Building Superintendent

Located in East Harlem, 1760 Third Avenue, offers 434 units of permanent, supportive housing to low-income New Yorkers. Located between East 97th and 98th Streets, the building will reserve 261 of 434 total units for individuals exiting homelessness, including a subset of 40 units for young adults aging out of foster care or who have experienced homelessness. The balance of 172 units will be set aside for households with incomes at or less than 60% of the area median income. The building features amenities such as a multi-purpose room, a fitness center, a computer lab, a medical suite, as well as office space for Breaking Ground's property management and social services teams. 

Reporting to the Senior Property Manager, the Building Superintendent oversees day-to-day operations for one of Breaking Ground’s most prominent permanent housing buildings. This role provides direct supervision of the Maintenance Supervisor and Assistant Maintenance Supervisor and serves as the senior technical lead for all building systems, infrastructure, and preventive maintenance programs. The Building Superintendent ensures the building remains structurally safe, exceptionally clean, and highly maintained, directly supporting Breaking Ground’s mission of ending homelessness and enhancing quality of life for over 490 tenants. This position manages a complex building environment that includes a large low pressure boiler plant, a Building Management System (BMS), and all HVAC components, as well as multiple commercial spaces and event areas used for public and private functions. The Building Superintendent develops and implements preventive maintenance programs; performs advanced electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and carpentry repairs; coordinates inspections; oversees vendor activity; monitors purchasing; and ensures that all Certificates of Fitness and code compliance requirements are met.

This role requires on-site residency and after-hours emergency coverage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Building Operations and Technical Oversight

• Lead day to day building operations, performing regular walk throughs
• Supervise Maintenance Supervisor(s) and Assistant Maintenance Supervisor(s)
• Oversee all major building systems, including low pressure boilers, HVAC equipment (chillers, RTUs, air handlers, cooling towers, pumps, motors, VAVs, and heat pumps), domestic hot water systems, ventilation/exhaust, and specialized mechanical components
• Monitor, manage, and optimize the Building Management System (BMS) for energy efficiency, equipment performance, and preventive maintenance needs
• Ensure the building is fully operational and ready for tours, fundraising activities, and public/private events
• Oversee the maintenance of 490+ residential units, common areas, staff offices, and multiple commercial spaces
• Perform general electrical, plumbing, carpentry, mechanical, and related trade work as needed
• Preventive Maintenance and Compliance
• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems
• Maintain compliance with all FDNY, DOB, DOH, and other regulatory requirements; track and update Certificates of Fitness, inspection logs, and testing records
• Proactively monitor and address summonses, violations, and city complaints using tools such as SiteCompli, and develop strategies to reduce future violations
• Prepare for and lead all annual, building-wide inspections by city agencies and funders

Leadership and Staff Management

• Provide daily direction, coaching, and task assignments to maintenance staff and supervisors
• Ensure timely and high-quality unit turnover, repair work, and work order resolution
• Foster a collaborative, results-driven environment that promotes professional growth and engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders
• Emergency Response and Facilities Management
• Respond to after-hours building emergencies and coordinate staff response to resolve conditions quickly and safely
• Oversee correction of emergency conditions involving HVAC failures, plumbing leaks, boiler issues, electrical outages, sprinkler activations and other critical systems

Budgeting and Purchasing

• Assist in preparation of the annual maintenance department budget and manage operating expenses, inventory, and purchasing throughout the year
• Evaluate cost saving opportunities, equipment life cycle planning, and capital replacement needs
• Resident and Stakeholder Communication
• Address tenant maintenance concerns professionally through meetings, written communication, and/or coordination with social services staff
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to ensure building operations support organizational goals
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education and Experience
• High School Diploma, GED, or Trade School Certification required; advanced technical training preferred
• Minimum 7 years of experience in building operations, facilities maintenance, or related trades, with at least 5 years involving complex mechanical and HVAC systems
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory or team lead experience in a facilities or maintenance environment
• Extensive technical experience with:
  • Low pressure boiler operations
    HVAC systems, including chillers, pumps, motors, air handlers, pneumatic/electric controls
    Building Management Systems (BMS)
    Prior experience with computerized maintenance management system platforms (Maintenance Connection or equivalent) required
• Technical Skills
  • Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems
    Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, manuals, and floor plans
    Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
    Familiarity with MRI or other property management systems preferred
• Certifications Required
  S 12 Fire Sprinkler
  S 13 Standpipe
  S 95 Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems
• Preferred Certifications
  F 07 Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor
  W 07 Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor (alternative)Additional FDNY Certificates of Fitness relevant to HVAC, boiler operation, or BMS controls
• Additional Skills Required
  Ability to work with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing mental illness and/or homelessness
  Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
  Must reside on site and participate in emergency coverage rotation
  Must complete any required building certifications within six months of hire