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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Facilities Maintenance Technician

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🎯 Role Definition

A Facilities Maintenance Technician is a multi-skilled trades professional responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of building systems and physical plant infrastructure. This role performs preventive and corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), HVAC, life-safety, and building envelope systems, coordinates vendor and contractor work, manages maintenance documentation in a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), and supports facility projects and emergency response. The ideal candidate blends hands-on trade skills, safety-first execution, and strong communication to maintain facility uptime and occupant comfort.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Maintenance Assistant / Building Attendant
  • Custodian or Janitorial Technician with maintenance exposure
  • Trade apprentice (electrical, HVAC, plumbing)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Facilities Technician / Lead Maintenance Technician
  • Building Engineer / Mechanical Technician
  • Facilities Supervisor or Facilities Manager
  • Operations Manager / Director of Facilities

Lateral Moves:

  • HVAC Technician or Refrigeration Specialist
  • Electrician or Industrial Electrician
  • Controls/BAS Technician (Building Automation Systems)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform routine preventive maintenance and inspections of HVAC systems (air handling units, chillers, boilers, rooftop units), ensuring filters, belts, motors, compressors and refrigerant levels are checked and documented to maximize equipment life and efficiency.
  • Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical systems up to a specified voltage (including lighting, receptacles, panels, breakers, and motor controls), following lockout/tagout procedures and electrical code requirements.
  • Execute plumbing repairs and maintenance—including valves, piping, drains, water heaters, backflow preventers, and fixtures—ensuring reliable water distribution and drainage while preventing leaks and water damage.
  • Conduct carpentry and building envelope repairs such as door and frame adjustments, drywall patching, painting, weatherproofing, and minor roof or gutter maintenance to preserve structural integrity and aesthetics.
  • Operate, monitor, and maintain life-safety systems including fire alarm panels, emergency lighting, exit signs, and sprinkler system inspections, working with certified contractors as required to maintain compliance with NFPA and local codes.
  • Respond to emergency repair calls (after-hours and weekends as scheduled), quickly assessing safety and functional impacts, implementing temporary fixes, and coordinating permanent repairs to restore building services.
  • Maintain, test, and exercise emergency generators, transfer switches, and UPS systems to ensure backup power readiness for critical loads and business continuity.
  • Record, update, and close work orders in the CMMS, including time tracking, parts used, labor hours, recommended follow-ups, and photographic evidence to maintain accurate maintenance histories and KPI reporting.
  • Perform diagnostics and repairs on building automation systems (BAS) and controls—adjusting setpoints, calibrating sensors, and interfacing with BAS vendors to optimize HVAC performance and energy efficiency.
  • Manage inventory of spare parts, tools, and consumables by tracking stock levels, placing purchase requisitions, receiving deliveries, and maintaining a neat and secure storeroom to minimize downtime.
  • Coordinate and supervise external contractors and vendors for specialized services (e.g., elevator maintenance, major HVAC service, deep cleaning), ensuring scope, permits, access, and quality of work meet company standards.
  • Execute preventive maintenance schedules and planned shutdowns, preparing checklists, isolating equipment when needed, and communicating impacts to stakeholders to minimize operational disruptions.
  • Implement and maintain safety programs and site-specific procedures, following OSHA regulations, PPE requirements, confined space entry protocols, and conducting routine safety inspections and hazard corrections.
  • Monitor building energy use and assist with energy-saving initiatives such as LED retrofits, setpoint optimization, and equipment upgrades, providing data and recommendations to reduce utility costs and carbon footprint.
  • Install, replace, and upgrade lighting systems, ballasts, fixtures, and controls (including occupancy sensors and dimming systems) to improve illumination, reduce energy consumption, and ensure code compliance.
  • Perform routine groundskeeping and exterior maintenance tasks—snow removal coordination, sidewalk repair, landscaping coordination, and trash/recycling support—to preserve safe and attractive site conditions.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and equipment manuals to facilitate accurate repairs, installations, and preventative work while adhering to manufacturer instructions and engineering specifications.
  • Test, calibrate, and maintain meters, gauges, thermostats, smoke detectors, and other monitoring instruments to ensure reliable readings and proper facility control.
  • Provide excellent customer service to building occupants—investigating complaints, communicating timelines, and following up to ensure work meets expectations and disruptions are minimized.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of mechanical rooms, tool closets, and vehicle(s), ensuring safe storage of hazardous materials, proper labeling, and adherence to SDS guidelines.
  • Support capital improvement projects and small facility upgrades by providing scope clarifications, performing site prep, and assisting licensed trades or contractors with on-site access and coordination.
  • Participate in continuous improvement activities—root cause analysis of repeat failures, cost/benefit evaluation of repairs vs. replacements, and suggestions to improve maintenance procedures and asset reliability.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with routine facility administrative tasks such as creating purchase orders, tracking vendor warranties, and preparing maintenance cost estimates for routine projects.
  • Support building condition assessments and prepare standardized reports for leadership summarizing risk, deferred maintenance, and recommended capital investments.
  • Train and mentor entry-level maintenance staff or apprentices on safe work practices, basic troubleshooting techniques, and correct use of tools and equipment.
  • Contribute to sustainability and waste-reduction initiatives by implementing recycling programs, monitoring energy usage, and suggesting low-cost energy efficiency measures.
  • Participate in emergency preparedness and disaster recovery planning, supporting drills, post-event repairs, and documentation required for insurance and regulatory purposes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient troubleshooting and repair of HVAC systems (air handlers, chillers, boilers, rooftop units) with knowledge of refrigerant handling and HVAC refrigerant regulations (EPA 608 preferred).
  • Solid electrical skills including wiring, circuit troubleshooting, motor starters, breakers, and basic panel work; familiarity with local electrical codes and lockout/tagout.
  • Plumbing maintenance skills: valves, drain repair, piping repair, fixture replacement, and basic water heater servicing.
  • Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) for creating and closing work orders, scheduling PMs, and inventory management.
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical schematics, blueprints, and manufacturer technical manuals.
  • Building Automation Systems (BAS) / controls experience—BACnet, Modbus, or proprietary BAS platforms—ability to change setpoints and diagnose sensor issues.
  • Knowledge of life-safety systems (fire alarm, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems) and experience coordinating inspections or testing.
  • Preventive maintenance planning and execution for rotating equipment, pumps, fans, compressors, and belt alignment.
  • Familiarity with energy management principles, LED lighting retrofits, VFDs (variable frequency drives), and basic power quality assessment.
  • Competence using hand and power tools, meters (multimeter, clamp meter), vibration/ultrasound tools, and diagnostic test equipment.
  • Forklift, aerial lift (scissor or boom), and other powered equipment operation experience (certification preferred where applicable).
  • Basic HVAC refrigerant handling certification (EPA 608) and familiarity with safe chemical handling and SDS requirements.

Soft Skills

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking to diagnose complex equipment failures and determine effective corrective actions.
  • Clear verbal and written communication for interacting with vendors, contractors, occupants, and management; able to document work clearly in maintenance systems.
  • Excellent time management and prioritization in a fast-paced environment with competing reactive and preventive maintenance demands.
  • Customer-service orientation to address occupant concerns professionally and minimize disruptions.
  • Attention to detail for accurate documentation, safe repairs, and preventive maintenance compliance.
  • Teamwork and collaboration with internal stakeholders, contractors, and cross-functional teams during projects and emergencies.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to respond to emergencies, changing schedules, and facility priorities.
  • Safety-first mindset with a demonstrated commitment to OSHA and site-specific safety policies.
  • Initiative and continuous improvement mindset—identifying root causes, cost-saving opportunities, and efficiency improvements.
  • Dependability, punctuality, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical certificate, vocational training, or Associate Degree in Facilities Maintenance, HVAC, Electrical Technology, or related trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Facilities Management
  • HVAC / Refrigeration Technology
  • Electrical Technology / Industrial Electricity
  • Plumbing / Pipefitting
  • Building Controls / Automation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of hands-on maintenance experience in commercial, industrial, institutional, or multi‑tenant facility environments. Entry-level technicians often start with 0–2 years and progress to fully qualified technicians with 3–5+ years.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of combined HVAC, electrical, plumbing and building systems maintenance experience; proven CMMS usage; demonstrated experience with life-safety systems and emergency response. Certifications such as EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, or related trade licenses are a plus.
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