What Does a Facility Maintenance Technician Do?

Facility maintenance technicians are responsible for keeping the buildings and grounds of their organization clean, safe, and functional. They commonly work with a team of other technicians, contractors, and support staff to ensure that all areas of the building are properly maintained.

As part of this job, facility maintenance technicians may be tasked with performing routine cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming floors; washing windows; removing trash from bins; etc. However, they also commonly perform more specialized duties such as installing new equipment or fixtures, repairing broken equipment, and even handling emergency situations such as water leaks or fires.

Facility Maintenance Technician Job Duties

Facility maintenance technicians have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Cleaning and maintaining common areas, such as lobbies, cafeterias, hallways, stairwells, and reception areas
• Reading blueprints or layouts to determine work orders for repairs or improvements
• Conducting minor repairs to equipment or facilities such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, or painting
• Maintaining inventory of supplies and ordering supplies needed for projects
• Installing fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, and other safety devices
• Repairing or replacing damaged equipment or parts such as motors, bearings, or solenoids
• Conducting inspections to ensure that standards are met by contractors or subcontractors
• Cleaning floors, walls, windowsills, ceilings, light fixtures, and bathrooms
• Performing basic maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, replacing batteries in alarm clocks, or repairing small leaks in drains or toilets

Facility Maintenance Technician Salary & Outlook

The salary of a facility maintenance technician can vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of company they work for. Some technicians may also work as part of a team, which can affect their total income.

• Median Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $70,500 ($33.89/hour)

The employment of facility maintenance technicians is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the need to maintain and repair existing facilities, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, because of the high cost of replacing these structures. In addition, the need to update and automate systems in older buildings will require technicians to install new equipment and make repairs.

Facility Maintenance Technician Job Requirements

A facility maintenance technician typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Facility maintenance technicians typically need a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate. Some facilities may prefer to hire candidates who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in facility maintenance or a related field.

Training & Experience: Most facility maintenance technicians receive on-the-job training from their supervisors or other experienced technicians. This training helps the technician learn the specific procedures and practices of the facility. It also helps them learn the tools and equipment they will need to complete their duties.

Certifications & Licenses: While certifications are not required for a facility maintenance technician role, they can be valuable for candidates applying for jobs. They can also be beneficial for facility maintenance technicians who have been employed for some time, as they can help them gain additional knowledge through continuing education.

Facility Maintenance Technician Skills

Facility maintenance technicians need the following skills in order to be successful:

Technical skills: Technical skills are the knowledge and experience you have in a specific field. This can include knowledge of tools and equipment, how to use software and applications, how to read and interpret technical documents and how to troubleshoot and repair equipment. Facility maintenance technicians need to have a wide range of technical skills to perform their duties effectively.

Communication skills: Communication skills are necessary for interacting with coworkers, clients and other individuals. As a facility maintenance technician, you may be required to give presentations to management or clients about the status of a project or the need for maintenance on a piece of equipment. Effective communication skills can help you convey your ideas and information clearly and concisely.

Problem-solving skills: As a facility maintenance technician, you may be responsible for identifying and resolving issues with a variety of equipment and systems. Your ability to identify the source of a problem and develop a solution is an important skill for this position. You may also be responsible for training others on how to identify and solve problems.

Attention to detail: Attention to detail is a necessary skill for facility maintenance technicians. This is because they often work with complex machinery and equipment, and they need to identify and repair any issues that may arise. Attention to detail can also help them identify potential hazards and safety risks in the workplace.

Ability to work independently: When working as a facility maintenance technician, you may be required to work alone for extended periods of time. This means you need to be comfortable with your own company and able to complete your work without assistance. Working independently can also mean working on your own time, so you need to be comfortable with working at your own pace.

Facility Maintenance Technician Work Environment

Facility maintenance technicians work in a variety of settings, including office buildings, factories, retail establishments, and hospitals. They typically work full time, and some may be on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies. Many facility maintenance technicians work outdoors, and some may be exposed to hazardous materials. They may work in cramped, dirty, or dusty areas and be exposed to noise from machinery. They may also work in inclement weather conditions. To protect themselves from injury, facility maintenance technicians must follow safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses.

Facility Maintenance Technician Trends

Here are three trends influencing how facility maintenance technicians work. Facility maintenance technicians will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Technical Skills

The need for more technical skills is a trend that is being driven by the increasing complexity of modern facilities. As technology advances, so too does the need for technicians who can keep it running smoothly.

This trend means that facility maintenance technicians will need to be able to not only fix broken equipment, but also understand how it works and how to troubleshoot problems. In order to stay ahead of the curve, they will need to continue to learn new technologies as they emerge.

More Focus on Preventative Maintenance

As businesses become more aware of the importance of preventive maintenance, they are increasingly turning to facility maintenance technicians to help them keep their buildings in good working order.

This trend is likely to continue as businesses realize the benefits of having a team of professionals who are responsible for keeping their facilities in good working order. By hiring a facility maintenance technician, businesses can ensure that their buildings are always operating at peak efficiency, which can lead to significant savings over time.

A Greater Emphasis on Energy Efficiency

As energy costs continue to rise, businesses are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption. This has led to an increased emphasis on energy efficiency, which is where facility maintenance technicians come in.

By installing and maintaining energy-efficient systems, such as LED lighting and HVAC units, technicians can help businesses save money on their energy bills while also helping to protect the environment.

How to Become a Facility Maintenance Technician

A career as a facility maintenance technician can be rewarding in many ways. It offers the opportunity to work with a variety of different equipment and systems, learn about new technologies, and help keep businesses running smoothly. You’ll also have the chance to work with a range of people from different industries, which can provide valuable insight into how things work in different settings.

To be successful in this field, it’s important to have a strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. You should also be able to read blueprints and drawings so that you can understand how buildings are constructed. Additionally, it’s important to be able to troubleshoot problems and find solutions on your own.

Advancement Prospects

Facility maintenance technicians can advance their career by completing a certificate or degree program in a related field, such as building maintenance or HVAC technology. In some cases, technicians may be able to find a job with a larger company that offers more opportunities for advancement. With experience, technicians may be able to move into a lead maintenance role or a management position.

Facility Maintenance Technician Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we maintain a safe and comfortable environment for our employees, customers, and visitors. We’re looking for a highly skilled and experienced facility maintenance technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in all aspects of facility maintenance, including HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work. He/she will be responsible for performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repairing equipment, and completing work orders in a timely and efficient manner. The facility maintenance technician will also be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all work completed.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Inspect facilities regularly to identify any necessary repairs or maintenance
• Perform scheduled and unscheduled repairs in a timely manner
• Respond to emergency repair requests as needed
• Keep accurate records of all maintenance and repair work
• Assist with the development and implementation of preventive maintenance programs
• Maintain tools and equipment in good working order
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures when performing repairs
• Comply with all local building codes and regulations
• Coordinate with outside contractors as needed to complete repairs
• Assist with the set-up and break-down of facility for events
• Perform general cleaning tasks as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proven experience as maintenance technician or similar role
• Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other systems
• Basic carpentry, welding, and metalwork skills
• Ability to read technical manuals and drawings
• Good problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication ability

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in industrial maintenance or related field
• Industrial safety certification
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Bilingualism