Housing Lead Building Service Engineer

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)! Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

About the role

Under the general supervision of the Associate Director of Student Housing Facilities, the Lead Building Service Engineer provides lead work direction, coordination, and technical expertise to a crew of skilled and semi-skilled employees engaged in the operation, installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC and related mechanical systems across Student Housing and Residential Life facilities, including dining operations. The incumbent performs journey-level work while coordinating workflow, prioritizing assignments, and ensuring work is completed in accordance with established safety standards, codes, and operational requirements.

Responsibilities include planning and coordinating preventive maintenance and repair activities; supporting project implementation; and ensuring building systems—including HVAC, refrigeration, boilers, and associated mechanical, electrical, and control systems—operate at optimal efficiency with minimal disruption to residents and staff. The position provides technical leadership in diagnosing and resolving complex system issues, including those involving electrical, electronic, pneumatic, and digitally controlled building automation systems. The incumbent responds to emergency service needs, ensures timely corrective action, and supports the continuous reliability of housing and dining equipment and infrastructure. The position contributes to maintaining a safe, functional, and high-quality living and learning environment that supports Student Affairs educational mission. Service delivery is grounded in a student-centered and equity-minded approach, ensuring interactions and services provided to the campus community are inclusive, respectful, and responsive to diverse needs.

ACPA’s 2024 and 2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day lead work direction to a small crew of trades personnel, including assigning, prioritizing, and sequencing work orders and preventive maintenance activities. Coordinate workflow to ensure timely, efficient completion of work and adherence to safety standards, codes, and quality requirements.
• Coordinate and support assigned maintenance and repair projects, including estimating labor, materials, and equipment needs. Prepare materials lists, procure parts and supplies, and ensure resources are available prior to project execution.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal safety regulations, building codes, and campus policies. Promote and enforce safe work practices and environmental health standards.
• Maintain accurate work records using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). Track labor, materials, equipment usage, and purchasing activities.

Requirements

• Equivalent to two or more years of experience as a journey-level Building Service Engineer that included some work or project coordination responsibilities.
• Two years’ experience in installation, adjustment, maintenance, and repair of commercial and domestic refrigeration, air conditioning systems involving modulator and safety controls, thermostats, humidifiers and duct stats, with at least one year of that experience being in the installation and repair of central multi-zone air conditioning systems.
• Valid California driver's license required. Employees who operate motorized vehicles or use their personal vehicle more than once a month on University business must complete a mandatory Defensive Driving course and enroll in the DMV Employee Pull Notice (EPN) Program.
• EPA Certificate Motor vehicles Section 609 preferred.
• Possession of EPA 608 Universal Technician Certification preferred.
• Possession of Unlimited Steam License highly preferred.
• CFC Universal Certificate preferred.

Skills

The ideal candidate provides effective lead direction by organizing workflow, prioritizing assignments, and ensuring accountability for the timely completion of work. They possess extensive journey-level experience in HVAC, refrigeration, boiler, and related mechanical systems, including associated electrical, electronic, pneumatic, digital, and building automation controls.

• Diagnose and resolve complex system issues, analyze system performance, and implement practical corrective actions to maintain reliable and efficient operations.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, specifications, and technical manuals; estimate labor, materials, and equipment needs; and utilize computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to maintain accurate records and reports.
• Knowledge of installation, maintenance, repair methods, tools, equipment, building automation systems (BAS), and energy management systems to optimize system performance and support a safe, functional, and energy-efficient campus environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to clearly convey expectations, provide technical guidance, and support the development of staff while fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
• Coordinate work activities, sequence projects, manage resources, and respond appropriately to emergency situations while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations, building codes, and environmental standards.
• Ability to work in physically demanding environments that require extended periods of standing, walking, sitting, lifting up to 50 pounds, operating tools and powered machinery, handling chemicals, and performing emergency or after-hours work as needed.
• Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
• Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.
• Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."

Schedule

1.0 time-base, 40 hours per week. This is a temporary position for 1 year with no permanent status granted. Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.

Pay

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources. Hiring Range: $6,705 (Step 1) - $9,768 (Step 20) per month.

Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being. To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement.

• Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
• Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.