Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Utility Worker

💰 $ - $

MaintenanceFacilitiesGroundskeepingCustodialOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Utility Worker is a multi-skilled facilities and grounds maintenance professional responsible for day-to-day upkeep, safety, and basic repairs across buildings, grounds, and support infrastructure. This role supports preventive maintenance programs, responds to work orders and emergencies, performs custodial and groundskeeping duties, and assists skilled trades when specialized repair or installation is required. Ideal candidates are reliable, physically fit, safety-focused, and able to manage multiple routine tasks while delivering excellent customer service to building occupants and external stakeholders.

Utility Worker keywords for SEO/LLM: utility worker, facilities maintenance, groundskeeping, custodial services, preventive maintenance, work order systems, OSHA safety, equipment operation, grounds maintenance, event setup.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Custodian / Janitorial Staff
  • Groundskeeper / Landscaper
  • General Laborer or Warehouse Associate

Advancement To:

  • Maintenance Technician
  • Facilities Technician / Building Engineer
  • Lead Utility Worker or Facilities Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Groundskeeping Specialist or Landscape Technician
  • Custodial Supervisor
  • Event Setup Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform routine custodial duties across assigned facilities including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, restroom cleaning and sanitization, waste removal, and restocking of supplies to maintain a clean, safe environment for occupants and visitors.
  • Execute groundskeeping tasks such as mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, weeding, mulching, and seasonal planting to preserve landscape aesthetics and safety.
  • Operate, maintain, and perform basic repairs on grounds and facilities equipment (mowers, tractors, snow blowers, chain saws, floor scrubbers, pressure washers); follow manufacturer maintenance schedules and log completed maintenance.
  • Conduct snow and ice control: plow, shovel, salt, and sand sidewalks, parking lots and building entrances during winter storms to ensure pedestrian and vehicular safety.
  • Respond to and resolve routine maintenance work orders via the CMMS/work order system including minor plumbing (unclog drains, replace faucets), electrical (replace ballasts and bulbs, troubleshoot outlets), carpentry (patch drywall, replace damaged trim), and HVAC filters replacement.
  • Assist skilled tradespeople on complex repairs and installations by preparing work areas, providing tools and materials, and performing follow-up tasks as directed to ensure efficient project completion.
  • Perform preventative maintenance tasks: check, clean, and replace filters, lubricate hinges and motors, inspect belts and hoses, tighten loose hardware, and report items requiring scheduled or emergency repairs.
  • Inspect buildings, grounds, and equipment daily for hazards, vandalism, water leaks, pest activity, and safety concerns; initiate corrective action or notify supervisors and document findings in condition reports.
  • Load and unload supplies, equipment, and furniture; safely move and set up chairs, tables, staging and barricades for events, special projects, and tenant moves while following safe lifting and material handling practices.
  • Maintain inventory of maintenance and janitorial supplies; order and receive materials, track usage, and ensure secure and organized storage to minimize downtime and cost.
  • Clean, inspect and perform routine maintenance on fleet and facility vehicles (fueling, washing, basic checks) and coordinate with fleet services for repairs and registration compliance.
  • Follow lockout/tagout and confined space entry protocols when performing maintenance that could expose workers to energy hazards; ensure PPE use and adherence to OSHA and company safety policies.
  • Assist in painting and finishing tasks: surface preparation, patching, priming, and applying paint to walls, doors, and trim for upkeep and aesthetic maintenance.
  • Replace lighting, signage and access hardware (locks, door closers), and perform routine door and window maintenance to maintain security and accessibility.
  • Maintain drainage systems, clean gutters, inspect storm drains, and perform minor plumbing maintenance to prevent flooding and water damage to facilities and grounds.
  • Conduct pest control support by coordinating with pest management vendors, maintaining sanitation practices, and implementing exclusionary measures recommended by specialists.
  • Respond to after-hours emergencies as assigned (floods, power outages, broken windows, emergency cleanups) and execute initial containment and mitigation until trades or supervisors arrive.
  • Complete daily logs, work orders and maintenance records accurately in digital or paper systems; document labor hours, materials used and work performed to support warranty and budgeting processes.
  • Adhere to environmental, health and safety procedures for hazardous material handling, recycling, composting and disposal of regulated wastes according to local, state and federal regulations.
  • Participate in regular safety meetings and training sessions; help identify workplace hazards and contribute to continuous improvement of safety programs and standard operating procedures.
  • Assist with construction site clean-up, demolition debris removal, and prep/restore tasks for renovation projects to keep job sites organized and safe.
  • Support event set up and tear down (concessions, signage, temporary fencing electrical distribution) ensuring timely and correct configuration for concerts, conferences and campus events.
  • Perform periodic security rounds and report suspicious activity, unauthorized access, or facility damage to building security or management to protect assets and occupants.
  • Provide courteous, professional customer service to tenants, staff and visitors; troubleshoot occupant issues and escalate as appropriate to ensure timely resolution and satisfaction.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain and update maintenance manuals, standard operating procedures, and safety checklists to improve operational consistency and training.
  • Support project teams by transporting materials and staging equipment for renovation and capital improvement projects.
  • Assist environmental and energy initiatives by implementing energy-saving practices: replacing bulbs with LED, sealing drafts, and monitoring HVAC filter schedules.
  • Train and mentor new utility staff or seasonal workers on equipment operation, safety protocols, and site-specific procedures.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives: provide suggestions on maintenance workflows, spare parts stocking, and cost-saving opportunities.
  • Coordinate with vendors and contractors for specialized repairs or service agreements; ensure vendor compliance with site-specific safety and access requirements.
  • Perform inventory reconciliation and suggest reorder points and product substitutions to improve inventory turnover and reduce stockouts.
  • Support facilities administration with permit applications, inspection coordination, and documentation for compliance audits.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient operation and routine maintenance of grounds equipment: zero-turn mowers, ride-on mowers, walk-behind mowers, string trimmers, blowers, and small tractors.
  • Experience with custodial equipment: floor buffers, scrubbers, carpet extractors, high-reach vacuums and pressure washers; knowledge of cleaning chemicals and proper dilution/application.
  • Basic electrical skills: replacing ballasts, fixtures, lamps, troubleshooting outlets and switches, understanding of circuit labeling and safety procedures.
  • Basic plumbing skills: unclogging drains, repairing faucets, replacing fixtures, patching minor leaks and understanding of shut-off valves.
  • Carpentry and general repair: patching drywall, door and window hardware repair, basic framing, trim replacement and minor finish carpentry.
  • Preventive maintenance and inspection skills: ability to identify wear, schedule repairs, and document completed PM tasks in a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
  • Equipment safety certifications or experience: forklift operation (powered industrial truck), skid-steer or loader operation when applicable and licensed.
  • Knowledge of OSHA regulations, lockout/tagout procedures, hazard communication (HAZCOM), and safe handling/disposal of common facility hazardous materials.
  • Experience with grounds irrigation systems: basic troubleshooting of controllers, sprinkler heads and valve maintenance.
  • Facility work order and inventory systems experience (e.g., FM systems, CMMS platforms), and basic digital literacy: email, mobile work order apps, and spreadsheets.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and quality orientation when performing inspections, repairs and cleaning tasks.
  • Excellent time management and ability to prioritize multiple simultaneous tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic and sense of accountability; able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Clear verbal communication skills for coordinating with supervisors, vendors and building occupants.
  • Solid problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset — able to identify root causes of recurring issues and recommend corrective actions.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity, comfortable performing manual labor in variable outdoor and indoor conditions.
  • Customer-service orientation: professional demeanor when interacting with tenants, visitors and internal stakeholders.
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new tools, procedures, trade skills, and safety practices.
  • Collaborative attitude to support multi-disciplinary maintenance and operations teams.
  • Situational awareness and safety-first mindset to proactively reduce risk for self and others.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED or equivalent work experience in facilities, grounds, custodial or construction trades.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate, technical diploma, or associate degree in Facilities Management, Construction Technology, Horticulture, or related field.
  • Certifications such as OSHA 10/30, forklift (powered industrial truck), HAZWOPER 8/24, or first aid/CPR preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Facilities Management
  • Construction Technology or Building Trades
  • Horticulture, Landscape Technology or Groundskeeping
  • Mechanical Technology or Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • Entry-level 0–2 years to intermediate 2–5 years depending on employer needs.

Preferred:

  • 1–3 years of combined experience in facilities maintenance, groundskeeping, custodial operations, or a related field with documented experience operating maintenance equipment and completing PM tasks.
  • Demonstrated experience using a CMMS or electronic work order system, and a track record of following safety protocols and working effectively in a team-based maintenance environment.
Explore More Careers