Grace Church is a growing and inclusive Episcopal community in Greenwich Village that has served its members, neighbors, and visitors through a variety of ministries and programs since 1846. We enjoy an especially close relationship with this neighborhood south of Union Square, and over time, our membership has come to represent a diversity of faith backgrounds. The doors of our magnificent church are open every day, and we strive to serve the people who come inside regardless of who they may be.

Grace Church is recognized as an architectural masterpiece. The church and surrounding buildings represent three historic distinctions: New York City Landmark (1966, 1977); National Register of Historic Places (1974); and National Historic Landmark (1977).

All are welcome.

Grace Church is a growing and inclusive Episcopal community in Greenwich Village that has served its members, neighbors, and visitors through a variety of ministries and programs since 1846. We enjoy an especially close relationship with this neighborhood south of Union Square, and over time, our membership has come to represent a diversity of faith backgrounds. The doors of our magnificent church are open every day, and we strive to serve the people who come inside regardless of who they may be.

Grace Church is recognized as an architectural masterpiece. The church and surrounding buildings represent three historic distinctions: New York City Landmark (1966, 1977); National Register of Historic Places (1974); and National Historic Landmark (1977).

All are welcome.  

Sexton/Chief Engineer

Posted: October 24, 2024
Schedule: Full-time
Compensation: $70,000 – $75,000 commensurate with experience.

Position Summary

The Sexton/Chief Engineer is responsible for the general care of Grace Church buildings, grounds and mechanical systems. The position includes significant responsibilities that support the needs of the congregation, and as such, you will work closely with the Rector and the Director of Buildings & Grounds on an ongoing basis.

The Sexton/Chief Engineer is a public-facing role. In this role, you will represent Grace Church with considerable contact, and direct involvement with a large congregation, visitors and guests, and many outside groups and individuals from all walks of life.  To be successful in this position, you must accept a myriad of additional responsibilities, and execute those responsibilities with friendliness, courtesy, and diplomacy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operation and maintenance of mechanical systems, boilers, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units, refrigerators, hot water systems, kitchen equipment, electrical systems, and piping systems (i.e., gas, water, fire protection, and sewer systems).
• Liaison with any routine contract maintenance and supply companies (regarding large maintenance projects, fire protection equipment, pest control, and kitchen).
• Ensuring the church, its contents, and the grounds are secure. Address all security and alarm issues.
• Manage codes, keys, alarm signals, and the maintenance of the alarm system. Tasks involving security, locking doors, operating security system, safety protocols, emergency light/exit sign testing, first aid kit maintenance, etc.
• Emergency response during bad weather.
• Small building repairs (painting, drywall/plaster work, electrical, replacing ceiling tiles, etc.).
• Maintaining the grounds, including snow removal, grass mowing, hedge/shrub trimming, tree pruning, weed control, watering plants, fall clean up, and other gardening work.
• Conduct daily inspections of the grounds and buildings to note needed repairs and safety issues.
• Provide other maintenance tasks not handled by a contract service, staff, or church volunteers, such as the replacement of light bulbs, running any local errands or trips, or other miscellaneous tasks.
• Order, receive, and stock supplies and equipment.
• See to the logistics for regular services and events on the Church calendar (chairs and tables, lighting, audio (PA), etc.).
• Carry out the decorating of church and grounds for Christmas and Easter; hanging wreaths, setting up trees, floral displays, and other greenery. Work closing with volunteers and flower guild.
• Prepare water tanks for annual cleaning.
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Skills and Training Required: 

• Possess, or skilled to obtain NYC Certificate of Fitness; low-pressure oil burner (S-99); fire alarm systems (S-95); and sprinkler systems (S-12).
• Basic carpentry, electric, HVAC, and plumbing skills
• Point person for 24-hour safety systems. Available when emergencies arise.
• Must be physically able to safely perform the essential job functions without obvious risk of injury to the employee or co-workers.
• Ability to prioritize and manage time wisely, work well on a team, and be flexible and resourceful.
• Appreciation for the church’s religious and historic significance to care for its buildings.
• Ability to work on your feet for several hours at a time, climb several flights of stairs, navigate small spaces, be comfortable on tall ladders (15+ feet), and lift/carry up to 50 pounds.
• Able to regularly move tables, stack chairs, climb ladders, and occasionally move office furniture.
• Ability to work collaboratively with people with diverse experiences, responsibilities, and professional backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills
• High level of attention to detail.
• Must be able to work Sundays, and holidays, (Saturdays if needed) including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Easter as assigned; alternate days off are provided in coordination with your supervisor.
• Satisfactory completion of a background check, conducted per applicable laws.

Limitations and Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position

Compensation and Benefits
The Sexton/Chief Engineer position is a full-time exempt position with a salary range of $70,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience and within the parameters of the Grace Church compensation scale.

Benefits include Health Group Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Health Savings Account, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Short and Long Term Disability Coverage, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with company contribution and match, Commuter Benefits (Parking and Transit), Paid Vacation, Personal and Sick Days, Paid Holidays, Summer Hours.

How to apply: Upload your cover letter and resume to Grace Church Human Resources. Reference Sexton/Chief Engineer in the comment field.