Damon Gardner

Licensed Stationary Engineer and Refrigeration Operator with 8+ years keeping critical hospital, industrial, and commercial facilities running safely and efficiently. Hands-on expertise across high-pressure and hydronic boilers, chillers, AHUs, BMS controls, and basic electrical systems, with a reputation for fast diagnostics and preventive maintenance that keeps downtime and emergency calls to a minimum. Brings a well-rounded skill set beyond the mechanical room — leading and training engineering staff, managing vendor relationships, and handling budgeting and payroll — making the shift from field engineer to facilities leader.

BUILDING ENGINEER - CBRE - Detroit, MI

(2025-01)

• Oversee daily operation and maintenance of building mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems under CBRE facilities management contract
• Lead and train building engineering staff, assigning daily tasks and overseeing performance to ensure consistent, safety-first operations
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on hydronic and high-pressure boilers, chillers, and air handling units (AHUs) to minimize downtime
• Monitor and adjust Building Management System (BMS) controls to optimize equipment performance, energy use, and indoor air quality
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships, including bidding, scheduling, and quality oversight for specialized repairs and capital projects
• Assist with budgeting and payroll administration for the engineering team, tracking labor hours and controlling maintenance costs
• Respond to tenant work orders and emergency service calls, diagnosing and resolving issues quickly to maintain occupant safety and comfort
• Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, and code requirements through detailed logs and routine inspections

BOILER OPERATOR/ FACILITIES ENGINEERING - Corewell Health Hospital - Trenton, MI

(2022-06 - 2025-01)

• Performed routine preventive maintenance on boilers according to company schedule, reducing number of service calls to outside contractors
• Operated refrigeration, hydraulic, water recirculation systems, cooling towers and other systems relating to regulation of boiler operations and facility heating and cooling requirements
• Input maintenance, performance and fuel consumption records into computerized maintenance management system for reporting to administration and engineer analysis
• Maintained chilled water systems, high pressure boilers, cooling towers and hydraulic pumps
• Assisted in emergency situations, quickly addressing malfunctions to minimize damage and ensure employee safety

BOILER OPERATOR/ AUXILIARY OPERATOR - Detroit Renewable Power - Detroit, MI

(2017-05 - 2019-05)

• Observed and interpreted readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure boilers were operating properly
• Monitored boiler feed water pumps and other associated pumps and motors (MSW)
• Performed preventive maintenance and hourly logs on the steam driven turbine
• Collaborated with engineering team to implement system upgrades, resulting in improved performance
• Maintained accurate records of auxiliary equipment performance, enabling informed decision making during routine assessments and audits

BOILER OPERATOR, CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR - Henry Ford Allegiance Health - Jackson, MI

(2016-04 - 2017-05)

• Maintained daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities
• Tested boiler water quality and took necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits (Gas fired)
• Performed lock out/tag out on equipment for maintenance work and completed required safety paperwork to ensure health and safety of plant personnel
• Air Handlers: checked magnetic readings, replaced filters and belts, lubricated motor bearings
• Examined and adjusted valves, pumps and other equipment to ensure proper functioning

BOILER OPERATOR - Hmi Hardwoods - Clinton, MI

(2016-02 - 2016-04)

• Operated and maintained wood and gas fired boilers
• Conducted inspections of equipment and preventive maintenance tasks on boiler plant equipment
• Tested water softeners for hardness, regenerated softeners and dumped rock salt for softeners
• Used hand tools such as screwdrivers and all types of pliers (needle nose, wire strippers, lineman, and channellock)
• Performed weekly boiler draining, known as 'blowing down the system'

TECHNICIAN/ INSTALLER - Comcast - Michigan

(2014-03 - 2016-01)

• Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines
• Trained new technicians on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency across the team
• Completed complex repairs quickly by leveraging strong diagnostic skills and attention to detail
• Inspected equipment to identify areas of wear or causes of malfunctions
• Worked across diverse weather and ground conditions

High School or Equivalent - John F. Kennedy High School Taylor, MI

High Pressure Boiler License - Local 324 Stationary Engineering (2015-03) Detroit, MI