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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Building Maintenance Worker

💰 $32,000 - $54,000

FacilitiesMaintenanceBuilding ServicesProperty Management

🎯 Role Definition

The Building Maintenance Worker performs skilled and semi-skilled maintenance, repair, and preventative upkeep across commercial, residential, or institutional facilities. This hands-on role is responsible for troubleshooting and repairing HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and building systems; performing routine inspections and preventative maintenance; coordinating vendors and contractors; and ensuring tenant and occupant safety and comfort. The ideal candidate is safety-minded, mechanically competent, able to prioritize multiple work orders, and experienced in both reactive repairs and planned maintenance programs.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Custodian / Janitorial Technician
  • General Laborer or Groundskeeper
  • Apprentice Maintenance Technician or Handyman

Advancement To:

  • Senior Building Maintenance Technician
  • Lead Maintenance / Facilities Supervisor
  • Facilities Manager or Property Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • HVAC Service Technician
  • Licensed Electrician
  • Plumber or Building Systems Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform preventive maintenance on HVAC systems (filters, belts, motors, thermostats, condensers and air handlers), diagnose performance issues, and complete repairs to maintain indoor air quality and climate control.
  • Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair electrical systems including lighting, switches, receptacles, breakers, ballasts, and basic control panels while following lockout/tagout and electrical safety protocols.
  • Execute plumbing repairs and maintenance such as fixing leaks, unclogging drains, replacing faucets, servicing water heaters, repairing toilets and valves, and maintaining water pressure and drainage systems.
  • Conduct routine building inspections of roofs, gutters, windows, doors, interior finishes, and structural components to identify defects, safety hazards, and deferred maintenance needs.
  • Repair and maintain building exteriors and interior finishes — painting, drywall repair, patching, caulking, door/frame adjustments, flooring repairs, and weatherproofing to ensure tenant-ready spaces.
  • Maintain and service mechanical equipment including boilers, chillers, pumps, motors, conveyors, and HVAC rooftop units, following manufacturer recommendations and preventive maintenance schedules.
  • Respond promptly to emergency maintenance calls (after-hours when required), including water leaks, HVAC failures, power outages, and safety hazards to minimize disruption and damage.
  • Troubleshoot and repair building automation systems and controls (thermostats, BAS points) or coordinate with controls contractors to resolve system issues and optimize energy use.
  • Replace light bulbs, ballasts, and LED fixtures; maintain interior and exterior lighting to meet safety and aesthetic standards and reduce energy consumption.
  • Perform groundskeeping and exterior maintenance tasks such as snow removal, salting, mowing, trash removal, and basic landscaping to maintain curb appeal and safe pedestrian access.
  • Maintain and test life-safety systems (fire extinguishers, exit lighting, emergency lighting, smoke detectors, and basic fire alarm checks) and coordinate with certified technicians for required inspections and repairs.
  • Fabricate, install, and repair basic metal and woodwork including handrails, shelving, partitions, and cabinetry for tenant improvements and common area upgrades.
  • Operate and inspect powered equipment (lifts, forklifts, pressure washers, power tools) safely and maintain logbooks and daily checklists for equipment condition.
  • Coordinate with outside contractors and vendors for specialized repairs, obtain quotes, schedule service windows, and supervise contract work to ensure quality and compliance with building standards.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance logs, work orders, inventory of spare parts, and preventative maintenance records using CMMS or facility management software.
  • Order and maintain supplies and spare parts inventory, track expenditures, and recommend cost-effective replacements and upgrades to reduce downtime and extend equipment life.
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, local building codes, environmental regulations (e.g., hazardous materials handling, asbestos awareness), and company safety policies through documentation and safe work practices.
  • Implement energy conservation measures (lighting upgrades, programmable thermostats, sealant and insulation improvements) and track outcomes to support sustainability initiatives.
  • Perform periodic roof, gutter, and downspout cleaning and minor roof patching to prevent leaks and water damage to interior spaces.
  • Install, service, and rekey locks, access control components, and door hardware to maintain security protocols and tenant access requirements.
  • Provide basic custodial support when required: cleaning common areas, trash removal, minor carpet care, and coordinating deep-cleaning services during tenant turnover.
  • Train and mentor junior maintenance staff and seasonal technicians on safe work practices, preventive maintenance routines, and use of tools and equipment.
  • Participate in seasonal preparations such as winterization, HVAC changeovers, and storm readiness to minimize facility risks during extreme weather.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with small capital improvement projects and tenant build-outs by coordinating schedules, materials, and onsite logistics with contractors.
  • Support space setup and event logistics for on-site meetings, common area reconfigurations, and relocations.
  • Conduct tenant move-in/move-out inspections and checklist-driven turnover work to restore units to rentable condition.
  • Provide input to the facilities budget by tracking recurring repair costs, recommending replacement cycles, and highlighting high-cost failure points.
  • Participate in property safety committees, site emergency drills, and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • HVAC troubleshooting and repair (rooftop units, split systems, furnaces, chillers, heat pumps)
  • Basic electrical diagnostics and repair up to branch circuits and lighting systems; familiarity with breakers, conduits, and wiring safety
  • Plumbing repair skills including fixture replacement, leak detection, drain clearing, and water heater servicing
  • Preventive maintenance planning and execution using CMMS (e.g., ServiceChannel, FMX, UpKeep, Maintenance Connection)
  • Ability to read basic mechanical and electrical schematics, blueprints, and manufacturer manuals
  • Proficient with hand and power tools (drills, saws, grinders, multimeters, pipe wrenches, sprayers)
  • Building envelope maintenance: caulking, weatherstripping, roofing patching, gutter work
  • Life-safety systems awareness: basic fire alarm, emergency lighting, and exit signage maintenance coordination
  • Lock and door hardware installation, rekeying, and access control basics
  • Use and maintenance of grounds equipment: snow blowers, plows, mowers, trimmers
  • Safe operation of lifts and aerial devices (scissor lifts, boom lifts) and familiarity with fall protection
  • Knowledge of OSHA regulations, PPE use, hazardous materials handling, and confined-space awareness
  • Basic carpentry, drywall repair, painting, and finish work for tenant spaces
  • Inventory management and parts ordering; tracking maintenance costs and recommending replacements
  • Energy-efficiency improvements and basic building automation support

Soft Skills

  • Strong troubleshooting mindset and ability to prioritize tasks under time pressure
  • Clear verbal and written communication for work orders, vendor coordination, and tenant interactions
  • Customer-service orientation with a professional and calm demeanor when responding to tenant concerns
  • Time management and ability to multi-task across reactive and scheduled maintenance
  • Attention to detail and a proactive approach to anticipating maintenance needs
  • Team player who can lead small crews, mentor apprentices, and collaborate with property management
  • Adaptability and willingness to work variable hours, including occasional nights, weekends, and on-call rotations
  • Problem-solving and decision-making with safety-first judgement
  • Organizational skills for maintaining logs, compliance records, and inventory
  • Continuous learning attitude toward new building systems, technologies, and safety practices

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; strong mechanical aptitude required.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical certificate or vocational training in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or building trades.
  • Certifications such as EPA 608 (refrigerant handling), OSHA 10/30, or trade-specific licensing where applicable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Facilities Maintenance and Management
  • HVAC Technology
  • Electrical Technology
  • Plumbing and Pipefitting
  • Building Trades / Construction Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of hands-on building maintenance experience (commercial, multi-family residential, institutional, or industrial settings).

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of documented experience in facilities or building maintenance with demonstrable skills in HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
  • Previous experience using a CMMS, managing preventive maintenance programs, and coordinating vendor work orders is strongly preferred.
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