Assistant Chief Engineer at OTO Development – St. Petersburg, Florida

The compensation range for this role is $60K-$65K annually.

We are pleased to announce a wonderful opportunity for an Assistant Chief Engineer.

Position Summary

The Assistant Chief Engineer supports the Chief Engineer in overseeing engineering and maintenance operations across one or more hotel properties. This role is responsible for supervising daily maintenance activities, ensuring the effective execution of preventative maintenance programs, and maintaining compliance with all safety and regulatory standards.

The Assistant Chief Engineer plays a critical role in team leadership, asset protection, and ensuring a safe, well-maintained environment that supports both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

What will you be doing most days?

• Supervise daily maintenance operations, ensuring all building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical) operate efficiently and effectively.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving maintenance issues in guest rooms, public areas, and back-of-house spaces.
• Support timely completion of work orders and maintenance requests.

• Develop, schedule, and execute preventative maintenance programs to minimize equipment downtime and extend asset life.
• Monitor PM completion rates and ensure adherence to established standards and timelines.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and system performance.

• Supervise, train, and support maintenance technicians and engineering team members.
• Assist with scheduling, task assignments, and daily workload management.
• Provide coaching and guidance to ensure productivity, accountability, and adherence to standards.

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA and life safety requirements.
• Enforce safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe environment for team members and guests.
• Assist in maintaining proper documentation for inspections, permits, and compliance requirements.

• Coordinate with third-party vendors and contractors for specialized repairs and maintenance projects.
• Assist in overseeing vendor work to ensure quality, safety, and adherence to timelines.
• Support minor capital improvement and repair projects as directed.

• Assist in budget preparation and management of maintenance expenses, including labor, parts, and supplies.
• Manage inventory levels of tools, equipment, and replacement parts.
• Prepare reports related to maintenance activity, system performance, and energy usage.

• Respond promptly to emergency situations, including power outages, water leaks, equipment failures, and safety concerns.
• Support resolution efforts to minimize operational disruption and protect property assets.
• Participate in on-call rotation as required.

What are the requirements for this position?

• High School Diploma or GED required; technical training or certification in HVAC, engineering, or related field preferred.
• 3–5+ years of experience in maintenance, hospitality engineering, or a related field required.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues efficiently.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer service mindset with the ability to anticipate and respond to guest needs.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities.

Physical Requirements for this Position

This is a physically demanding position. You must be comfortable standing, sitting, walking, bending, lifting, and squatting for extended periods of time.

Travel Requirements

This position would require up to 5% travel. Travel is outside the local area and overnight

This property is managed by OTO Development.

About OTO Development

OTO Development is an industry-leading hotel development and management company. Partnering with the strongest brands in hospitality, OTO owns and operates a portfolio of upscale select service, extended stay, and lifestyle hotels in key markets across the United States.

OTO has been honored as Developer of the Year by major brand partners multiple times while also earning accolades for outstanding guest service, operational excellence, community service, and sales, marketing, and revenue success.

Our company provides competitive pay and benefit programs, including medical insurance options, dental and vision insurance, 401k with company match, company provided life insurance, tuition assistance, paid time off, paid holiday time, travel discounts, and more.