Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Trade Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a Trade Technician, you are the backbone of our facility's operational integrity. You will be responsible for ensuring a safe, efficient, and comfortable environment by applying your multi-trade expertise to maintain, diagnose, and repair a wide array of building systems. This hands-on position is perfect for a proactive and detail-oriented individual who thrives on solving complex technical challenges. You will be a key player in our preventative maintenance program and our first line of defense for emergency repairs, directly impacting our day-to-day success and long-term asset preservation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Maintenance Helper / General Maintenance Worker
Apprentice Electrician / Plumber / HVAC Technician
Handyman / Building Porter with technical aptitude

Advancement To:

Lead Trade Technician / Senior Maintenance Technician
Facilities Supervisor / Maintenance Supervisor
Chief Building Engineer / Facilities Manager

Lateral Moves:

Building Automation Systems (BAS) Technician
Project Coordinator (Facilities)
Specialized Technician (e.g., HVAC Specialist, Master Electrician)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform advanced troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repairs on complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems to ensure minimal downtime.
Execute the preventive maintenance program for all critical equipment, including HVAC units, boilers, chillers, pumps, motors, and air handling units, following detailed schedules and procedures.
Read and interpret complex blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals to accurately install, maintain, or repair equipment.
Respond promptly and professionally to emergency service calls, quickly assessing situations and implementing effective solutions to restore functionality and ensure safety.
Operate, monitor, and adjust Building Automation Systems (BAS) to optimize building performance, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.
Conduct routine inspections and daily rounds of all mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems, documenting findings and initiating corrective actions.
Perform skilled commercial electrical work, including repairing or replacing switches, outlets, ballasts, and troubleshooting circuits up to 480v.
Address plumbing issues by repairing leaks, clearing blockages in drains and sewer lines, and replacing fixtures such as toilets, faucets, and water heaters.
Complete general building maintenance and repair tasks, including carpentry, drywall patching, painting, and door/hardware repairs to maintain facility appearance and integrity.
Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) daily to receive work orders, document all completed tasks and materials used, and track asset history.
Ensure all work performed adheres to strict safety standards, including OSHA regulations, lock-out/tag-out procedures, and local building codes.
Install and commission new equipment and systems as part of facility upgrades, renovations, or tenant improvement projects.
Conduct regular water quality testing and chemical treatments for cooling towers, boilers, and closed-loop water systems.
Repair and maintain life safety systems, including fire pumps, fire alarm panels, and emergency lighting, in coordination with certified vendors.
Provide exceptional customer service to all building occupants, communicating effectively about maintenance schedules, repair status, and potential impacts.
Perform minor locksmith duties, such as cutting keys, re-keying locks, and repairing door closures and panic hardware.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in all mechanical rooms, workshops, and storage areas.
Operate and maintain heavy equipment such as aerial lifts, scissor lifts, and forklifts safely and effectively as required for maintenance tasks.
Assess equipment and systems to identify needs for major repairs or replacement, providing detailed recommendations and cost estimates to management.
Participate actively in safety training programs and promote a culture of safety awareness and compliance throughout the department.

Secondary Functions

Coordinate and oversee the work of third-party vendors and contractors, ensuring they adhere to company standards and project specifications.
Assist in managing the inventory of spare parts, tools, and maintenance supplies, and support the process for reordering materials as needed.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of maintenance procedures, safety protocols, and the preventive maintenance roadmap.
Prepare concise reports on maintenance activities, system performance trends, and unresolved issues for review by the Facilities Manager.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

HVAC Systems Expertise: Proven ability to troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on commercial HVAC equipment, including RTUs, VAVs, heat pumps, chillers, and boilers. EPA Universal Certification is strongly preferred.
Electrical Troubleshooting: Proficiency in diagnosing and repairing electrical systems, from basic lighting and power circuits to more complex control wiring and components up to 480V.
Plumbing Proficiency: Solid skills in commercial plumbing repair, including soldering/brazing copper pipe, fixing leaks, clearing drains, and installing various fixtures.
CMMS Software: Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (e.g., eMaint, Fiix, UpKeep) to manage work orders and track assets.
Building Automation Systems (BAS): Familiarity with operating and monitoring BAS platforms like Johnson Controls, Siemens, or Trane to manage building environments.
Blueprint and Schematic Reading: The ability to read, understand, and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and equipment manuals is essential.
Mechanical Aptitude: Strong understanding of mechanical systems, including pumps, motors, gearboxes, and conveyor systems.
Life Safety Systems: Knowledge of fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and emergency generators.

Soft Skills

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to logically diagnose complex system failures, identify root causes, and implement effective, lasting solutions, often under pressure.
Time Management & Prioritization: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple work orders and competing priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Communication Skills: Clear and professional communication with team members, management, and building occupants regarding maintenance issues and resolutions.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to work, ensuring repairs are completed correctly and all safety procedures are followed without exception.
Customer Service Orientation: A positive and professional demeanor with a focus on resolving occupant issues and minimizing disruption.
Autonomy: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, taking ownership of assigned tasks from start to finish.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a relevant trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

HVAC-R Technology
Electrical Technology
Industrial Maintenance
Building Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in a commercial, industrial, or large-scale residential maintenance role.

Preferred: Experience in a large, complex facility (e.g., corporate campus, hospital, data center, or manufacturing plant) with direct exposure to industrial-grade systems, Building Automation Systems (BAS), and a formal CMMS workflow. Possession of trade-specific licenses (e.g., Journeyman Electrician) or certifications is a significant plus.