Facility Maintenance Helper - Your Path to a Career in Skilled Trades

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on problem-solver looking for an opportunity to launch a stable and rewarding career? We are searching for a motivated and reliable Facility Maintenance Helper to join our dynamic operations team. In this role, you will be the backbone of our facility's day-to-day operations, providing essential support to our skilled technicians and ensuring our buildings and grounds are safe, clean, and fully functional. This is more than just a job; it's an apprenticeship where you will learn the fundamentals of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and general building maintenance from experienced professionals. If you're ready to learn, work hard, and grow with a supportive company, we encourage you to apply.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Construction Worker
Handyman Assistant
Apprentice in a skilled trade (Plumbing, Electrical, etc.)
Groundskeeping or Landscaping Crew Member

Advancement To:

Facility Maintenance Technician
Lead Maintenance Technician or Building Engineer
Facilities Coordinator or Assistant Facilities Manager
Specialized Technician (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing)

Lateral Moves:

Building Operator
Grounds Supervisor
Safety Officer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist skilled maintenance technicians with the installation, repair, and maintenance of complex building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical components.
Perform routine and preventive maintenance tasks such as changing air filters, lubricating machinery, inspecting belts, and cleaning coils to prevent breakdowns and ensure efficiency.
Respond promptly to daily work orders and service requests from building occupants, professionally addressing issues like leaky faucets, broken light fixtures, and malfunctioning doors.
Conduct regular, detailed inspections of facilities, grounds, and equipment to proactively identify potential safety hazards, maintenance needs, and necessary repairs.
Execute basic carpentry tasks, including repairing drywall, painting walls and ceilings, installing shelving, and assembling or repairing furniture and fixtures.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of all maintenance workshops, storage areas, and mechanical rooms to ensure an efficient and hazard-free work environment.
Safely operate and maintain a variety of hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment required for a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks.
Support the setup and teardown of furniture and equipment for company meetings, conferences, special events, and office relocations.
Perform essential groundskeeping duties as needed, which may include mowing, weeding, trash removal, and critical snow/ice removal from walkways and entrances to ensure safety.
Accurately document all completed work orders, including labor time and materials used, within the company's Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Strictly follow all established safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and consistently use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for every task.
Assist in managing the inventory of maintenance supplies, spare parts, and tools, and report to supervisors when stock levels are low to prevent work delays.
Provide access and escort to outside vendors and contractors, monitoring their work to ensure it meets company standards and adheres to safety protocols.
Conduct minor plumbing repairs, such as clearing clogged drains with snakes or augers, repairing toilets, and replacing faucets, aerators, and fixtures.
Perform basic electrical work under supervision, including replacing light bulbs, ballasts, switches, and outlets.
Move heavy equipment, furniture, and materials safely using dollies, hand trucks, and other appropriate moving equipment.
Ensure all fire and life safety systems, such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting, are regularly inspected and in good working order.
Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor when interacting with colleagues, tenants, clients, and visitors, acting as a positive representative of the facilities team.
Complete routine operational checks on company vehicles and heavy equipment, ensuring they are clean, fueled, and ready for immediate use.
Respond to emergency maintenance situations after hours or on weekends as part of a rotating on-call schedule, if applicable.

Secondary Functions

Support the facilities team with large-scale office moves, furniture reconfigurations, and new equipment installations.
Contribute to company sustainability initiatives by assisting with recycling programs, waste management, and energy conservation efforts.
Assist in preparing interior and exterior surfaces for painting by patching holes, sanding, and applying primer as required.
Participate actively in team meetings to discuss ongoing projects, safety concerns, and upcoming preventive maintenance schedules.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Tool Proficiency: Confident and safe operation of common hand and power tools (e.g., drills, saws, sanders, wrenches, multimeters).
Basic Plumbing: Foundational understanding of plumbing systems for troubleshooting and repairing leaks, clogs, and fixtures.
Basic Electrical: Fundamental knowledge of electrical principles for safely replacing components like light fixtures, switches, and outlets.
General Repair & Carpentry: Experience with general building maintenance tasks including painting, drywall patching, and minor construction or assembly.
Work Order Management: Ability to read, interpret, and complete work orders or service tickets, both on paper and in a digital system (CMMS).
Safety Protocol Adherence: Deep understanding and practical application of workplace safety practices and OSHA guidelines, especially LOTO and PPE usage.
Equipment Operation: Familiarity with operating groundskeeping equipment like lawnmowers or snow blowers, and material handling equipment like pallet jacks.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: A natural ability to troubleshoot mechanical and structural issues to determine the root cause and find effective solutions.
Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Communication: Clear and professional verbal communication skills for interacting with the team, management, and building occupants.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to work, ensuring tasks are completed thoroughly, correctly, and safely the first time.
Teamwork & Independence: Ability to work collaboratively as a supportive member of a team and to work autonomously with minimal supervision when required.
Physical Stamina: The physical capability to lift objects up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and stand, walk, or kneel for extended periods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school focused on a relevant trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Building Maintenance Technology
HVAC-R, Electrical Technology, or Plumbing
Industrial Maintenance or Carpentry

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of hands-on experience in a related field such as general maintenance, construction, or landscaping. A strong mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn are paramount.

Preferred:

Prior experience working in a commercial, industrial, or multi-unit residential property maintenance environment is highly desirable.
A valid state driver's license with a clean driving record is often required for this role.