Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Maintenance Person

🎯 Role Definition

As a Maintenance Person, you are the backbone of our facility's operations, ensuring a safe, efficient, and well-maintained environment for all employees and visitors. This hands-on role requires a versatile skill set to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks across electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and general building systems. You will be responsible for both proactive, preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and reactive repairs to address immediate issues. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a strong work ethic and a commitment to quality and safety, capable of working independently and as part of a collaborative facilities team.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Maintenance Assistant or Helper
General Laborer or Handyman
Apprentice in a skilled trade (e.g., Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC)

Advancement To:

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

Lateral Moves:

Specialized Technician (HVAC Technician, Electrician, Plumber)
Building Engineer
Safety Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and life safety equipment, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and perform complex repairs on mechanical and electrical systems, including motors, pumps, conveyors, lighting, and control panels.
Respond promptly and professionally to all maintenance work orders, addressing issues ranging from minor repairs to urgent system failures in a timely manner.
Conduct routine inspections of the facility's interior and exterior, identifying potential safety hazards, structural defects, or necessary repairs and documenting findings.
Perform skilled carpentry, painting, and drywall work to maintain and improve the building's aesthetic and structural integrity.
Troubleshoot and repair plumbing systems, including clearing drains, fixing leaks, and replacing fixtures such as faucets, toilets, and water heaters.
Address basic to intermediate electrical issues, such as replacing ballasts, outlets, switches, and circuit breakers, while adhering to strict safety protocols.
Maintain and repair various types of facility equipment, ensuring machinery and tools are in safe and efficient working condition.
Manage the inventory of maintenance supplies, spare parts, and tools, initiating purchase orders to replenish stock as needed to avoid work delays.
Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to log all work performed, track asset history, and manage maintenance schedules.
Ensure all maintenance and repair activities are performed in strict compliance with company policies, OSHA safety standards, and local building codes.
Operate and maintain heavy equipment such as forklifts, scissor lifts, and boom lifts safely and effectively for various maintenance tasks.
Perform groundskeeping duties as required, which may include landscaping, irrigation system repair, and snow/ice removal to ensure safe access to the facility.
Coordinate with and oversee the work of external contractors and vendors for specialized repairs or large-scale projects, ensuring quality and adherence to schedules.

Secondary Functions

Assemble, install, and move office furniture, modular partitions, and other equipment to support workspace reconfigurations and departmental moves.
Perform regular safety checks on emergency systems, including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and exit signs.
Assist with general custodial duties and maintain the cleanliness and organization of maintenance shops, utility rooms, and storage areas.
Provide support for company events by assisting with the setup and breakdown of tables, chairs, and audio-visual equipment.
Perform locksmith duties, including repairing locks, re-keying doors, and creating duplicate keys as authorized.
Read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, and schematics to understand equipment and building systems for effective troubleshooting and repair.
Participate in an on-call rotation schedule to respond to after-hours and weekend emergency maintenance calls.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Strong working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, including diagnostic and repair techniques.
Proficiency in performing a wide range of carpentry, painting, and general construction tasks.
Experience operating and maintaining a variety of hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
Ability to read and interpret technical documents, blueprints, and schematics.
Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for work order tracking and reporting.
Solid understanding of OSHA regulations and workplace safety standards (e.g., Lockout/Tagout).
Knowledge of local, state, and federal building codes and regulations.

Soft Skills

Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to diagnose issues and implement effective solutions.
Strong time management and organizational abilities to prioritize tasks and manage a dynamic workload.
Effective communication skills to clearly interact with colleagues, management, and external vendors.
High level of attention to detail to ensure quality workmanship and safety compliance.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative.
Strong customer service orientation with a professional and courteous demeanor.
Physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy objects (typically 50 lbs), stand for long periods, and work in various environmental conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or diploma from a technical or trade school.
Associate's Degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

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

Preferred: 5+ years of experience in a similar role, particularly within an industrial manufacturing or large commercial facility setting. Certifications in specific trades (e.g., EPA 608 for HVAC, electrical license) are highly desirable.