Chief Engineer

As Chief Engineer at The Wildbirch Hotel (wildbirchhotel.com), you will lead a team committed to maintaining the integrity and safety of our facilities in an environment where rustic charm meets modern comfort. Your role is to ensure the seamless operation of all technical systems, from HVAC to electrical, plumbing, and everything in between, while preserving the unique character of the property. As a leader, you are driven by a passion for problem-solving and efficiency, inspiring your team to work cohesively to create an atmosphere where both guests and staff can thrive. Your dedication ensures that every aspect of the hotel’s infrastructure is operating at its best, supporting a truly exceptional guest experience in the heart of Alaska.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

The Wildbirch Hotel:
Located in the heart of Anchorage’s downtown Mushing District, The Wildbirch Hotel is the city's first upscale boutique hotel and a dynamic hub for both travelers and locals. The hotel features 252 design-forward accommodations, including suites with artwork curated in partnership with the nearby Anchorage Museum. With multiple onsite food and beverage concepts, including a brewery and café, as well as communal outdoor decks with sweeping views of Mount Susitna and Knik Arm, The Wildbirch Hotel offers a unique blend of modern comfort and Alaska adventure. The hotel’s Adventure Desk connects guests with the best outdoor experiences, from glacier tours to world-class salmon fishing at nearby Ship Creek.

Opening in early 2025, The Wildbirch Hotel will join the JdV by Hyatt brand, giving guests access to exclusive member benefits through the World of Hyatt loyalty program.

SCOPE OF WORK + ONGOING EVERYDAY TASKS

• Responsible for maintaining the exterior of the building, parking lot, and common areas, all equipment in guest rooms, and employee work areas
• Manages and verifies completion of routine maintenance and operation of physical structure of hotel, all mechanical, electrical, H.V.A.C. systems, phone system, Internet, audio systems, surveillance equipment and any other related equipment which contributes to the safe and effective operation of the Hotel; Able and willing to respond quickly to emergencies
• Assigns work orders to staff; monitor progress and results
• Visually inspects quality of work and directs staff and outside contractors in tasks according to performance and productivity standards
• Plans, prepares and monitors special projects
• Conducts monthly safety inspections and staff trainings on safety and emergency procedures
• Oversees hotel safety and green program including proper trash removal and recycling
• Co-chairs the hotel’s Safety Committee and acts as a facilitator in the Quality Assurance Committee
• Responsible for all life/safety systems including fire, elevators, disasters and emergency lighting and generating systems
• Supervises the Engineering staff; interviews, hires, trains, schedules, prepare payrolls, coaches and counsels, conducts performance evaluations and disciplines as needed.
• Manages remodeling projects or capital expenditure needs including preparing and submitting budget estimates, progress and cost tracking; Reviews contracts, negotiates revisions, changes and additions to contractual agreements with vendors, consultants, clients, suppliers and subcontractors, requisitioning supplies and materials
• Communicates effectively with city/town/county officials to ensure proper maintenance of permits and licenses, such as inspecting the building with the fire department to ensure all public assembly permits are maintained yearly, coordinating inspections of all elevators
• Acts as liaison between hotel and vendors to review latest in hotel technology and products to save energy costs; Monitors, controls and reports on the energy conservation programs
• Maintains good working relationships and open lines of communication with all other departments.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Service-oriented with exceptional customer service skills.
• Prior Hotel Maintenance Engineering and supervisory/management experience required to understand the intricacies of the business needs
• Ability to communicate in English; second language desirable.
• Perform tasks requiring bending, stooping, kneeling, and walking significant distances between and within buildings on the property.
• Ability to stand, walk and/or sit and continuously perform essential job functions for duration of shift.
• Hearing and visual ability to observe and detect signs of emergency situations.
• Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry or otherwise move goods weighing a maximum of 100 lbs.
• Sufficient manual dexterity in hands.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders at a rapid pace.
• Ability to perform duties within extreme temperature ranges.
• Requires thorough knowledge of the Maintenance Engineering field, supervisory and management skills, ability to compile facts and figures and to communicate information and hotel services to management and guests

BENEFITS

The Wildbirch Hotel offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive base salary
• PTO
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Hotel Level Manager Bonus Program