Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for General Maintenance Helper

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on problem-solver looking to start a rewarding career in the skilled trades? This role requires a motivated and reliable General Maintenance Helper to join our dynamic facilities team. In this essential role, you will be the backbone of our maintenance operations, providing crucial support to skilled technicians and ensuring our facilities are safe, functional, and well-maintained. This is more than just a job; it's a fantastic opportunity to learn diverse trades—from plumbing and electrical to HVAC and carpentry—from experienced professionals in a practical, real-world environment. If you have a strong work ethic and a desire to learn and grow, this position is your ideal entry point into the world of facility management.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

High School Graduate or GED Holder
General Laborer or Construction Helper
Trade School Student or Recent Graduate

Advancement To:

Maintenance Technician or Building Maintenance Mechanic
Lead Maintenance Technician
Facilities Supervisor or Manager

Lateral Moves:

Specialized Technician (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Locksmith)
Building Operator or Stationary Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist senior maintenance technicians with the repair and maintenance of building systems, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and mechanical equipment.
Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks, such as changing belts and filters on air handling units, lubricating motors and pumps, and cleaning coils.
Conduct regular inspections of facilities to identify and report issues with building infrastructure, safety hazards, and needed repairs.
Complete basic plumbing repairs, including unclogging drains, fixing leaky faucets, and replacing toilet components.
Execute minor electrical work, such as replacing light bulbs, ballasts, light switches, and electrical outlets under supervision.
Perform general carpentry tasks, including repairing doors, windows, fences, and constructing small wooden structures or shelving.
Prepare and paint interior and exterior surfaces, including patching drywall, sanding, and applying primer and paint.
Respond promptly to maintenance work orders submitted by staff, troubleshooting issues and completing repairs in a timely manner.
Safely move and arrange furniture, equipment, and office partitions to support reconfigurations and special events.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of maintenance shops, storage areas, and mechanical rooms.
Ensure all grounds and exterior areas are well-kept, including performing light landscaping, debris removal, and pressure washing.
Operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools, ensuring they are in safe and effective working condition.
Strictly adhere to all company safety policies and procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Keep an accurate inventory of maintenance supplies, parts, and tools, and notify supervisors when stock is low.
Document all completed work, including time and materials used, accurately within the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Provide support during seasonal activities, such as snow and ice removal from walkways and entrances.
Assemble and install new equipment, furniture, and fixtures according to manufacturer instructions.
Assist in monitoring and maintaining fire and life safety systems, including checking fire extinguishers and emergency lighting.
Safely operate company vehicles to transport materials, tools, and equipment between different work sites.
Provide excellent customer service when interacting with employees, tenants, and visitors to address their maintenance needs.
Clean up job sites after repairs are completed, ensuring the area is safe and free of debris for building occupants.

Secondary Functions

Respond to and document ad-hoc maintenance requests from various departments, providing timely updates on task status.
Contribute to the facility's preventive maintenance program by providing feedback on equipment performance and suggesting improvements.
Collaborate with department managers and staff to understand and address their maintenance needs with minimal disruption to their operations.
Participate in daily or weekly team meetings to review work orders, plan tasks, and discuss safety protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Tool Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to safely and effectively use a wide range of common hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers) and power tools (drills, saws, grinders).
Basic Plumbing: Foundational knowledge of fixing leaks, clearing clogs, and replacing simple fixtures like faucets and toilet hardware.
Basic Electrical: Understanding of fundamental electrical safety, with the ability to replace outlets, switches, ballasts, and light fixtures.
Carpentry & Drywall: Skill in performing minor repairs to wooden structures, doors, and windows, as well as patching and finishing drywall.
Painting: Experience with surface preparation, priming, and application of paint for a clean, professional finish.
Safety Protocol Knowledge: Familiarity with workplace safety standards, including the use of PPE, LOTO procedures, and general hazard recognition.
Mechanical Aptitude: A natural ability to understand how mechanical systems work and a knack for troubleshooting and repairing them.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: The ability to assess a situation, identify the root cause of a problem, and determine the most effective solution.
Strong Work Ethic: Dependable, punctual, and motivated to complete tasks thoroughly and efficiently with minimal supervision.
Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively and respectfully with senior technicians, supervisors, and other team members to achieve common goals.
Physical Stamina: Capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), climbing ladders, and working in various weather conditions.
Communication Skills: Clearly and concisely communicate with team members and building occupants regarding work status and requirements.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in carrying out tasks to ensure high-quality work and prevent safety issues.
Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage time to meet deadlines for multiple work orders.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

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

Relevant Fields of Study:

Building Maintenance Technology
Industrial Maintenance
HVAC, Electrical, or Plumbing trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a related field such as general labor, construction, landscaping, or as a helper in a specific trade.

Preferred:

1+ years of direct experience in a commercial, residential, or industrial facility maintenance environment. A valid driver's license with a clean driving record is often preferred.