Repairing announcement systems that crackle in school classrooms or faulty air conditioners in hotel lobbies falls within the duties of maintenance personnel, who are also called general maintenance and repair workers. They may work for a single building, such as an apartment
Repairing announcement systems that crackle in school classrooms or faulty air conditioners in hotel lobbies falls within the duties of maintenance personnel, who are also called general maintenance and repair workers. They may work for a single building, such as an apartment building, or handle a complex of facilities, such as a school campus.
Maintenance Repair Duties
Primarily generalists, maintenance repair workers manage less complex repair and maintenance on electrical, mechanical, plumbing and climate-control systems. For complicated and specialized problems, they call in tradespeople, such as plumbers or electricians. Maintenance workers rely on documentation and other instructions provided by system installers to diagnose problems. They can then determine the best way to fix a problem. They may install and assemble equipment, perform periodic inspections and tuneups, and keep detailed records of their activities. They also meet with building managers to estimate costs and to ensure that the needs of all occupants are being met.
General Maintenance Tasks
Maintenance repair workers are also responsible for keeping structures and the surroundings clean and usable. They order supplies for cleaning and for replacing broken fixtures, patch cracks in concrete pavement or drywall, and paint worn surfaces. They may empty trash receptacles, shovel snow from stairs and sidewalks, and clean windows. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they suffer from higher than average rates of injury and illness due to possible falls, cuts, bruises or electric shock. To minimize hazards, they wear protective clothing, such as gloves, and practice safety procedures. They need physical stamina to stand for long periods and the ability to tolerate temperature extremes indoors and outdoors.
On the Job Training
No formal education is needed for the position, although a high school diploma is preferable. Courses in shop, woodworking, electricity, computers and science are helpful. Most workers learn their skills on the job from more experienced maintenance repair employees or from supervisors. They may start by observing repairs and by assisting with basic tasks, such as holding tools or moving supplies. As they gain more experience, they perform work independently or assist in more complex projects, such as replacing air-conditioning systems. Some trade schools and community colleges offer courses in basic repairs in such subjects as painting or carpentry.
Job Forecast and Salaries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that openings for general maintenance and repair workers will increase by 8 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is on par with the 7 percent growth predicted for all jobs in all industries. Employment may depend on the economy because many work in real estate. The use of automatic building management systems may depress opportunities. As of May 2017, general maintenance and repair workers earned a median annual salary of $37,670, according to the BLS. The highest median salaries were reported in manufacturing, $44,260 per year, followed by jobs in government facilities, $41,490 annually.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: General Maintenance and Repair Workers - Work Environment
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: General Maintenance and Repair Workers - What They Do
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: General Maintenance and Repair Workers - How to Become One
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: General Maintenance and Repair Workers - Job Outlook
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2011: General Maintenance and Repair Workers
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