What Does a Maintenance Helper Do?

Maintenance helpers are the hands-on workers that keep our buildings, vehicles, and other equipment in good working order. They commonly work under the supervision of a skilled tradesperson or engineer, but they may also be responsible for completing some tasks on their own.

Maintenance helpers typically perform routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning, repairing equipment, replacing parts, etc. However, they may also be called upon to complete more complex repairs when a skilled tradesperson is unavailable.

Maintenance Helper Job Duties

Maintenance helpers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Performing maintenance activities such as painting, repairing windows, replacing carpet, or cleaning up debris from construction sites
• Performing light repair work such as changing light bulbs and repairing small items such as leaky faucets or broken windows
• Cleaning and maintaining building exteriors, including removing graffiti and scrubbing walls with detergent and water
• Collecting and disposing of garbage and recyclable materials from offices and other work areas
• Installing mechanical equipment such as air conditioners and humidifiers
• Inspecting equipment for signs of wear and tear or damage and reporting issues to supervisors
• Performing minor electrical work such as replacing light bulbs or installing receptacles or wiring new equipment
• Maintaining buildings by performing tasks such as mopping floors, vacuuming offices, or dusting shelves
• Completing other miscellaneous tasks as assigned by supervisors

Maintenance Helper Salary & Outlook

Maintenance helpers’ salaries vary depending on their level of experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $36,000 ($17.31/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $49,500 ($23.8/hour)

The employment of maintenance helpers 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 infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. However, employment growth will be limited because many of these workers are expected to be hired for more skilled jobs, such as pipefitters and welders.

Maintenance Helper Job Requirements

A maintenance helper may need to possess some or all of the following:

Education: A high school diploma or GED is often a minimum requirement for maintenance helpers. Some employers may prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. A two-year associate’s degree in building maintenance technology can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to work as maintenance helpers.

Training & Experience: Maintenance helpers typically receive on-the-job training from their new employer. This training can last for a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the job and the company’s policies. During this training, maintenance helpers learn about the company’s policies and procedures, as well as the specific equipment and cleaning products they will use. They also learn about any safety precautions they need to follow.

Certifications & Licenses: Maintenance helpers do not require any certifications to earn their position. However, there are certifications available for maintenance helpers who wish to increase their earning capacity or to help secure advancement in the industry.

Maintenance Helper Skills

Maintenance helpers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Attention to detail: Maintenance helpers should be able to perform their duties with precision. This is because they often work with tools and equipment that can be dangerous if not handled properly. For example, if a maintenance helper is working on a car, they should be able to identify the correct parts and use them correctly. This ensures that the car is working properly and that the maintenance helper isn’t injured.

Time management: Maintenance helpers often have to complete a variety of tasks in a short period of time. Having good time management skills can help you complete all of your tasks in a timely manner. This can help you meet your employer’s expectations and ensure that you complete all of your duties in a professional manner.

Communication: Maintenance helpers often work with other employees, so it’s important for them to be able to communicate effectively. They should be able to listen to and follow instructions from supervisors and managers, and they should be able to explain their duties to other employees.

Problem-solving: Maintenance helpers are often responsible for completing tasks that are not always clearly defined. They must be able to think critically and find creative solutions to problems that arise. For example, if a machine breaks down, a maintenance helper may be asked to find a way to fix it. This requires them to think of alternative methods or solutions to complete the task.

Physical stamina: Maintenance helpers often perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting heavy equipment or supplies. Having good physical stamina can help you complete tasks efficiently and safely.

Maintenance Helper Work Environment

Maintenance helpers typically work in the maintenance department of a factory, office building, or other large facility. They work under the supervision of a maintenance supervisor or manager and are responsible for performing a variety of tasks to keep the facility in good repair. These tasks may include painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and appliance repair. Maintenance helpers typically work a 40-hour week, but they may be required to work overtime on occasion to complete a project or to respond to an emergency repair situation. The work can be physically demanding, and helpers may be exposed to hazardous materials, such as asbestos, lead, and chemicals.

Maintenance Helper Trends

Here are three trends influencing how maintenance helpers work. Maintenance helpers 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 machinery. As machines become more complex, so too does the need for technicians who have the knowledge and training to repair them.

This trend is having a significant impact on the maintenance industry, as businesses are increasingly looking for technicians who can not only fix machines but also understand how they work. This requires a deeper level of technical knowledge that can only be acquired through years of experience.

More Focus on Preventative Maintenance

As businesses continue to focus on preventive maintenance, maintenance helpers will need to develop new skills in order to stay competitive.

Preventative maintenance involves inspecting equipment and making repairs before problems occur. This allows businesses to avoid costly downtime and keep their equipment running at peak performance.

Maintenance helpers who are able to provide this type of service will be in high demand, as businesses look for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. In order to be successful, maintenance helpers will need to be able to identify potential problems before they happen and come up with solutions to prevent them from occurring.

Increased Use of Technology

The use of technology in the workplace is becoming more and more common, and this is especially true in the maintenance department.

As technology becomes more prevalent, maintenance helpers will need to learn how to use it in order to perform their jobs effectively. This includes learning how to use software such as computer-aided design (CAD) programs, which are used to create plans for repairs.

How to Become a Maintenance Helper

A career as a maintenance helper can be a great way to get started in the construction industry. As a maintenance helper, you’ll learn about different types of equipment and how they work, as well as how to use tools safely and correctly. You’ll also gain experience working with other people on a team, which is important for any job in construction.

As you progress in your career, you may want to consider becoming a journeyman mechanic or electrician. These jobs require more training and experience, but they can lead to even more opportunities in the construction industry.

Advancement Prospects

Maintenance helpers typically start out performing routine tasks under the supervision of a more experienced maintenance worker. As they learn the trade and develop their skills, they are given more responsibility and may eventually be promoted to a lead maintenance worker or supervisor position. Some maintenance helpers may also choose to become certified maintenance technicians, which can lead to higher wages and more responsibility.

Maintenance Helper Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we believe that a clean and well-maintained facility is a reflection of our commitment to excellence. We’re looking for a reliable and hardworking maintenance helper to join our team and assist with the upkeep of our buildings and grounds. The ideal candidate will have experience in general maintenance and repair work, and will be comfortable working with a variety of tools and equipment. He or she will be responsible for performing a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to painting, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. This is a full-time position with benefits, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow with our company.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the maintenance staff in the performance of their duties as needed
• Help to maintain the cleanliness and organization of the shop and work areas
• Perform general housekeeping tasks such as sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash
• Assist in the set-up and take-down of equipment and supplies for events
• Help to move furniture and other heavy items as needed
• Be available to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and weekends
• Help to perform routine maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs and filters
• Assist with the upkeep of grounds and landscaping
• Help to clear snow and ice from sidewalks and parking areas
• Assist with special projects as needed
• Report any safety hazards or maintenance problems to the supervisor immediately
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proven experience as maintenance helper or other relevant role
• Ability to use power and hand tools
• Basic understanding of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
• Excellent physical stamina and strength
• Good organizational and time-management skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in industrial maintenance or related field
• Experience working in a commercial or industrial setting
• Working knowledge of safety standards and procedures
• OSHA certification
• Forklift certification