunes Resort will be verified through the federal E-Verify system.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.

Must be able to frequently climb ladders, stairs, and access elevated work areas.

Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds with assistance.

Must be able to bend, squat, crawl, kneel, reach overhead, and work in confined spaces as required.

Must be able to perform repetitive hand and arm motions and operate tools and equipment safely.

Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and other environmental conditions.

Must be able to safely operate maintenance equipment and vehicles.

Must be available to respond to emergency situations during and outside normal working hours.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.