Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for General Repair Worker

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly skilled and reliable General Repair Worker to join our facilities team. In this hands-on role, you will be the backbone of our building's operational integrity, responsible for maintaining a safe, functional, and pleasant environment for all employees and visitors. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a broad knowledge of maintenance disciplines, including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and general building upkeep. You are a jack-of-all-trades who takes pride in your work, can manage multiple tasks efficiently, and responds with urgency to repair needs. This position is crucial for ensuring preventative maintenance is completed on schedule and corrective repairs are addressed swiftly to minimize downtime and disruption.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Maintenance Assistant / Helper
Apprentice Tradesperson (Plumber, Electrician, etc.)
Construction Laborer
Handyman

Advancement To:

Lead Maintenance Technician
Facilities Supervisor or Manager
Specialized Technician (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing)
Building Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Building Maintenance Technician
Property Caretaker / Manager
Construction Foreman

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform routine and preventative maintenance on building systems, such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and fire safety equipment, to ensure optimal functionality and prevent future breakdowns.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair malfunctions in mechanical and electrical systems, utilizing diagnostic tools and technical manuals to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
Conduct general carpentry work, including but not limited to framing, installing and repairing doors and hardware, patching drywall, and building or repairing office furniture and shelving.
Address plumbing issues by repairing leaking faucets and pipes, clearing clogged drains, and replacing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and water heaters.
Handle minor to moderate electrical repairs, including replacing faulty light fixtures, ballasts, switches, outlets, and performing basic circuit testing in compliance with safety standards.
Prepare and paint interior and exterior surfaces, ensuring proper surface preparation, color matching, and a clean, professional finish.
Regularly inspect building grounds, common areas, and structural components to identify and report the need for major repairs or safety hazards.
Respond promptly to maintenance work orders and service requests submitted by staff, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and impact on operations.
Assemble, install, and move furniture, equipment, and fixtures as needed to support office reconfigurations and employee relocations.
Perform seasonal groundskeeping duties, which may include snow removal from walkways, landscaping maintenance, and ensuring exterior areas are safe and accessible.
Maintain and repair flooring, including tile, carpet, and vinyl, by patching, replacing damaged sections, and addressing tripping hazards.
Inspect and maintain roof systems, gutters, and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent water intrusion.
Assist in the implementation and monitoring of building safety and security protocols, including the maintenance of locks, access control systems, and emergency lighting.
Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and building plans to understand system layouts and execute repairs or installations accurately.
Operate and maintain a variety of power and hand tools, ensuring they are kept in safe and working condition.
Maintain a clean and organized work environment, including maintenance shops and storage areas, and clean up job sites upon completion of work.
Document all maintenance activities, repairs, and material usage accurately in a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Assist in managing an inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies, and create purchase requests for new items as needed.
Escort and oversee the work of third-party vendors and contractors, ensuring their work meets organizational standards and safety requirements.
Participate in an on-call rotation for after-hours and weekend emergency maintenance requests to ensure 24/7 facility support.

Secondary Functions

Assist with the setup and teardown of furniture and equipment for company meetings, special events, and conferences.
Conduct regular safety walkthroughs and equipment checks to ensure compliance with OSHA and other regulatory standards.
Provide support for departmental moves, including the breakdown and reassembly of workstations and the relocation of office equipment.
Contribute to developing and refining the preventative maintenance schedule and procedures for all building systems.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

General Carpentry: Proficiency in framing, drywall installation/repair, door and hardware maintenance, and furniture assembly.
Plumbing Systems: Strong knowledge of repairing leaks, clearing drains, and installing/replacing fixtures (faucets, toilets, sinks).
Basic Electrical Repair: Competency in replacing switches, outlets, ballasts, and light fixtures, along with understanding basic wiring and circuit safety.
HVAC Maintenance: Ability to perform routine maintenance such as filter changes, coil cleaning, and basic troubleshooting of heating and cooling units.
Painting & Finishing: Skill in surface preparation, paint application, and drywall finishing for a professional appearance.
Tool & Equipment Operation: Safe and effective use of a wide range of hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
-Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Ability to interpret technical drawings and manuals to guide repair and installation work.
Safety Protocol & OSHA Compliance: In-depth knowledge of workplace safety standards, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
Maintenance Management Software (CMMS): Experience using software to track work orders, log hours, and manage inventory.
Appliance Repair: Basic ability to diagnose and repair common commercial and kitchen appliances.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical ability to diagnose complex issues and devise effective, long-lasting solutions.
Time Management & Prioritization: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple work orders and projects simultaneously, prioritizing urgent needs.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to all tasks to ensure work is completed to a high standard of quality and safety.
Customer Service Orientation: A professional and courteous demeanor when interacting with employees and tenants to address their maintenance needs.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly explain technical issues to non-technical individuals and provide updates on work progress.
Adaptability: Flexibility to handle unexpected emergencies, shifting priorities, and a wide variety of tasks.
Self-Motivation: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative to identify potential issues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a relevant trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Building Maintenance Technology
Industrial Maintenance
Carpentry, Plumbing, or Electrical Trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in commercial or residential property maintenance.

Preferred:

Verifiable experience in a multi-trade maintenance role, demonstrating proficiency across electrical, plumbing, and carpentry disciplines.
Experience working in a corporate, industrial, or large residential facility environment is highly desirable.