Building Engineer I​/II; Trainee

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Arlington, VA, United States (On-site)

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• Posting Date 03/06/2026, 05:00 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 1400 N Uhle St, Arlington, VA, 22201, US (On-site)
• Salary $66,123.20 - $ Annually

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking Building Engineers to perform skilled maintenance, repair, and operational oversight of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems across more than 38 County facilities. These positions monitor building performance through multiple Building Automation Systems (BAS) and respond to emergencies impacting MEP, power generation, and life safety systems. Positions may be filled at the Trainee, Building Engineer I, or Building Engineer II level depending on applicant qualifications.

Major

Job Duties:

• Performing skilled preventive and corrective maintenance on standard MEP systems and documenting deficiencies and completed work;
• Troubleshooting malfunctioning HVAC and BAS components to maintain operability, including seasonal winterizing and de-winterizing;
• Diagnosing and repairing plumbing systems, including clearing traps, snaking drains, repairing pipes, and replacing fixtures;
• Assessing and repairing electrical systems such as outlets, fixtures, breakers, and related components;
• Responding to emergency service calls for MEP, life safety, and power generation systems, including coordinating temporary generator connections;
• Providing shift coverage at County facilities, including the Justice Center, during regular and emergency operations;
• Overseeing contractors to ensure proper completion of corrective and preventive maintenance tasks;
• Assisting leadership with equipment assessments and providing input for the Capital Improvement Plan; and
• Performing other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will be a dependable team member who performs effectively in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong troubleshooting skills, provides excellent customer service, and is willing to work any assigned shift, including callbacks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent; and

Trainee

• At least 2 years of related experience in commercial buildings or residential high-rise environments in more than one of the following areas: plumbing, electrical, emergency management equipment such as emergency generators and/or general mechanical repairs.
• Three (3) years of related experience in commercial buildings or a similarly complex environment in more than one of the following areas: plumbing, electrical, emergency management equipment such as emergency generators and/or general mechanical repairs.
• Must possess the following licensures/certifications within the probationary period:
  • ARC Flash, and Confined Space Certifications.
• Four (4) years of related experience in commercial buildings or a similarly complex environment in more than one of the following areas: plumbing, electrical, emergency management equipment such as emergency generators and/or general mechanical repairs.
• Must possess EPA Section 608 Universal Certification, ARC Flash, and Confined Space Certifications plus one (1) of the following licensures/certifications:
  • Journeyman or Master Electrician License(s); and
  • HVAC‑R (VA Licensure).

Desirable

Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates with experience or licensure/certifications in one or more of the following:

• Performing maintenance, diagnosing and repairs to mechanical, electrical, plumbing and building maintenance systems;
• Diagnosing malfunctioning…