Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Facilities Technician

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on problem-solver who takes pride in creating a safe, efficient, and well-maintained environment? This role requires a dedicated and resourceful Facilities Technician to be the backbone of our daily operations. In this role, you will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and general upkeep of our buildings, grounds, and equipment. You are the go-to person for ensuring our workspace is not just functional but also a great place to work. This position requires a diverse skill set, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to quality and safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Maintenance Assistant
General Handyman / Handywoman
Trade School Graduate / Apprentice

Advancement To:

Lead Facilities Technician
Facilities Supervisor / Coordinator
Facilities Manager

Lateral Moves:

Specialized Technician (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing)
Safety Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Construction/Renovation)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform routine and preventive maintenance on building systems, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Respond promptly to maintenance requests and work orders from staff via our CMMS, diagnosing issues and implementing effective solutions in a timely manner.
Conduct regular inspections of facilities to identify and resolve potential safety hazards, maintenance needs, and compliance issues before they become major problems.
Execute general building repairs, which may include painting, drywall patching, carpentry tasks, and flooring repairs to maintain a professional and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Troubleshoot and repair basic electrical issues, such as replacing light fixtures, ballasts, outlets, and switches, ensuring all work adheres to safety standards.
Address plumbing problems, including clearing drains, fixing leaks, and repairing or replacing faucets, toilets, and other fixtures.
Maintain and monitor HVAC systems, performing tasks like changing filters, cleaning coils, and monitoring system performance to ensure comfortable and healthy air quality.
Assemble, install, and move office furniture, modular cubicles, and equipment to support office reconfigurations and employee relocations.
Maintain accurate and detailed records of all maintenance work, repairs, and inspections, utilizing the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Inspect and maintain life safety systems, such as fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, and exit signs, to ensure they are functional and compliant with regulations.
Manage inventory of maintenance supplies, tools, and equipment, and place orders for new items as needed to prevent work delays.
Follow all company safety protocols and procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and actively promote a culture of safety among all staff.
Provide on-call support for after-hours facility emergencies on a rotating basis, demonstrating reliability and a calm demeanor under pressure.
Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals to understand equipment and building systems for effective troubleshooting and repair.
Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly walkthroughs of the entire facility to assess the general condition and identify any immediate or future needs.

Secondary Functions

Coordinate and oversee the work of external vendors and contractors for specialized repairs or projects, ensuring quality of work and adherence to company policies.
Support facility-related projects, including space planning, renovations, and equipment installations, by providing hands-on assistance and technical expertise.
Set up and break down rooms for meetings, events, and special functions, including arranging tables, chairs, and audiovisual equipment.
Perform minor groundskeeping duties as required, such as debris removal, snow clearing from walkways, and maintaining the appearance of exterior areas.
Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive preventive maintenance schedule to minimize downtime and extend the life of company assets.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in HVAC system maintenance and basic diagnostics.
Strong knowledge of plumbing systems for repair and installation of fixtures.
Competency in basic electrical troubleshooting and repair (outlets, switches, lighting).
Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) like UpKeep, Fiix, or similar platforms.
General carpentry, painting, and drywall repair skills for building upkeep.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and operation manuals.
Thorough knowledge of OSHA regulations and standard safety protocols (e.g., LOTO, PPE).

Soft Skills

Exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to diagnose issues efficiently.
Strong time management and organizational skills to prioritize and handle multiple work orders.
Excellent verbal and written communication for interacting with staff, management, and vendors.
High attention to detail to ensure quality workmanship and a safe environment.
Customer-centric mindset with a professional, approachable, and helpful demeanor.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a related trade.
Associate's degree in Facilities Management or a related technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Building Maintenance Technology
HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration)
Electrical Technology
Plumbing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of hands-on experience in commercial building maintenance, facilities management, or a related skilled trade.

Preferred:

Experience working in a corporate, industrial, or large-scale residential facility environment.
Possession of relevant certifications (e.g., EPA 608, Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician - CMRT).