Building Engineer I/II (Trainee or Full Performance)

Location: Arlington, VA, United States Department: Trades (Maint, Srvc, Equipment)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking two Building Engineers to perform skilled maintenance, repair, and operational oversight of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems across more than 38 County facilities. These positions monitor building performance through multiple Building Automation Systems (BAS) and respond to emergencies impacting MEP, power generation, and life safety systems. Positions may be filled at the Trainee, Building Engineer I, or Building Engineer II level depending on applicant qualifications.

The Building Engineer I performs journey level work involving diagnosis, repair and preventive maintenance to medium and large standard mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) building systems and equipment necessary to support the daily operations of facilities and equipment throughout the County. Assignments are reviewed by the supervisor Building Engineer II.

Major Job Duties

Performing skilled preventive and corrective maintenance on standard MEP systems and documenting deficiencies and completed work;

Troubleshooting malfunctioning HVAC and BAS components to maintain operability, including seasonal winterizing and de-winterizing;

Diagnosing and repairing plumbing systems, including clearing traps, snaking drains, repairing pipes, and replacing fixtures;

Assessing and repairing electrical systems such as outlets, fixtures, breakers, and related components;

Responding to emergency service calls for MEP, life safety, and power generation systems, including coordinating temporary generator connections;

Providing shift coverage at County facilities, including the Justice Center, during regular and emergency operations;

Overseeing contractors to ensure proper completion of corrective and preventive maintenance tasks;

Assisting leadership with equipment assessments and providing input for the Capital Improvement Plan; and

Performing other job-related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will be a dependable team member who performs effectively in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong troubleshooting skills, provides excellent customer service, and is willing to work any assigned shift, including callbacks.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma/GED or equivalent; and

Trainee

At least 2 years of related experience in commercial buildings or residential high-rise environments in more than one of the following areas: plumbing, electrical, emergency management equipment such as emergency generators and/or general mechanical repairs.

Building Engineer I

Three (3) years of related experience in commercial buildings or a similarly complex environment in more than one of the following areas: plumbing, electrical, emergency management equipment such as emergency generators and/or general mechanical repairs.

Must possess the following Licensures/Certifications within the probationary period:

ARC Flash and Confined Space Certifications.

Building Engineer II

Four (4) years of related experience in commercial buildings or a similarly complex environment in more than one of the following areas: plumbing, electrical, emergency management equipment such as emergency generators and/or general mechanical repairs.

Must possess EPA Section 608 Universal Certification, ARC Flash, and Confined Space Certifications plus one (1) of the following licensures/certifications:

Journeyman or Master Electrician License(s); and/or

HVAC-R (VA Licensure).

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with experience or licensure/certifications in one or more of the following:

Performing maintenance, diagnosing and repairs to mechanical, electrical, plumbing and building maintenance systems;

Diagnosing malfunctioning power generating and life safety systems;

Working in an environment with varied building portfolios;

Working with mobile maintenance devices to receive and complete work orders; and

Using computerized building automation control systems (BAS).

Special Requirements

Trainee Level: If an employee is hired at the trainee level, a training period will be established to last no longer than the equivalent of 12 months. At or before the end of the training period, the employee must meet experience, training, and proficiency requirements for the Level I position. Once the candidate qualifies, they will be appointed to the position.

Certifications: You must obtain and maintain ARC Flash and Confined Space certifications within a 12-month probationary period.

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Driver's License: Applicant must possess, and maintain, a valid driver’s license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicant’s driving record. Alternatively, the applicant must have the ability and willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite.

Working Conditions

The worker must be available to work after hours and in emergency situations.

Work is performed as part of a 24/7 operation and the worker must be available to work shifts as necessary.

The worker performs activities inside and outside.

The worker is subject to cold (bel