Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer

Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge – McRae-Helena, Georgia

Join Our Team

Nestled in the heart of South Georgia, Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge is a premier destination offering guests an exceptional outdoor recreation and hospitality experience. Our property features a full-service lodge, cabins, conference facilities, championship golf course, restaurant, campground, and miles of scenic natural beauty. Managed by Coral Hospitality in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, we are committed to providing outstanding guest service while preserving one of Georgia's most beautiful state parks.

We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and hands-on Chief Engineer to lead our Engineering Department and oversee the maintenance, operation, and continual improvement of our facilities and infrastructure.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Chief Engineer is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing all engineering, maintenance, and facility operations throughout Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge. This position ensures that all buildings, equipment, grounds support systems, and public areas are maintained in a safe, efficient, and guest-ready condition while leading the Engineering team and managing departmental budgets, projects, and preventive maintenance programs.

Essential Responsibilities

The Chief Engineer will:

• Lead, supervise, train, and develop the Engineering Department staff.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all lodge buildings, cabins, restaurant facilities, meeting spaces, campground infrastructure, equipment, and public areas.
• Plan and coordinate maintenance projects, renovations, repairs, and capital improvement initiatives.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and staffing requirements while ensuring projects are completed efficiently.
• Maintain accurate records of preventive maintenance, repairs, utility usage, operating statistics, and repair and maintenance expenses.
• Purchase and maintain inventory of parts, tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies.
• Ensure the proper operation of HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, kitchen equipment, mechanical equipment, pools (if applicable), irrigation systems, and other facility infrastructure.
• Monitor daily work performance and ensure all maintenance tasks meet departmental standards.
• Schedule employee shifts, approve time off requests, overtime, and departmental scheduling.
• Review and approve invoices, purchase requests, and departmental expenditures while maintaining budget accountability.
• Ensure compliance with all Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coral Hospitality, OSHA, fire safety, health, environmental, and local regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with department managers to prioritize maintenance needs while minimizing disruption to guest services.
• Maintain building security through lock and key control procedures.
• Assist during emergencies and respond quickly to restore facility operations while protecting guests, employees, and property.
• Support workplace safety initiatives and actively participate on the property's Safety Committee.
• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) on designated days, providing leadership and operational oversight for the property while ensuring exceptional guest service and timely resolution of operational issues.
• Respond to after-hours maintenance emergencies and assist with operational emergencies as needed.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the General Manager.

Qualifications

Successful candidates should possess:

• Five or more years of progressive engineering, facilities management, or maintenance leadership experience, preferably within hospitality, resorts, hotels, state parks, or similar facilities.
• Previous supervisory or management experience.
• Strong working knowledge of building systems including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, refrigeration, and general construction.
• Experience developing and managing preventive maintenance programs.
• Ability to read blueprints, technical manuals, and equipment specifications.
• Budget management and purchasing experience.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) preferred.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs when necessary.
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification or obtain within 90 days.
• Underground Storage Tank (UST) certification or obtain within 90 days.
• EPA Section 608 Certification or obtain within 90 days.
• Available for evenings, weekends, holidays, emergencies and MOD assignments.

Leadership Competencies

The ideal candidate demonstrates:

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Excellent customer service and guest relations
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities
• Budget and cost management
• Project planning and organization
• Accountability and professionalism
• Safety awareness and regulatory compliance
• Initiative and continuous process improvement
• Adaptability in a fast-paced hospitality environment
• Commitment to quality workmanship and operational excellence

Physical Requirements

• Frequently walk throughout the property, including outdoor areas.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Climb ladders, work from elevated platforms, bend, stoop, kneel, crawl, and reach overhead.
• Work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Respond to emergencies at any time as required.

Why Join Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge?

At Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge, you'll become part of a team dedicated to delivering memorable guest experiences while caring for one of Georgia's most beautiful state parks. We offer a rewarding work environment where your leadership and expertise directly contribute to the success of our property.

We offer a competitive benefits package for eligible candidates, including:

• On-Site Housing
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts
• Professional development opportunities
• A beautiful natural work environment with opportunities to make a lasting impact

If you are an experienced facilities leader who takes pride in maintaining exceptional hospitality properties and enjoys working in a scenic park setting, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge team.