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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Utility Employee

💰 $ - $

FacilitiesMaintenanceCustodialGroundskeepingUtilitiesOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Utility Employee (also called Utility Worker or Utility Assistant) performs a wide range of physical, hands-on duties that keep facilities, grounds, and building systems safe, clean, and operational. This role supports facilities management by performing custodial work, basic maintenance, groundskeeping, waste handling, set-up/tear-down for events, and operation of common grounds and custodial equipment. Utility Employees are essential frontline contributors who follow safety procedures, document work, and escalate maintenance issues to trades technicians when necessary.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Custodian / Janitor
  • Groundskeeper / Landscaping Laborer
  • Warehouse Associate or General Laborer

Advancement To:

  • Maintenance Technician
  • Facilities Technician
  • Grounds Supervisor / Lead Utility Worker
  • Building Services Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Janitorial Supervisor
  • Event Set-up Technician
  • Fleet / Equipment Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform daily custodial duties including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, restroom sanitation, trash collection and disposal, and replenishing supplies to maintain clean, safe, and welcoming public and employee spaces across buildings and outdoor areas.
  • Conduct routine groundskeeping: mow lawns, edge, trim shrubs, pull weeds, rake leaves, maintain flower beds, and apply mulch to preserve attractive, safe exterior environments and prevent damage to turf and plantings.
  • Operate and maintain floor care and grounds equipment such as ride-on mowers, riding and walk-behind sweepers, commercial floor scrubbers, buffer/polishers, pressure washers, snow blowers, and hand tools while following manufacturer guidelines and safety procedures.
  • Execute snow and ice management: plow, shovel, salt, and sand pedestrian paths, parking lots, and building entrances according to the facility's snow removal plan to ensure safe egress and ingress during winter weather.
  • Perform basic, preventive, and corrective maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, replacing HVAC filters, patching drywall, painting touch-ups, unclogging drains, tightening door hardware, and cleaning HVAC intakes to extend asset life and reduce service calls.
  • Assist maintenance tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs) by preparing work areas, carrying tools and materials, performing demolition or clean-up, and following directions to support efficient repairs and installations.
  • Load and unload delivery vehicles, stage materials for projects and events, transport supplies between buildings, and maintain organized storerooms and inventory logs to support operations and minimize supply disruptions.
  • Set up, inspect, and take down chairs, tables, barricades, portable stages, and signage for campus events, meetings, and emergency operations, ensuring timely, safe event execution and compliance with facility policies.
  • Remove and properly dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous waste (including sharps or regulated medical waste where authorized) following OSHA, EPA, and company protocols, and maintain accurate waste manifests when applicable.
  • Conduct routine facility inspections and safety rounds, report hazards, potential energy inefficiencies, security issues, and deferred maintenance via work order systems or direct supervisor communication to reduce risk and respond proactively.
  • Perform minor carpentry, plumbing, and painting repairs in accordance with trade guidance and permit requirements, including door adjustments, cabinet repairs, small pipe repairs, and sealing and caulking to maintain building integrity.
  • Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment safely when certified; secure loads for transport and comply with site-specific vehicle and pedestrian traffic rules.
  • Apply pesticide, herbicide or fertilizer treatments under supervision (where licensed/certified), or assist licensed applicators, following label directions, safety data sheets (SDS), and local regulations.
  • Conduct playground, parking lot, and lighting inspections and report deficiencies such as potholes, broken glass, damaged curbs, and burned-out exterior lights for timely remediation and occupant safety.
  • Complete and close work orders in computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), log labor hours, record materials used, and maintain daily activity logs to ensure accurate tracking and communication with facility teams.
  • Respond to urgent service requests and emergency calls (flooding, power outages, plumbing leaks, security lockouts) in a timely, prioritized manner to minimize operational disruption and protect people and property.
  • Maintain and restock custodial closets, first aid stations, and emergency response kits; inspect emergency eyewash and shower stations and report deficiencies.
  • Assist with building move coordination—disassemble/reassemble furniture, label and transport boxes, and stage new occupant spaces—ensuring minimal downtime and proper placement of equipment.
  • Adhere to lockout/tagout, confined space entry awareness, PPE usage, fall protection, and other safety procedures; participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks and required trainings to maintain a zero-incident culture.
  • Support energy conservation initiatives by monitoring lighting, HVAC usage, and reporting opportunities for efficiency improvements (e.g., daylighting, programmable thermostats) to facilities leadership.
  • Maintain professional, helpful interactions with staff, tenants, visitors, and vendors; escalate customer-reported facility issues to management and ensure follow-through until resolution.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with asset tagging, inventory audits, and cycle counts to help maintain accurate records of tools, equipment, and supplies.
  • Support onboarding by training new Utility Employees on site-specific procedures, basic equipment operation, and safety policies.
  • Participate in seasonal projects, capital project prep work, and facility upgrade staging under direction from supervisors or project managers.
  • Provide support for pest control activities, including perimeter inspections and documenting sightings to protect occupants and building systems.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting process improvements, cost-saving measures, and safety enhancements based on frontline observations.
  • Support minor IT or A/V equipment moves and basic troubleshooting of meeting room technology during event setup (e.g., connecting cables, moving monitors).
  • Help implement recycling and sustainability programs by sorting recyclable materials, maintaining recycling stations and educating building occupants on proper disposal.
  • Assist with vendor coordination by providing site access, staging vendor equipment, and ensuring vendor compliance with site rules and PPE requirements.
  • Participate in after-hours or weekend rotations and on-call schedules as required for emergency response and event support.
  • Provide light painting, pressure washing, and graffiti removal services to maintain facility appearance and brand standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Safe operation of grounds and custodial equipment: commercial floor scrubbers, buffers, pressure washers, riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, snow blowers, and walk-behind sweepers.
  • Basic plumbing and drain maintenance: clearing clogs, replacing seals, repairing minor leaks, and basic fixture replacement.
  • Basic electrical tasks: swapping light bulbs/ballasts, replacing switches/outlets under supervision, and troubleshooting simple lighting issues.
  • Carpentry and painting: hanging doors, patching drywall, basic trim work, caulking, and touch-up painting for interior and exterior surfaces.
  • Material handling and forklift operation (when certified): pallet jack, hand truck, and safe load securement techniques.
  • Knowledge of chemical cleaning agents and disinfectants, proper dilution, SDS comprehension, PPE usage, and custodial sanitation protocols (including infection control where applicable).
  • Snow and ice management techniques, including plow operation, salt/sand application, and winter safety procedures.
  • Use of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or work-order systems to log requests, update status, and track labor/materials.
  • Hazardous waste handling and disposal procedures, including basic knowledge of local/regulatory requirements and proper labeling.
  • Familiarity with preventive maintenance concepts and the ability to perform scheduled building checks and simple tune-ups.
  • Basic landscaping skills: irrigation checks, trimming, plant health observations, and mulch application.
  • Lockout/tagout awareness and adherence, fall protection basics, and general OSHA compliance for facilities staff.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and pride in producing high-quality, clean, and safe environments.
  • Dependable and punctual with a strong work ethic and the ability to manage multiple tasks under minimal supervision.
  • Clear verbal communication and professional customer service when interacting with staff, vendors, contractors, and the public.
  • Team-oriented attitude with the ability to collaborate with maintenance trades, event staff, and facilities leadership.
  • Good physical stamina and manual dexterity to perform repetitive tasks, lift moderate loads, and work in varied weather conditions.
  • Problem-solving mindset: ability to identify root causes, suggest practical fixes, and escalate appropriately when issues exceed scope.
  • Flexibility and adaptability for shifting priorities, emergency response, and seasonal workload differences.
  • Time management and organizational skills to prioritize daily rounds, work orders, and event commitments.
  • Situational awareness and sound judgment to maintain safety for self and others in dynamic environments.
  • Initiative to propose small process or efficiency improvements and follow through on assigned projects.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED (or equivalent experience in custodial, grounds or general labor roles).

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training, certificate, or community college coursework in building maintenance, HVAC, landscaping, or facilities management.
  • Certifications such as OSHA 10, forklift, HAZWOPER awareness, or state applicator license for pesticide/herbicide use where applicable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Facilities Management
  • Building Maintenance Technology
  • Landscaping/Horticulture
  • Construction Trade Basics
  • Occupational Safety

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years of hands-on facilities, custodial, or grounds experience for entry-level Utility Employee roles; 2–5 years preferred for sites with complex equipment or larger campuses.

Preferred:

  • 1–3 years of custodial and grounds experience, or prior experience supporting maintenance trades in commercial, institutional, or municipal facilities.
  • Certifications preferred: Forklift operator, OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid, or other site-specific safety trainings; CDL or snowplow experience valued for winter operations.
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