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 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.
Please note: If you previously applied to requisition #346 or #631, Building Engineer I, you do not need to re-apply unless you wish to update your application.
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 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
- 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, or obtain by time of appointment, 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.
Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions.
Additional Information
Work hours: This position may be assigned to one of 3 shifts.
- Shift 1: Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to include one week of Tuesday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every 10 weeks.
- Shift 2: Tuesday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
- Shift 3: Sunday-Thursday, 2:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Flexibility on variations of shifts or a rotation based upon departmental need is required. Additional flexibility is required to work shifts other than normal shift to provide coverage to Justice Center.
Employee must be available for call-back and be willing to work after normal duty hours in emergency situations.
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 (below 32 degrees) for periods of more than one hour and/or temperatures above 90 degrees for periods of more than one hour.
- Consideration should be given to the effect of other environmental conditions such as snow, rain, hail, wind and humidity.
- The worker is subject to hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.
- The worker is subject to one more of the following conditions: Fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases or poor ventilation, oils, and other cutting fluids.
- The worker frequently is in close quarters such as: manholes, small enclosed rooms, small sewage and water line pipes, and/or narrow aisles or passageways.
Physical Requirements:
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
This position is listed as "open continuous." Interested applicants are advised to submit their application as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed and qualified applicants referred on a continuous basis. Interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. If your application is received later in the recruitment process, it may not be reviewed or considered.
Starting salary is commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected.
This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.
For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here .
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