Introduction of Maintenance Worker

Residential and commercial facilities require regular maintenance to remain in good shape; it is the responsibility of Maintenance Workers with a diverse range of handicrafts and practical abilities to carry out necessary repairs or general maintenance.

Similar Job Titles

• Building Maintenance Worker
• General Maintenance Worker
• Maintenance Technician
• Building Maintenance Technician
• Repair Worker
• Handyman

Typical Job Responsibilities

What do Maintenance Workers do?

A Maintenance Worker would typically need to:

• Evaluate, maintain, and repair building systems (electrical, HVAC, elevators, and plumbing), infrastructure (windows, doors, walls, and roof), and groundskeeping systems.
• Follow a fixed schedule to assure the upkeep of the entire building or collection of buildings for which they are accountable.
• Dust and mop common areas on a regular basis; do small repairs such as fixing broken locks and filling gaps in walls.
• Examine control panels and electrical wiring for problems such as malfunctioning electrical switches, outlets, and circuit breakers.
• Check the functionality of safety systems, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; perform system and equipment safety checks.
• Keep meticulous records of all repairs, inspections, and maintenance activities.
• During renovations, work with workers and other professionals to organize repair work using blueprints or schematics.
• Recognize potential problems or repairs that are outside their area of competence; contact the facilities or maintenance manager to fix the concerns.
• Set up repair appointments with mechanics or electricians when required
• Inspect the construction of the building and provide general care such as lawn mowing, garbage collection, window cleaning, pest control, and lawn maintenance.
• Clear gutters, maintain footpaths, and paint/decorate/keep property exteriors as the seasons change.
• Troubleshoot or repair machines, mechanical equipment, and basic electrical/heating/cooling issues; replace air conditioning filters
• Set up and assemble new appliances, furnishings, or equipment; order necessary supplies or spare parts for equipment maintenance or repair.
• Maintain clean and organized repair tools and supplies; react to and finish tenant or supervisor maintenance requests

Standard Work Environment

Maintenance Workers typically work both indoors and outside because they are responsible for the look and functional care of buildings, places, and offices.

The work environment is determined by the employer, who may restrict the Maintenance Worker to a single facility such as a hospital, office, or hotel, in which case the Maintenance Worker works in a single location. However, if your employer owns an apartment complex or a college campus, you may be required to travel between work sites during the day. You may work alone or in collaboration with other Maintenance Workers.

Work Schedule

The majority of Maintenance Workers work full-time, including nights and weekends. Some are on call for after-hours repairs.

Employers

Finding a new job may appear difficult. Maintenance workers can improve their job search by asking their network for referrals, directly contacting companies, using job search platforms, attending job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Maintenance Workers are generally employed by:

• Real Estate & Lending Agencies
• Apartment Complexes
• Manufacturing Companies
• Public & Private Academic Institutions
• Healthcare Organisations
• Social Assistance Agencies
• Hotels
• Shopping Plazas
• Commercial Stores & Offices

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional organizations and groups, such as The Association Of Certified Handyman Professionals, are essential for Maintenance employees who want to further their professional growth or interact with other professionals in their industry or trade. Membership in one or more of these organizations adds value to your CV while strengthening your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

The requirement to execute necessary repairs or maintenance in all weather conditions
Standing for long periods of time and lifting big objects provide a high risk of physical strain and tiredness.
Working in awkward or confined positions or on ladders is a distinct possibility.
Physical stamina is required to meet the employment demands of substantial walking, stair climbing, and reaching.
Electrical shocks falls, and cuts are all typical causes of injury.

Suggested Work Experience

A skilled Maintenance Worker apprenticeship would be perfect. Helping repair and construction workers like carpenters and electricians will also be beneficial. You will receive hands-on experience with hand and power tools, as well as reading technical manuals and drawings and understanding how things function.

Your understanding of maintenance methods and the structures or grounds that must be maintained will grow. You will also learn how to improve your communication, interpersonal, troubleshooting, and time management abilities.

You may start with easy activities like fixing leaking faucets and replacing light bulbs before moving to overhaul machines and constructing walls.

Many Maintenance Workers have prior work experience as a cashier, sales assistant, or warehouse worker.

To demonstrate your devotion to course providers and future employers, read about the profession and interview/job shadow professionals in maintenance.

Recommended Qualifications

Some Maintenance Workers have a bachelor’s degree, and only a few have a master’s degree; however, the vast majority believe that a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) is sufficient.

What is most important is a thorough understanding of repair and maintenance duties including electricity, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems, as well as painting and roofing operations.

Most Maintenance Workers receive their initial trade training in high school shop/technical education classes, postsecondary trade/vocational schools, or community colleges. Mechanical drawing, electricity, plasterboard repair, plastering, plumbing, woodworking, blueprint reading, maths, computers, general maintenance, and health and safety courses will be useful.

A two-year associate degree in building maintenance technology or facilities maintenance will set you apart from the crowd.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration

Voluntary certification from an objective and reputable organization in preventative maintenance for HVAC systems, facility management, maintenance and reliability, apartment maintenance and building systems maintenance can help you stand out in a competitive job market and allow you to become an independent consultant.

By including a Code of Ethics, successful certification programs defend the public welfare.

Maintenance To undertake more intricate electrical, carpentry, or plumbing jobs, workers must need specific licenses. Typically, licensure needs an application, processing fees, and a local code examination. Check with potential employers to see if you will need to be licensed.

Projected Career Map

Career advancement is driven by performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional certifications. A Maintenance Worker who continuously achieves high levels of performance may eventually be promoted to Foreman before becoming Superintendent or Facilities Manager at a later stage. Once you have the funds and contacts, you might even become a Project Manager or start your own repair or contracting business.

Job Prospects

Candidates with repair or maintenance experience should have the highest job prospects.

Beneficial Professional Development

CPD will assist an active Maintenance Worker in developing personal skills and competency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Most people want to specialize and work as electricians, heating and air conditioning mechanics, or plumbers. To rise to managerial positions, you may need to learn new abilities. Furthermore, CPD will allow for the ongoing renewal of key certificates.

Conclusion of Maintenance Worker

Maintenance Workers with a strong eye for detail and a diligent mindset keep entire civilizations and countries running. It is a dynamic and demanding career with a guaranteed high level of job satisfaction.

Advice from the Wise

During the negotiation process, be very explicit about your prospective employer’s expectations, as skill requirements and working conditions vary from job to job.

Read Also: How to Become a Maintenance Mechanic?