Job Specification - General Maintenance Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The General Maintenance Technician is a cornerstone of our Facilities and Operations team, responsible for the upkeep, repair, and overall functionality of our physical environment. This hands-on role ensures our buildings and grounds are safe, well-maintained, and presentable at all times. The technician will perform a wide variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the maintenance and repair of building systems, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, and painting. Success in this position requires a proactive, problem-solving mindset, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively to address routine and emergency maintenance needs, contributing directly to a safe and efficient operational environment for all employees and visitors.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Construction Laborer
Apprentice Tradesperson (Plumber, Electrician, etc.)
Custodial or Janitorial roles with demonstrated mechanical aptitude

Advancement To:

Lead Maintenance Technician
Facilities Supervisor or Coordinator
Maintenance Manager or Facilities Manager

Lateral Moves:

Specialized Technician (e.g., HVAC Technician, Building Automation Specialist)
Project Coordinator for small-scale construction or renovation projects

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct routine inspections of premises and equipment to identify and resolve issues before they escalate, documenting findings in our maintenance logs.
Perform preventative maintenance duties on building systems, including inspecting belts, checking fluid levels, replacing filters, and greasing bearings to ensure optimal performance and longevity of HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
Execute basic electrical repairs, such as replacing faulty outlets, switches, light bulbs, and ballasts, and troubleshooting minor wiring or circuit breaker issues.
Address plumbing problems by repairing or replacing leaky faucets and pipes, clearing clogged drains, and installing new fixtures like toilets and sinks.
Perform general carpentry tasks, including repairing or installing doors, windows, locks, cabinetry, and assembling furniture or office partitions.
Prepare and paint interior and exterior surfaces, including drywall patching, sanding, priming, and applying finishes to maintain the aesthetic quality of the facility.
Respond promptly to maintenance work orders submitted by staff, assessing the situation and completing the repair in a timely and professional manner.
Ensure all fire and life safety systems, such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting, are regularly inspected and functional.
Maintain the building's exterior and grounds, which may include minor landscaping, snow and ice removal from walkways, and keeping parking lots and entrances clear.
Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system failures to determine the root cause and the most effective solution for repair.
Move, install, and arrange heavy furniture, equipment, and machinery as needed to support departmental moves and facility reconfigurations.
Coordinate with and oversee external contractors and vendors for specialized repairs or large-scale projects, ensuring their work meets our quality and safety standards.
Maintain an accurate inventory of repair equipment, tools, and maintenance supplies, and place orders for new items as necessary.
Follow all company safety procedures and policies, including proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adherence to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols.
Repair and maintain various types of flooring, including tile, carpet, and vinyl, by replacing damaged sections or addressing hazards.
Perform regular maintenance on company vehicles or specialized equipment, checking oil, tires, and other critical components.
Assist in the setup and teardown of rooms for meetings, conferences, and special events.
Maintain detailed records of all maintenance and repair work performed, including time, materials used, and resolution, within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building codes and safety regulations in all work performed.
Respond to emergency or after-hours calls for urgent repairs to ensure the continuous and safe operation of the facility.

Secondary Functions

Respond to urgent and ad-hoc maintenance requests submitted through the work order system, prioritizing tasks based on safety and operational impact.
Contribute to the facility's preventative maintenance program by providing feedback and suggesting improvements to schedules and procedures.
Collaborate with various department managers and staff to understand their maintenance needs and schedule work to minimize disruption to daily operations.
Participate in team meetings to review open work orders, plan upcoming projects, and discuss safety protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in the safe and effective use of a wide range of hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
Strong working knowledge of basic plumbing systems, including the ability to repair leaks, clear stoppages, and replace common fixtures.
Foundational understanding of electrical systems, including replacing switches, outlets, fixtures, and safely troubleshooting minor faults.
Competency in drywall repair, patching, texturing, and interior/exterior painting techniques.
Solid carpentry skills for repairing structures, assembling furniture, and installing doors and hardware.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints to understand system operations and repair procedures.
Basic knowledge of HVAC systems for performing routine preventative maintenance like filter changes, coil cleaning, and thermostat adjustments.
Familiarity with workplace safety standards and regulations, particularly OSHA guidelines and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
Experience operating and maintaining facility equipment such as scissor lifts, forklifts, and floor scrubbers.
Ability to document work accurately in a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or similar software.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Excellent diagnostic and critical-thinking skills to identify issues and implement effective solutions.
Time Management: Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage a fluctuating workload, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
Communication: Clear and professional communication skills for interacting with colleagues, managers, and external vendors.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to respond to changing priorities and emergency situations calmly and efficiently.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to work, ensuring repairs are thorough and lasting, and that finishes are clean and professional.
Self-Motivation: A proactive mindset with the ability to work independently and take ownership of the facility's condition.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certification from a vocational or technical school in a relevant trade such as building maintenance, HVAC, electrical, or plumbing.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Facilities Maintenance Technology
Industrial Mechanics
Electrical Technology
HVAC-R

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of direct, hands-on experience in a general maintenance role, preferably within a commercial, industrial, or multi-unit residential environment.

Preferred:

5+ years of experience in a similar role.
Specific experience in a specialized environment (e.g., healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality) that requires adherence to strict regulations.
Possession of one or more certifications in a skilled trade (e.g., HVAC certification, electrical license).