Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Facility Maintenance Technician

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dedicated and resourceful Facility Maintenance Technician to join our operations team. In this vital role, you will be the backbone of our daily operations, responsible for the upkeep, repair, and overall health of our physical infrastructure. You will perform a wide variety of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance activities, ensuring our facilities remain safe, efficient, and welcoming for all employees and visitors. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem-solver with a strong technical aptitude and a commitment to quality workmanship and safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Maintenance Helper or Apprentice
General Construction Laborer
Specialized Trade Assistant (e.g., Plumber's Helper)
Handyman Services Professional

Advancement To:

Lead Maintenance Technician
Facility Maintenance Supervisor or Manager
Building Engineer
Project Manager (Facilities)

Lateral Moves:

Specialized Technician (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing)
Health & Safety Coordinator
Building Automation Systems (BAS) Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct routine and preventive maintenance on critical building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection systems, to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety regulations.
Perform comprehensive inspections of facilities, grounds, and equipment to identify potential issues, safety hazards, and necessary repairs, documenting findings in a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Respond promptly and efficiently to maintenance requests and work orders, troubleshooting issues with building systems, and completing repairs in a timely manner to minimize operational disruptions.
Execute a wide range of general maintenance tasks, including carpentry, painting, drywall repair, and flooring installation, to maintain the aesthetic and structural integrity of the facility.
Troubleshoot and repair complex mechanical and electrical systems, utilizing technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics to diagnose problems accurately.
Maintain and service plumbing systems by repairing leaks, clearing blockages in drains and toilets, and replacing fixtures such as faucets and water heaters.
Perform basic-to-intermediate electrical work, such as replacing light bulbs and ballasts, repairing or replacing switches and outlets, and tracing electrical circuits under supervision.
Inspect, test, and maintain fire and life safety systems, including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting, ensuring they are operational and meet code requirements.
Manage the building's exterior, performing tasks such as minor roof repairs, pressure washing, groundskeeping, and snow/ice removal to ensure a safe and presentable property.
Assemble, install, and move office furniture, fixtures, and equipment to support departmental moves and office reconfigurations.
Monitor and maintain HVAC systems, including changing filters, cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, and coordinating with specialized vendors for major repairs.
Implement and manage the preventative maintenance schedule for all key equipment and building infrastructure to extend asset lifespan and prevent unexpected failures.
Repair and maintain interior and exterior finishes, including patching and painting walls, repairing door hardware, and replacing damaged ceiling tiles.
Ensure all maintenance and repair activities adhere to established safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Maintain accurate records of all completed work, parts used, and time spent on tasks within the CMMS for tracking and reporting purposes.
Diagnose issues with and perform light maintenance on facility equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and company vehicles.
Oversee the work of external contractors and vendors, ensuring their work meets company standards, safety requirements, and is completed according to the contract.
Assist in developing and implementing energy conservation programs by identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements in lighting, HVAC, and other building systems.
Respond to after-hours emergency calls related to facility issues, providing on-site support to resolve critical problems.
Manage inventory of maintenance supplies, tools, and spare parts, anticipating needs and placing orders to ensure availability for scheduled and unscheduled work.

Secondary Functions

Assist with the setup and teardown of rooms and equipment for company meetings, special events, and conferences.
Provide support for office moves, including the relocation of furniture, IT equipment, and personnel belongings.
Escort and monitor third-party vendors and contractors performing specialized work on-site, ensuring they comply with facility access and safety policies.
Participate in safety committee meetings, providing input on facility-related hazards and contributing to a safer work environment.
Support ad-hoc facility projects and initiatives as directed by the Facility Manager.
Contribute to the organization's emergency response plan by serving as a key team member during drills and actual emergencies.
Collaborate with other departments to understand their facility-related needs and provide effective solutions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

HVAC Systems Maintenance: Ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and perform minor repairs on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units.
Plumbing Repair: Proficiency in fixing leaks, clearing clogs, and replacing fixtures like faucets, toilets, and water heaters.
Electrical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of basic electrical theory, with the ability to safely repair/replace outlets, switches, ballasts, and light fixtures.
Carpentry & General Construction: Skills in framing, drywall installation/repair, painting, and door/hardware installation.
CMMS Software Proficiency: Experience using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (e.g., eMaint, Fiix, UpKeep) to manage work orders and track assets.
Blueprint and Schematic Reading: Ability to interpret technical drawings and diagrams to understand building systems and equipment.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures: In-depth knowledge and application of safety procedures for de-energizing machinery or equipment.
Preventive Maintenance (PM) Program Execution: Experience following and contributing to a scheduled preventive maintenance program.
Appliance Repair: Ability to diagnose and fix common issues with commercial kitchen or breakroom appliances.
Welding/Fabrication (Bonus): Basic skills in welding or metal fabrication for custom repairs is highly desirable.
OSHA Safety Standards: Strong understanding of workplace safety regulations and best practices.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical ability to diagnose issues and implement effective, lasting solutions.
Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple work orders and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Communication Skills: Clear and professional communication with team members, management, and external vendors.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to work to ensure repairs are done correctly and safely the first time.
Adaptability: Flexibility to handle unexpected emergencies and changing work priorities.
Self-Motivation: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative to identify needed work.
Customer Service Orientation: A professional and courteous demeanor when interacting with employees and addressing their maintenance requests.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical college in a relevant trade.
Universal EPA 608 Certification or other trade-specific license.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of direct, hands-on experience in commercial or industrial facility maintenance.

Preferred:

5+ years of experience in a large-scale facility (e.g., manufacturing plant, corporate campus, distribution center).
Demonstrated experience with building automation systems (BAS) and advanced preventive maintenance programs.