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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for General Maintenance Outfitter

💰 $40,000 - $75,000

Facilities MaintenanceIndustrial MaintenanceShipyardConstructionTrades

🎯 Role Definition

The General Maintenance Outfitter performs hands-on installation, repair, and preventative maintenance across a wide variety of building, shipboard, and industrial systems. This role requires multi-trade skills (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, welding), the ability to read technical drawings, use of CMMS/work order systems, strict adherence to safety procedures, and coordination with tradespeople and supervisors to complete scheduled and emergency maintenance. The Outfitter contributes to continuous improvement of maintenance processes, parts/inventory control, and documentation to support safe, reliable operation of facilities and vessels.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Maintenance Apprentice / Trade Apprentice
  • Facilities Technician or Building Maintenance Worker
  • Shipfitter, Pipefitter or Carpenter Junior Role

Advancement To:

  • Senior Maintenance Outfitter / Lead Outfitter
  • Maintenance Supervisor or Foreman
  • Facilities Manager or Maintenance Manager
  • Project Superintendent (Outfitting/Refit)

Lateral Moves:

  • HVAC Technician
  • Licensed Electrician
  • Journeyman Plumber
  • Welder/Fabricator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform scheduled preventative and corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and structural elements following manufacturer specifications and company preventive maintenance plans.
  • Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and schematics to plan and execute outfitting and repair work with accuracy and minimal supervision.
  • Install, route, secure and terminate piping, conduits, cable trays, and wiring for new builds, retrofits, and ship/vessel outfitting projects while adhering to electrical and marine codes.
  • Fabricate and install metal and composite supports, brackets, bulkheads, insulation, and shelving using welding, cutting, and finishing techniques appropriate to the material and environment.
  • Diagnose electrical faults using multimeters, clamp meters, and testing equipment; replace switches, breakers, motors, starters, relays and correct wiring deficiencies.
  • Troubleshoot HVAC systems, replace filters, repair ductwork, service compressors and refrigeration circuits, and perform preventative inspections to maintain environmental control systems.
  • Repair and maintain domestic water systems, sanitary drains, and marine sewage systems; locate and repair leaks, replace valves, pumps, and associated hardware to ensure sanitary operation.
  • Service and repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems including pumps, cylinders, valves and reservoirs; follow lockout/tagout and pressure isolation procedures prior to maintenance.
  • Perform carpentry tasks including framing, trim work, door and hatch installation, cabinet repairs, and surface finishing to maintain facility and vessel integrity.
  • Operate powered industrial equipment (forklifts, scissor lifts, man lifts, hoists) to move heavy materials and position components safely; maintain certifications and inspect equipment prior to use.
  • Conduct routine inspections of equipment, systems and structural elements and document findings, recommended repairs, and completed work in the organization’s CMMS or work-order system.
  • Execute emergency repair calls 24/7 as required, rapidly assessing failures, stabilizing systems, and coordinating follow-up repairs or replacements to restore operations.
  • Coordinate with contractors, vendors and multi-trade teams during overhaul, refit or renovation projects to ensure work sequencing, quality control, and compliance with project requirements.
  • Order, track and manage spare parts and materials inventory; evaluate stock levels, submit procurement requests, and verify parts upon receipt to reduce downtime.
  • Ensure full compliance with safety and environmental regulations (OSHA, EPA, NFPA, confined space, fall protection) and participate in safety briefings and on-the-job risk assessments.
  • Apply lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and hot work permit procedures when performing maintenance tasks to protect personnel and property.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance logs, as-built modifications, and technical documentation for equipment, systems and completed outfitting work to support audits and future repairs.
  • Assist in commissioning and start-up activities for new or modified systems, perform acceptance testing, adjust controls, and provide operator training as required.
  • Mentor and train junior technicians and apprentices in trade skills, safety practices, and company maintenance standards to build team capability.
  • Participate in root cause analysis for recurring failures, recommend and implement corrective actions, and contribute to continuous improvement of maintenance processes.
  • Prepare work estimates, labor hours, and material lists for small projects and repairs; provide feedback to supervisors on feasibility and resource needs.
  • Maintain tools and assigned equipment in serviceable condition; perform routine calibration checks, tool inventory and report lost or damaged tools for replacement.

Secondary Functions

  • Support project planning by providing input on required materials, labor estimates, and sequencing for preventive maintenance shutdowns and refit schedules.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings to align maintenance priorities with operations, safety and procurement teams.
  • Contribute to the development and optimization of preventive maintenance checklists and SOPs for recurring tasks and equipment.
  • Assist with facility housekeeping, waste management, and spill response to maintain a clean and safe work environment.
  • Provide periodic safety and skills training refreshers for colleagues and support apprenticeship evaluation and mentoring programs.
  • Help evaluate new maintenance technologies, diagnostic tools, and materials for improved reliability and cost savings.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Electrical systems troubleshooting and repair (AC/DC systems, motor controls, breakers, transformers).
  • Plumbing and sanitary system installation, repair and leak diagnostics.
  • HVAC system servicing, refrigeration troubleshooting and ductwork repair.
  • Metal fabrication and welding (MIG/TIG, oxy-acetylene cutting, brazing) at a journeyman or experienced technician level.
  • Reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, P&IDs and technical drawings.
  • Proficiency using hand and power tools, precision measurement tools, and portable diagnostic instrumentation.
  • Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and digital work order tracking.
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic systems maintenance and component troubleshooting.
  • Confined space entry, fall protection, and lockout/tagout practices and certifications.
  • Rigging, hoisting and safe materials handling, including forklift and aerial lift operation credentials.
  • Basic carpentry, finish work, and structural repair skills applicable to facility and shipboard outfitting.
  • Preventive maintenance planning and execution with an understanding of MTTR/MTBF concepts.
  • Familiarity with safety codes and standards (OSHA, NFPA, EPA) and relevant trade certifications or licenses.

Soft Skills

  • Strong troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving under time constraints.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills for reporting, coordination and client interactions.
  • Excellent attention to detail and adherence to quality and safety standards.
  • Proven ability to prioritize tasks in multi-project, deadline-driven environments.
  • Team-oriented with the ability to lead small crews and mentor apprentices.
  • Customer-service mindset when interacting with internal or external stakeholders.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to changing work locations, schedules and emergency calls.
  • Good physical stamina, manual dexterity and ability to work in confined, elevated, or noisy environments.
  • Time-management and organizational skills for managing multiple work orders and inventory tasks.
  • Initiative and continuous-learning orientation to keep certifications and trade skills current.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with vocational/trade coursework or equivalent work experience in maintenance trades.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical certificate, trade school diploma, or associate degree in HVAC, Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Welding, or related field.
  • Relevant certifications such as OSHA 10/30, confined space, CPR/First Aid, forklift operator, HVAC/R certification, or electrical journeyman/license.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Maintenance Technology
  • Mechanical or Electrical Trade Programs
  • HVAC/R Technology
  • Welding and Fabrication
  • Facilities Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2 to 7 years of hands-on, multi-trade maintenance or outfitting experience in industrial, marine/shipyard, or commercial facilities environments.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of experience with demonstrated proficiency across electrical, plumbing, HVAC and fabrication trades, CMMS usage, and supervisory or lead responsibilities on projects.
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