Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Maintenance Helper

🎯 Role Definition

The Maintenance Helper is a crucial support role within the Facilities and Maintenance department, acting as the right hand to our skilled technicians. You will work under direct supervision to perform a variety of routine and semi-skilled tasks related to the general maintenance, repair, and upkeep of our buildings, grounds, and equipment. This role is fundamental to ensuring a safe, clean, and functional environment for all employees and visitors. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, safety-conscious, has a strong work ethic, and is eager to develop a long-term career in facility maintenance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Construction Helper
Trade School Graduate / Apprentice

Advancement To:

Maintenance Technician I / II
Lead Maintenance Technician
Specialized Technician (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing)
Facilities Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Building Operator
Groundskeeper / Landscaping Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist skilled maintenance technicians with the diagnosis, repair, and installation of complex machinery, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks on building systems and equipment, such as lubricating moving parts, changing filters, cleaning coils, and inspecting belts.
Conduct basic carpentry and structural repairs, including patching and painting drywall, repairing doors and windows, and replacing damaged ceiling tiles.
Apply paint, varnish, and stain to interior and exterior surfaces, equipment, and furniture to maintain appearance and protect against corrosion and wear.
Respond to daily maintenance work orders in a timely manner, troubleshooting and completing minor repairs for issues like leaky faucets, broken light fixtures, and faulty door hardware.
Handle general building upkeep duties, including clearing clogged drains, cleaning up spills, and ensuring common areas, walkways, and parking lots are safe and orderly.
Safely move, assemble, and install furniture, shelving, cabinets, and office equipment as requested by various departments to support operational changes.
Perform regular inspections of building exteriors, grounds, and common areas, identifying and reporting any potential safety hazards or repair needs to the supervisor.
e- Assist with seasonal groundskeeping duties, such as snow and ice removal from walkways, leaf clearing, mowing, and basic landscaping to ensure property is well-maintained.
Maintain an accurate inventory of maintenance supplies, tools, and spare parts, and proactively notify the supervisor when stock levels are low to ensure availability.
Ensure all work is performed in strict compliance with company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Operate and properly maintain a variety of hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment, ensuring they are clean, safe, and in good working order.
Support the setup and teardown of rooms and equipment for company meetings, special events, and other functions as directed.
Read and interpret simple blueprints, schematics, and equipment manuals to assist with troubleshooting, repairs, and installations.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of all maintenance workshops, storage areas, and mechanical rooms.

Secondary Functions

Escort and monitor third-party service contractors, ensuring they adhere to site safety protocols and their work is completed to the required standards.
Meticulously document all completed work orders, parts consumed, and labor hours in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Participate as a member of the facility's emergency response team, assisting during safety drills and actual events as directed by the safety manager.
Perform basic vehicle maintenance checks on company fleet vehicles, such as checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and light functionality.
Assist in maintaining the building's fire and life safety systems by performing routine visual checks on fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, and exit signs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in the safe and effective use of common hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers) and power tools (drills, saws, grinders).
Basic working knowledge of one or more skilled trades, such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, or HVAC.
Ability to operate light equipment, such as forklifts, scissor lifts, or pallet jacks (certification is a significant plus).
Foundational understanding of workplace safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), fall protection, and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
An- Ability to learn and use a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for tracking and documenting work orders.
Physical stamina and the ability to frequently lift up to 50 lbs, as well as bend, climb, stoop, and work in various physical positions for extended periods.

Soft Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot minor mechanical, electrical, and facility issues.
Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks, prioritize work effectively, and meet deadlines.
Clear and professional verbal communication skills for interacting with team members, supervisors, and other employees to understand requests and provide updates.
A proactive, "can-do" attitude with a strong desire to learn and continuously develop new technical skills from senior staff.
High attention to detail to ensure work is completed accurately, safely, and to a high standard of quality.
Unquestionable reliability and a strong work ethic, with a proven track record of punctuality and dependability.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

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

Relevant Fields of Study:

Building Maintenance Technology
Industrial Maintenance
Facilities Management
HVAC-R or Electrical Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a maintenance, construction, or general labor role.

Preferred:

1+ years of direct experience working in a commercial, industrial, or residential property maintenance environment is highly desirable.