Job Information
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office Chief Building Engineer in Fairfax, Virginia
Chief Building Engineer
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Chief Building Engineer
Salary
$75,474.26 - $125,790.50 Annually
Location
ALEXANDRIA (LN29), VA
Job Type
FT Hourly W BN
Job Number
26-00458
Department
Facilities Management
Opening Date
03/21/2026
Closing Date
4/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade
S26
Posting Type
Open to General Public
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Announcement
Are you a hands-on facilities leader who thrives on solving complex building system challenges and leading high-performing technical teams? We are seeking a Chief Building Engineer to oversee the operations, maintenance, and performance of a large portfolio of critical facilities.
In this role, you will lead a team of skilled trades professionals while ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of our buildings and infrastructure. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced facilities professional who enjoys balancing technical problem solving, team leadership, and operational strategy.
This position reports directly to the Facilities Manager and/or the Division Director of Operations and Maintenance.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day operations and maintenance of multiple commercial facilities, ensuring high reliability of all building systems.
Supervise and develop a team of skilled trades professionals across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and general building maintenance disciplines.
Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize system reliability and extend equipment life cycles.
Manage building automation systems, mechanical systems, electrical distribution, and related infrastructure.
Drive energy efficiency, sustainability, and operational improvement initiatives across the facilities portfolio.
Plan and manage maintenance budgets, procurement activities, and contractor services to ensure efficient use of resources.
Use a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to plan work, monitor performance, track assets, and analyze maintenance trends.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations, building codes, and industry best practices.
Coordinate with senior leadership, contractors, and stakeholders to address operational needs and support organizational objectives.
Respond to facility emergencies and critical system issues as part of an emergency-essential leadership team.
Leadership Expectations:
Foster a safety-first work environment
Mentor and develop technical staff
Promote collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
Maintain strong relationships with internal customers and stakeholders
To learn more about the Chief Building Engineer role please check out our video here. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBksHLy0Zww&feature=youtu.be)
Note: Incumbent is considered emergency essential. Flexible working schedule and site rotations required as well as overtime, call-back, and on-call.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions at different locations.
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hr/equivalencies-education-and-experience)
High school diploma or GED issued by a state department of education; plus completion of a four year apprentice-level vocational training program in HVAC and/or electrical systems; or four years of journey level experience in HVAC and/or electrical systems; Plus four years of progressively more responsible journey level work with a minimum of two years in the oversight and/or operation of HVAC and/or electrical equipment, including three years in a supervisory role.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, driving record check, and pre-employment medical evaluation to the satisfaction of the employer.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Strong leadership and team management skills.
At least three years of formal supervisory experience directly and formally accountable for supervising, leading, evaluating, and training a team of 7 plus direct report commercial building sub-systems trades staff to include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and general building maintenance in the operations and maintenance of a portfolio of critical service buildings at multiple separate and independent locations. Buildings to include low-rise and high-rise structures.
Experience managing operating and maintenance budgets for over 400,000 sq ft of commercial buildings with overall budget accountability, to include requesting and approving purchases.
Three or more years directly and formally accountable for supervising the operations and maintenance of building subsystems (HVAC, electrical, envelope, and general building maintenance) for a portfolio of critical commercial buildings over 400,000 sq ft.
Experience in energy efficiency, sustainability practices and building performance optimization.
Experience utilizing using Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Strong communication and organization skills, both written and verbal.
Five years of experience troubleshooting and repairing commercial/industrial HVAC, Electrical, Mechanical, and building envelope systems
Proven excellent customer service and communication skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Good dexterity for hands on work. Must be able to bend, stoop, crouch, crawl, balance, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Must be able to climb up 12 ft step ladders and extension ladders, fixed wall and roof mount ladders, and cage ladders up to 45 ft as well as climb stairs and scaffolding for low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise buildings of various heights and distances as determined by the tallest building in FMD inventory/portfolio. Must be able to lift and carry items weighing 75 lbs with assistance. Must be able to work in varying and extreme outside weather conditions for extended periods of time. Regularly required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, and occasionally required to lift/move 50+ pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
Note: This job announcement is listed with a closing date of April 17, 2026, and interested applicants are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible. 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. The application process may close prior to the currently advertised closing date when the positions have been filled.
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/demographics/fairfax-county-general-overview) .) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.
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