Apprentice Engineer chez Houston Housing Authority

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Apprentice Engineer under the direct supervision of the Lead Engineer is a hands-on position that is responsible to assist in the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and safety of a building. They will support the senior engineering staff to ensure that all building systems are functional and working as designed.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in Maintaining and repairing building equipment and systems, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC under the supervision of the Lead Engineer.
• Conduct the routine inspections of the fire life safety systems in order to identify and address issues before they become a major problem. Also, identify up in coming inspections on those systems to report those back to the team lead. They will then setup an inspection by a licensed vendor as required.
• As directed by your team lead you will be tasked with responding quickly to building emergencies and or work orders in order to best determine the appropriate course of action to resolve the issue. You may need to order the correct components to complete the corrective action. 
• Escort contractors and vendors throughout the building for schedule repairs, installations or inspections as needed.
• Keeping accurate log of all maintenance, fire life safety and repair work being completed onsite.
• Complete the daily rounds of the property and report back to team lead of any/all findings.
• Under the supervision of your team lead you will help in the Troubleshooting and diagnosing of problems with the building systems and equipment.
• Communicating effectively with tenant and address their concerns to ensure their safety and comfort.
• Collaborating with other building engineers and management to identify areas for improvement and implement new processes or technologies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Must demonstrate a basic understanding of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and life safety systems.
• Must be able to effectively complete assignments and follow up with the team lead.
• Knowledge of strategic planning and execution. 
• Skilled in conflict resolution. 
• Skilled in oral and written communication. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with and relate to people of different cultures, demonstrating an ability to see issues from other perspectives. 
• Ability to work independently and assume assigned responsibilities. 
• Ability to multitask, manage time effectively, and establish priorities. 
• Possess a thorough understanding of the job’s role in the organization’s success. 

COMPLEXITY / SCOPE OF WORK

• The employee uses independent judgment on a daily basis to routinely interpret guidelines and choose the most appropriate course of action within established options and parameters. 
• The employee’s work is directly related to the general business operations of Houston Housing Authority. The work can affect the Houston Housing Authority and other service agencies. The employee’s efforts affect the Houston Housing Authority’s ability to earn funds and to obtain additional funding.

 GUIDELINES

• Operates under HHA policy, HUD regulations, and applicable laws.
• Exercises sound judgment in areas where guidelines may be ambiguous or evolving.

 SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

• The employee does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. 
• The employee is administratively responsible for overseeing projects of the Houston Housing Authority. In unusual situations, the supervisor may specify how to accomplish assigned work. 
• The employee performs routine tasks without direct supervision.  Situations not covered by instructions may be referred to the supervisor or handled by the employee, depending on the circumstances.  The employee’s work is reviewed sporadically for thoroughness, accomplishment of objectives and compliance with existing policies and procedures.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

• The employee has continual contact with other employees, program participants, and landlords.  Most contacts are structured in nature and the employee is expected to use normal tact and professional courtesy.  Occasionally, a contact may be uncooperative or antagonistic, and the employee would be expected to use above-average tact and courtesy.  Failure to respond courteously could adversely affect the public’s opinion of the program and the Houston Housing Authority.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is both sedentary and active.  
• Must be able to perform physical activities, such as, but not limited to, lifting equipment (up to 50 lbs. unassisted), bending, standing, climbing or walking.
•  Must be able to safely use manual tools and power equipment common in the maintenance and construction trades.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 3-5 years of experience in real estate maintenance and operations.
• Bilingual (Spanish) a plus.
• Bondable.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or obtain such within the first thirty (30) days of employment.  The driving record must be in good standing.
• Eligibility for coverage under Houston Housing Authority fleet auto insurance.

 DISCLAIMER

 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.