Building Engineer

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change.

Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aidhas provided high-quality legal aid to vulnerable, low-income people and communities - helping to remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and reach their goals. MLA also identifies and seeks to remedy systemic barriers. MLA's core work includes eviction and foreclosure prevention, family law, children's rights, consumer protection, securing public benefits, and access to healthcare.

MLA advocates operate primarily through the courts, via individual representation of indigent clients, but also engage in impact litigation, public communication and outreach, and policy advocacy.

Through this holistic approach, Maryland Legal Aid serves to amplify the voices of tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders each year and seeks to be a leader in the legal services field nationwide.

Job Summary: MLA is committed to maintaining a safe, efficient, and comfortable environment for all staff, clients, and visitors at our Baltimore City office. We are seeking a skilled and proactive Building Engineer to join the Administrative Services Unit (ASU) department. The Building Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance and operation of MLA's Baltimore City building (53,000+ sq. ft.), supervising outsourced building contractors, ensuring timely resolution of maintenance tickets, and maintaining accurate operational documentation.

This role requires a hands-on approach to facilities maintenance combined with strong administrative and technology skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for tracking, reporting, proposals, and documentation. Familiarity with building management systems/building automation systems (BMS/BAS) and security/monitoring platforms is strongly preferred.

Experience with project management software (e.g., , MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar) is a plus.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Facilities, the Baltimore City Building Engineer will oversee the preventative maintenance and repair of building systems, supervise key building contractors, and efficiently complete maintenance tasks with excellence, to ensure that the building operates effectively. This role requires a hands-on approach to maintenance, along with strong organizational and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

Preventative Maintenance:

• Conduct comprehensive inspections of building hallways, bathrooms, staircases, public areas, emergency exits, building systems, and equipment to identify and mitigate actual or potential issues.
• Execute weekly, monthly, and quarterly maintenance activities, including testing fire alarms, emergency lighting, and reviewing building automation systems.
• Manage outsourced maintenance tasks, including HVAC system checks, fire device inspections, plumbing inspections, security systems, and electrical system evaluations.
• Perform workstation set-ups for Baltimore City offices.
• Maintain an adequate inventory of building supplies that are required for the day-to-day operation of the building.
• Grounds Management - ensure that all building entryways and sidewalks are clean and unobstructed.

Supervision of Contractors:

• Serve as the primary contact/point person with all contractors for building-related maintenance and repairs. Manage and coordinate all repairs, maintenance, and other building-related activities with the contractors/trades.
• Coordinate all repairs, maintenance, construction, and other facilities issues with contractors, including HVAC, elevator maintenance, and cleaning service vendors.
• Ensure contractors adhere to service agreements and complete tasks to the company's standards.
• Conduct regular meetings with contractors to review performance and address any issues.
• Ensure that bids/quotes from Contractors align with MLA service standards, including the provision of Certificates of Insurance (COIs), and Substantial Completion Dates for capital projects.

Task Tracking, Documentation, and Reporting:

• Track task completion and generate reports via
• Ensure timely resolution of maintenance tickets, prioritizing urgent requests and closing tickets within established timelines.
• Maintain progress trackers (preventative maintenance logs, vendor schedules, inventory, KPIs)
• Maintain and update SOPs, service logs, contractor communications templates, and documentation
• Communicate project updates, status summaries, and operational reporting to internal stakeholders as needed.
• Maintain accurate records for audits, inspections, and compliance documentation.

Building Systems Management:

• Operate and maintain building automation systems to optimize energy efficiency.
• Monitor and adjust HVAC systems to maintain building occupancy comfort.
• Address and resolve building system…