Engineer 1st Class, A/C plus Boilers
Company : Highgate
Location : New Orleans, LA, 70130
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Compensation Type
HourlyHighgate Hotels
Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.
With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com
Location
Situated at the end of famed Canal Street, The Westin New Orleans offers stunning views of the mighty Mississippi River and the French Quarter. Guests are just steps from the Shops at Canal Place and Harrah’s Casino and a short walk to the excitement of Bourbon Street and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The hotel features 462 rooms and suites, including a Presidential Suite, with Westin's signature Heavenly® bedding, 34,000-sq-ft of event space, a fully equipped WestinWORKOUT fitness center, a lobby bar Observatory 11 with the best view of the French Quarter anywhere, and a new restaurant Bistro at the Bend.
Overview
The Engineer, Level 1, is responsible for ensuring that the property is maintained in the best possible condition at all times with the least amount of inconvenience to customers and employees.
Responsibilities
- Make repairs to hotel air conditioning system: change filters, clean coils, replace motors.
- Perform preventive maintenance on all equipment (i.e. boilers, chillers, HVAC-Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, electrical, etc.).
- Take required readings on equipment.
- Test cooling tower and record readings.
- Replace and program televisions as needed.
- Replace light switches, receptacles, light bulbs and fixtures.
- Perform furniture repair.
- Replace and repair pumps.
- Perform plumbing repairs (i.e. clogged drains, copper pipe, change washers, change handles, drain fittings, etc).
- Understand and be able to read blueprints and wiring diagrams.
- Trace and repair all types of water lines.
- Troubleshoot and repair kitchen equipment.
- Maintain repair and preventive maintenance records.
- Perform and maintain work to local, state and Federal codes.
- Test, clean and repair swimming pools and spas.
- Paint designated areas.
- Repair and finish sheet rock.
- Repair all types of wall coverings.
- Repair and program hotel electronic lock system.
Qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent and/or experience in a hotel or a related field required.
- At least one year of progressive experience in a hotel or related field preferred.
- Trade school and/or College course work in related field helpful.
- Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
- Heavy work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly courteouse and service oriented manner.
- Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
- Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
- Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
- Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
- Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which includes wearing the proper uniform and nametag.
- Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
- Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
- Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
- Must be able to understand and apply complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
- Must be able to cross-train in other hotel related areas.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
- Must be able to show initiative, including anticipating guest or operational needs.
- Perform other duties as requested by management.
- Must have city of New Orleans licensure.
- Must have Boiler and A/C certifications.
Related Jobs
Frequently asked questions
Possessing a 1st Class Engineer license in New Orleans enables handling complex A/C and boiler systems within hotels, ensuring compliance with local codes and safety standards. This certification is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency in high-demand environments like the Westin, where Highgate manages advanced HVAC and boiler equipment.
This role requires specialized expertise in HVAC systems, boilers, and preventive maintenance, alongside abilities in interpreting blueprints and troubleshooting kitchen and electronic lock systems. Mastery of boiler and A/C certifications combined with hands-on repair work sets this job apart in hotel engineering.
Progression can lead to senior engineering roles, facility management, or specialized boiler inspection positions. Developing skills in digital controls and strategic asset maintenance, particularly in hospitality giants like Highgate, can open doors to leadership and cross-functional roles.
Highgate emphasizes ongoing training and cross-departmental exposure, encouraging engineers to enhance certifications and multitask across property systems. Their investment in digital acumen and revenue management tools provides opportunities to gain expertise beyond traditional mechanical functions.
Yes, engineers must navigate the humid climate affecting HVAC loads and boiler efficiency. Additionally, adherence to New Orleans’ strict city licensure and safety regulations requires familiarity with regional codes, making local expertise highly valuable.
Hourly rates generally range between $28 to $38, reflecting the specialized nature of boiler operation and HVAC maintenance in hospitality settings. New Orleans' market and Highgate’s industry standing contribute to competitive compensation aligned with experience and certifications.
Demand remains strong due to the city's thriving hospitality sector and aging infrastructure requiring skilled maintenance. Candidates with proper licensure and boiler certifications find favorable prospects amid a limited pool of qualified professionals.
Daily tasks extend to programming electronic lock systems, conducting preventive checks on chillers and pumps, performing plumbing repairs, and maintaining compliance with federal and local codes. The role demands multitasking to minimize guest disruption while ensuring system reliability.
Working at Highgate's Westin combines managing a large-scale hotel’s complex mechanical systems with exposure to bespoke hospitality technologies and digital tools. The position offers unique challenges tied to the hotel's location on Canal Street and its premium guest service standards.
Candidates must hold city of New Orleans licensure and valid boiler and A/C certifications. These credentials ensure adherence to local safety codes and prove competency in managing sophisticated thermal and mechanical systems vital to hotel operations.