Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for All Around Worker

🎯 Role Definition

The All Around Worker is a multi-disciplinary, hands-on role responsible for general maintenance, light construction, groundskeeping, facility repairs, inventory support, and day-to-day operational tasks. This role serves as the on-site generalist who can be deployed to resolve maintenance issues quickly, support seasonal and ad-hoc projects, and contribute to a safe, clean, and functional workplace. Ideal candidates are practical problem-solvers with experience in carpentry, painting, basic plumbing and electrical work, equipment operation, and preventive maintenance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer / Groundskeeper
Warehouse Associate / Shipping & Receiving
Entry-Level Maintenance Worker / Janitorial Technician

Advancement To:

Maintenance Technician / Facilities Technician
Lead Maintenance / Supervisor
Facilities Coordinator or Building Superintendent

Lateral Moves:

Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
Building Services / Custodial Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform routine preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on building systems (doors, locks, windows, drywall, roofs, drains) to ensure facilities remain safe, secure and operational; identify root causes and complete repairs or escalate when necessary.
Conduct general carpentry tasks including framing, hanging doors, repairing trim, installing shelving and cabinets, and building or repairing small structures following blueprints or verbal instructions.
Execute painting and surface restoration work (interior/exterior), including prep, masking, primer, finish coats, and touch-ups to ensure a professional, long-lasting result.
Perform basic plumbing repairs such as replacing faucets, unclogging drains, repairing toilets, replacing valves, and patching small leaks to minimize downtime and prevent further damage.
Complete light electrical tasks such as replacing fixtures, swapping switches and outlets, troubleshooting lighting circuits, and installing low-voltage devices while following lockout/tagout and safety protocols.
Operate powered equipment safely—riding mower, skid steer, boom lift, pressure washer, and power tools—to maintain grounds, complete site improvements, and support repair work.
Operate forklift and pallet jack for material handling, loading and unloading deliveries, and staging supplies for projects while maintaining inventory accuracy and safety.
Perform groundskeeping and landscaping tasks: mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, planting, mulching, and irrigation adjustments to maintain a presentable site and prolong plant health.
Conduct seasonal duties such as snow removal, de-icing, parking lot maintenance, and storm readiness tasks to ensure site accessibility and safety year-round.
Execute minor roofing and siding repairs—shingle replacement, flashing repair, patching—to prevent water intrusion and extend roof life.
Support warehouse and shipping operations: pick/pack tasks, cycle counting, staging returns, and assisting with inventory audits to ensure accurate stock levels and timely shipments.
Perform custodial and sanitation duties as needed, including restroom cleaning, trash removal, pressure washing, spill cleanup, and floor care to maintain a healthy workplace.
Install, replace, and maintain signage, safety barricades, guardrails, and temporary enclosures to meet operational and regulatory requirements.
Assist with project setup and teardown for events, deliveries, or construction: move furniture, stage equipment, rigging, and coordinate with vendors to meet timelines.
Inspect buildings and equipment on scheduled rounds, document issues, produce work tickets, and prioritize repairs in coordination with the maintenance lead.
Maintain detailed maintenance logs, parts usage records and requisition supplies; report cost-saving opportunities and help manage spare-part inventories.
Follow and enforce safety policies, complete pre-shift safety checks, participate in toolbox talks, and use PPE properly to reduce incidents and maintain OSHA compliance.
Respond to emergency repair calls (water intrusion, HVAC failures, electrical outages) and perform temporary stabilization or permanent repairs to restore operations quickly.
Assist tradespeople (HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, and contractors) during larger repair jobs by providing site knowledge, staging tools, and performing prep/cleanup tasks.
Conduct basic HVAC maintenance tasks such as changing filters, cleaning coils, and supporting simple thermostat troubleshooting under supervision.
Install and repair fencing, gates and basic security hardware; perform lock changes and maintain key control when required.
Support painting, finishing and facility refurbishment projects including demo, prep, drywall repair, and final clean-up to prepare spaces for occupancy.
Perform quality checks on completed repairs and installations; ensure work meets company standards and code requirements before closing work orders.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives: suggest process improvements, standardize toolkits, and help optimize preventive maintenance schedules.

Secondary Functions

Assist with on-site training of new All Around Workers or seasonal staff on safe use of tools, equipment, and company procedures.
Support scheduling and coordination for subcontractors and vendors; serve as on-site point of contact during small projects.
Help process maintenance invoices and track job costs to support budget adherence and accurate billing.
Provide basic grounds or facility condition reports and photo documentation for management and asset tracking.
Participate in special cross-functional projects like energy conservation, recycling programs, and workplace safety campaigns.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in general carpentry (framing, trim, drywall repair) and finishing techniques.
Basic plumbing skills: drain clearing, fixture replacement, pipe patching and leak diagnostics.
Basic electrical skills: fixture replacement, outlet/switch swaps, lighting troubleshooting (low-voltage experience a plus).
Experience operating powered equipment: riding mower, small loaders, pressure washers, and aerial lifts.
Forklift operation and material handling proficiency (certified or willing to certify).
Experience using hand and power tools safely: drills, saws, grinders, nail guns, and specialty trade tools.
Preventive maintenance and facility inspection routines, including logging and closing work orders.
Groundskeeping and landscaping techniques: pruning, turf care, irrigation basics, and seasonal maintenance.
Basic HVAC preventive tasks (filter changes, coil cleaning) and familiarity with building mechanical systems.
Ability to read basic blueprints, schematics and manufacturer equipment manuals.
Experience with inventory control, parts requisition and basic warehouse operations.
Knowledge of safe chemical handling, MSDS interpretation, and application of cleaning agents.
Familiarity with lockout/tagout procedures, confined space entry basics, and other site safety programs.
Use of mobile work-order systems or CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and basic MS Office skills.

Soft Skills

Strong problem-solving mindset and practical, hands-on troubleshooting ability.
Self-starter who can prioritize tasks, work independently, and adapt to changing work orders.
Good communication skills to interact with supervisors, vendors and non-technical staff.
Dependable attendance and the ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
Attention to detail and commitment to completing repairs to high-quality standards.
Customer-service orientation when supporting internal clients, tenants or vendors on-site.
Team player who assists colleagues and coordinates effectively across shifts and disciplines.
Time management and organizational skills to maintain tools, parts and documentation efficiently.
Safety-first attitude and willingness to participate in training and continuous improvement.
Physical stamina and manual dexterity for lifting, climbing ladders and working outdoors in varied conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

Vocational training, trade school certificate or associate degree in building maintenance, construction technology, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Facilities Management
Construction Technology
HVAC / Electrical / Plumbing Trades
Landscape Management
Carpentry or Building Trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of multi-trade maintenance, grounds, facility, or general labor experience.

Preferred:

3+ years performing general maintenance and repair work in commercial, industrial or multi-site facilities.
Certifications such as OSHA 10 or 30, forklift operator certification, CPR/First Aid, and trade-specific certificates are highly desirable.
Valid driver’s license; CDL or ability to obtain one is a plus for driving light trucks or towing equipment.