Maintenance Technician

Job Description

The Maintenance Technician I performs skilled work with limited oversight, including the installation, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of facility buildings, systems, and equipment, such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and structural systems.

This position diagnoses maintenance issues, performs preventive maintenance to extend the life of facility assets, conducts routine building inspections, addresses maintenance concerns, and maintains accurate records. The role also supports general facility maintenance activities, including HVAC maintenance, equipment inspections, and mechanical room upkeep, while assisting maintenance, custodial, and specialty trades personnel as needed.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of two years of demonstrated hands-on experience in facilities maintenance or a specialty trade/craft (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, power generation, manufacturing, etc.).

This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person at the FP&CC PM Shop, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is an essential on-campus position requiring all duties to be performed in person, with multiple schedules in place, including day, night, and weekend shifts. Schedules may change based on business needs and may include overtime or shifts to other hours.

Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change. Candidates selected through this posting may be assigned to day, night, and weekend shifts.

As an essential role, the employee must be on-site during emergencies or crises to ensure continuity of critical operations and remain accessible to leadership to support institutional functions. After-hours work or work outside the regular schedule may be required, and the employee must be available for on-call scheduling to respond to problems affecting campus operations.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding, and navigate confined areas with piping or wiring obstructions as needed to access equipment.
• Moderate to heavy physical activity, including bending, stooping, climbing, balancing, standing, and walking for up to 8 hours per day.
• Occasional entry into utility tunnels and other confined spaces.

• Exposure to high-pressure boilers and steam piping, high-voltage electricity, high noise levels, rotating machinery, and other potentially hazardous equipment.
• Work in mechanical rooms, tunnels, labs, attics, crawl spaces, non-conditioned spaces, and dusty, dirty, or wet conditions.
• Personal protective equipment (hearing protection, safety shoes, and safety glasses) is required.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with a proposed starting rate of $19.08 hourly. Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

• No formal education required
• 0-1 years of experience in facilities maintenance or a related trade, with practical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems, and the use of standard tools and troubleshooting equipment.

• Basic maintenance and repair skills, including the safe use of hand tools, power tools, testing devices, and maintenance equipment to inspect, troubleshoot, and perform repairs.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand, operate, and maintain facility systems and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret basic mechanical drawings, equipment manuals, and electrical schematics.
• Basic computer skills, including the use of tablets, work order systems, and other maintenance-related technology.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, applicable safety standards and regulations, including OSHA, NEC, and NFPA requirements.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify issues, follow instructions, and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and attention-to-detail skills, with a commitment to quality workmanship and maintaining a safe, clean, and professional work environment.

• Associate degree, or trade school degree in a related field.
• Experience working effectively in a team-based maintenance or facilities environment within higher education.
• Journeyman certification, trade school training, or equivalent experience in a skilled trade such as electrical, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, or pipe fitting.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to work independently and solve problems involving mechanical, electrical, or automated systems.
• Working knowledge of building and facility systems, including motors, transfer switches, bus ducts, and other related equipment.
• Strong customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with facility occupants and stakeholders.
• Proficiency…