The posting
Building Bridges Across the River manages THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus), a 233,000 square foot nonprofit center serving communities east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC. The campus houses 14 nonprofit partners delivering comprehensive programming in arts, health, education, and workforce development. We are committed to creating inclusive spaces that empower residents and strengthen communities through collaborative partnerships and quality facilities management.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Building Bridges Across the River is seeking a highly skilled, hands-on MEP Building Engineer to directly operate, maintain, and repair the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems across our 233,000 square foot nonprofit commercial campus, THEARC. This facility houses 14 nonprofit partners serving communities east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC through arts, health, education, and workforce development programs. This position requires extensive field work and technical expertise to personally manage building systems, with outside contractors utilized when specialized expertise is needed. The MEP Building Engineer will work closely with the Facilities Manager to ensure optimal performance, safety, and efficiency of all building systems while managing departmental budgets.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Hands-On MEP Systems Operations & Maintenance
- Personally perform daily operations, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems across the 233,000 square foot campus including HVAC equipment, chillers, boilers, electrical distribution panels, plumbing systems, fire protection systems, and life safety equipment
- Conduct hands-on inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance on all MEP systems including filter changes, belt replacements, motor maintenance, electrical testing, and plumbing repairs
- Diagnose and repair complex MEP system failures using technical manuals, diagnostic equipment, and troubleshooting expertise to minimize downtime and maintain continuous operations.
- Perform electrical work including circuit repairs, outlet and switch replacements, lighting maintenance, panel troubleshooting, and emergency power system testing
- Execute plumbing repairs and maintenance including fixture repairs, pipe repairs, drain clearing, water heater maintenance, and backflow prevention testing
- Service and maintain HVAC systems including cleaning coils, replacing filters, adjusting controls, repairing ductwork, and performing seasonal equipment startups and shutdowns
- Monitor and adjust building automation systems (BAS) and energy management systems to optimize equipment performance and energy efficiency
- Respond immediately to emergency situations including equipment failures, power outages, water leaks, and HVAC malfunctions, performing hands-on repairs to restore operations
- Maintain detailed logs of equipment performance, repairs completed, parts used, and maintenance schedules
- Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules based on manufacturer specifications and industry best practices
Technical Project Execution
- Plan and execute equipment installations, upgrades, and replacement projects including pumps, motors, control systems, and mechanical equipment
- Perform system modifications and improvements to enhance efficiency, reliability, and performance
- Coordinate with facilities staff to plan and execute building improvement projects requiring MEP expertise
- Develop long-term capital improvement plans for MEP infrastructure based on hands-on assessment of equipment condition and performance
Budget Management
- Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for MEP systems, equipment, parts inventory, and maintenance programs
- Track and analyze expenditures, prioritizing in-house repairs and identifying cost-saving opportunities through hands-on maintenance
- Maintain parts inventory and procurement systems to support efficient in-house repairs
- Prepare financial reports and budget forecasts for leadership review, including variance analyses and recommendations
- Monitor utility consumption and implement hands-on strategies to reduce energy and water
- usage
- Develop capital project proposals with detailed cost estimates and ROI calculations based on
- field assessments
Outside Contractor Coordination (When Specialized Expertise is Needed)
- Determine when work requires specialized expertise, licensing, or certifications beyond inhouse capabilities
- Obtain competitive bids and manage outside contractors for specialized work such as elevator service, fire alarm testing, refrigerant handling, or major equipment replacements requiring specialized expertise
- Provide technical oversight and quality control for contractor work, ensuring proper installation and compliance with
- specifications
- Review and approve contractor invoices for accuracy and work completion
Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local building codes, environmental regulations, and safety standards through proper maintenance and repairs
- Maintain accurate records of equipment inventories, maintenance activities, repairs completed, warranties, and service history
- Coordinate and participate in inspections and testing required by regulatory agencies and insurance providers
- Prepare technical reports and documentation for stakeholders, including board presentations and grant applications
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with the Facilities Manager, facilities staff, and operations team to address building needs and coordinate maintenance activities
- Communicate proactively with campus partners regarding planned maintenance, system status, and repair timelines
- Provide hands-on training and technical guidance to facilities team members on MEP systems and maintenance procedures
- Participate in organizational planning and strategy sessions to align facilities operations with mission goal
Requirements
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate degree or technical certification in HVAC, Electrical Systems, Building Maintenance, or related field, OR equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience
- Minimum 5-7 years of progressive hands-on experience performing MEP maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs in commercial or institutional facilities
- Extensive practical knowledge and hands-on experience with HVAC systems (chillers, boilers, air handlers, rooftop units), electrical distribution systems, plumbing systems, and building automation systems
- Demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair complex MEP equipment failures using technical manuals, diagnostic tools, and troubleshooting skills
- Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, multimeters, and test instruments used in MEP maintenance
- Working knowledge of electrical codes (NEC), plumbing codes, and mechanical codes with ability to perform work in compliance
- Proven ability to develop and manage budgets, including parts inventory management and cost control
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills with ability to work independently
- Excellent communication skills for documenting work and coordinating with staff and tenants
- Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office Suite
- Valid driver's license and ability to respond to emergency situations outside regular business hours
- Ability to work weekends as required to support campus operations and maintenance schedules
- Physical ability to perform demanding hands-on work including climbing ladders, working in confined spaces, lifting equipment up to 50 pounds, and working in extreme temperatures
- Commitment to nonprofit mission and serving diverse communities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Professional licenses or certifications such as Universal EPA 608 certification, Journeyman Electrician license, Master Plumber license, HVAC certification, or Building Operator Certification (BOC)
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
- Additional certifications such as CEM (Certified Energy Manager), CFM (Certified Facility Manager), or LEED credentials
- Experience working in nonprofit organizations or multi-tenant facilities
- Welding, pipefitting, or other specialized trade skills
- Experience with building automation systems programming and troubleshooting
- Knowledge of energy efficiency programs, sustainability initiatives, and green building practices
- Familiarity with theater or performing arts facility systems and requirements
- Experience managing capital improvement projects from planning through execution
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This is a highly physical, hands-on position requiring regular climbing of ladders and stairs, working in mechanical rooms and confined spaces, lifting and moving equipment and materials up to 50 pounds, using hand and power tools, and working in varying environmental conditions including extreme heat and cold in mechanical spaces. Must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach for extended periods while performing maintenance and repairs
Benefits
Building Bridges Across the River offers competitive compensation starting at $80,000 annually, negotiable based on experience and certifications. We provide comprehensive health benefits, retirement plan with employer match, generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
