Maintenance workers are responsible for keeping buildings and grounds in good condition. They perform a wide range of tasks, from basic repairs and preventative maintenance to more complex projects. Maintenance workers are typically employed by organizations, businesses and government agencies to keep their facilities in good working order. Depending on the organization, they may also be responsible for landscaping and grounds keeping duties.
What Does a Maintenance Worker Do?
A maintenance worker is responsible for the maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds and equipment. Typical duties include inspecting and repairing structures, such as walls, roofs, doors and windows, performing minor electrical and plumbing repairs, painting, landscaping and grounds keeping, as well as assisting in general construction projects. The maintenance worker may also be responsible for providing general janitorial services, such as sweeping and mopping floors and emptying trash cans. Additionally, the maintenance worker may be required to operate or maintain vehicles or equipment, such as snow plows or lawn mowers.
What Are the Qualifications for a Maintenance Worker?
Maintenance workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require specialized certifications or experience in a particular trade. Most employers also require a valid driver’s license and may require a background check. Maintenance workers should possess basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical systems and other building systems as well as a familiarity with operating different types of equipment.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Maintenance Worker?
Maintenance workers can enjoy a number of benefits, such as job security, steady employment, flexible working hours and additional skills. Some organizations also offer additional benefits, such as paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance and retirement plans. Maintenance workers also have the opportunity to travel and work on a variety of projects.
What Is the Average Salary of a Maintenance Worker?
The average salary for a maintenance worker varies depending on the location and type of employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for maintenance workers was $32,340 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,140, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $50,430.
What Are Some Common Job Titles for Maintenance Workers?
Common job titles for maintenance workers include custodian, janitor, handyman, groundskeeper, building maintenance technician, facilities maintenance technician, building maintenance engineer and maintenance mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a maintenance worker?
A maintenance worker is responsible for the maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds and equipment. Typical duties include inspecting and repairing structures, such as walls, roofs, doors and windows, performing minor electrical and plumbing repairs, painting, landscaping and grounds keeping, as well as assisting in general construction projects.
What qualifications do you need to be a maintenance worker?
Maintenance workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require specialized certifications or experience in a particular trade. Most employers also require a valid driver’s license and may require a background check. Maintenance workers should possess basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical systems and other building systems as well as a familiarity with operating different types of equipment.
What are some common job titles for maintenance workers?
Common job titles for maintenance workers include custodian, janitor, handyman, groundskeeper, building maintenance technician, facilities maintenance technician, building maintenance engineer and maintenance mechanic.
What is the average salary of a maintenance worker?
The average salary for a maintenance worker varies depending on the location and type of employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for maintenance workers was $32,340 in May 2020.
What are the benefits of being a maintenance worker?
Maintenance workers can enjoy a number of benefits, such as job security, steady employment, flexible working hours and additional skills. Some organizations also offer additional benefits, such as paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance and retirement plans. Maintenance workers also have the opportunity to travel and work on a variety of projects.
Is it hard to become a maintenance worker?
Becoming a maintenance worker does not require any formal education or training, but employers may require experience or specialized certifications. Maintenance workers should possess basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical systems and other building systems as well as a familiarity with operating different types of equipment.
What activities do maintenance workers do?
Maintenance workers typically perform a wide range of tasks, from basic repairs and preventative maintenance to more complex projects. Typical duties include inspecting and repairing structures, such as walls, roofs, doors and windows, performing minor electrical and plumbing repairs, painting, landscaping and grounds keeping, as well as assisting in general construction projects. The maintenance worker may also be responsible for providing general janitorial services, such as sweeping and mopping floors and emptying trash cans.
Do maintenance workers need to be certified?
It depends on the employer. Some employers may require specialized certifications or experience in a particular trade. Maintenance workers should possess basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical systems and other building systems as well as a familiarity with operating different types of equipment.
What safety precautions do maintenance workers need to take?
Maintenance workers should always wear appropriate safety gear such as hard hats, safety glasses and steel-toe boots. They should also be aware of potential hazards such as electrical shock, slips, trips and falls, chemical exposure and fire. When operating equipment, maintenance workers should be sure to follow all safety instructions.
How can a maintenance worker stay up to date on industry trends?
Maintenance workers can stay up to date on industry trends by attending seminars, conferences and workshops, reading trade publications and joining professional organizations. Joining a professional organization can also provide access to valuable resources such as industry news and job postings.