Chief Engineer

Description

Under the direction of the CEO, the Chief Engineer is responsible for the ongoing engineering operations and maintenance of all facilities, buildings, infrastructure, and equipment across the entire organization. This includes lodging properties, commercial spaces, workforce lodging, resort-wide buildings (on-mtn and off-mtn), public areas, and all supporting infrastructure. The Chief Engineer ensures best-in-class facilities management, energy and water efficiency, capital planning, and environmental sustainability.

This position leads a team of approximately 25 engineering and maintenance staff and is responsible for construction oversight, building automation systems, long-term asset planning, environmental compliance, and proactive risk mitigation. The Chief Engineer plays a key leadership role in vendor relations, budget preparation, technical standards, and cross-departmental collaboration to achieve organizational goals.

This job description is intended to be a broad description of duties.

General

• Provides strategic and operational leadership for all facilities. Be an innovator with industry-leading ideas and solutions.
• Maintains complete oversight of critical systems and supports the long-range facilities master plan.
• Implements and manages preventive and corrective maintenance programs across all locations.
• Ensures optimal operation of energy and water systems, building automation technologies, electrical systems, and HVAC/R systems.
• Works collaboratively across departments to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sound operations.
• Oversees building infrastructure lifecycle planning, condition assessments, and reinvestment strategies.
• Maintains compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and internal policies.
• Maintains emergency preparedness in collaboration with public safety guidelines.
• Uses Building Automation Systems (BAS), Energy Management Systems (EMS), and other advanced monitoring platforms effectively.
• Partners with local and regional agencies to maintain strong working relationships and regulatory compliance.
• Possess and maintain a thorough understanding of industry trends, with an ability and proactive approach to stay ahead of those trends.
• Ensure all facilities have a clean, professional, and organized appearance.
• Reliable attendance on all scheduled workdays
• Other duties as assigned.

Outside Contractors

• Leads all aspects of contractor engagement: bidding, contracting, compliance, and performance.
• Manages scopes, budgets, timelines, and deliverables with a focus on cost control and accountability.

Financial

• Manages departmental operating budgets and capital project planning.
• Oversees cost control, purchasing, and materials inventory systems.
• Contributes to funding proposals and justifications for infrastructure investments.

Compliance

• Maintains OSHA and life safety compliance and ensures staff training on safety protocols.
• Upholds documentation standards for drawings, specifications, and system manuals.
• Ensures environmental and historical documentation is current and properly filed.

Environment

• Champions energy and water conservation efforts.
• Supports initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and enhance indoor air quality.
• Leads initiatives to reduce landfill contributions and promote sustainable sourcing.

Departmental Responsibilities:

• Ensures operational integrity and maintenance across all facilities including:
• Lodging, commercial, workforce, and administrative buildings.
• Pools, spas, HVAC/R, kitchens, electrical systems, and life safety systems.
• Supports leaseholder coordination for facility issues.
• Oversees infrastructure systems including power distribution, plumbing, data networks, and communication systems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Leads, develops, and retains a high-performing maintenance and engineering team.
• Coaches and evaluates staff; implements training, safety compliance, and performance standards.
• Develops staffing schedules aligned with operational needs and budgetary constraints.
• Administers fair and equitable performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Professional Engineer (PE) certification preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in facility operations across a multi-property or campus environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC/R, BAS, EMS, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Budget development and capital project planning experience.
• Proficiency with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Experience implementing sustainable building practices and carbon reduction strategies.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, and contracts.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to collaborate cross-functionally.
• 24/7 availability for emergency response.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong personal character and commitment to Taos Ski Valley, Inc.'s Vision, Purpose, and Values.
• Provides a guest experience that exceeds the guest's expectations.
• Ability to accept criticism and opportunities gracefully and humbly for growth.
• Ability to stay positive, focused, and constructive when faced with setbacks, challenges, and while working in an ever-changing environment.
• Education/Vocational Training:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field; or equivalent technical education and experience.
• LEED accreditation or experience maintaining green building certifications is strongly preferred.
• Technical certifications in electrical, mechanical, or building systems are advantageous.

Work Environment:

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Position may require travel on uneven, snow-packed, or icy terrain and may be exposed to wet, cold, and/or humid conditions.
• Must be able to work in close quarters and with other staff.

Background Check:

Positions dealing with children, of safety-sensitive and/or confidential nature, require driving or positions that handle cash require a background check and MVR check. Employment is contingent upon a favorable background check and MVR check.