Maintenance Technician
Description
Position Summary
Performs semi-skilled to skilled maintenance, repair, and preventive maintenance activities for Agency buildings, dwelling units, common areas, grounds, and light equipment. The position supports the Agency’s obligation to provide housing that is decent, safe, sanitary, and in good repair by responding to work orders, completing unit turns, addressing deficiencies, and maintaining building systems and site conditions in accordance with Agency policies, applicable codes, HUD requirements, and National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE).
Responsibilities
The duties listed below illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements regarding duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment in association with this position. Undertakes and performs the following and all other work-related duties as assigned.
- Performs rough carpentry duties, including the installation, repair, and replacement of entry doors, sliding doors, interior doors, framing components, wall partitions, gypsum board, and insulation, in accordance with Agency standards and applicable Public Housing requirements.
- Performs finish carpentry work, including trim installation and repair, base replacement, millwork, cabinetry installation and repair, flooring preparation and installation, and wall and floor tile repair or replacement, consistent with approved work standards and unit condition requirements.
- Performs electrical maintenance and repair, including wiring, troubleshooting, and replacement of switches, outlets, breakers, fixtures, and related components, in compliance with applicable codes, safety requirements, and Agency procedures.
- Maintains and repairs plumbing systems by performing rough and finish plumbing work, including piping, fixture installation and replacement, valve repair, leak correction, drain clearing, and related repairs necessary to support safe, sanitary, and code-compliant housing conditions.
- Repairs, adjusts, and replaces gas and electric appliances and related equipment, including furnaces, dishwashers, stoves, water heaters, refrigerators, motors, and smoke detection devices, as needed to maintain operable and compliant dwelling units.
- Performs general interior and exterior repairs to structural and building components, including stairways, joists, rafters, roofing, flashing, waterproofing, masonry, concrete, gutters, downspouts, garage doors, fences, gates, windows, signage, insulation, locks, and related features, in accordance with Agency procedures and property standards.
- Operates and conducts routine safety and maintenance checks on small engines, pumps, hand tools, chain saws, and Agency maintenance vehicles to ensure readiness, safe operation, and proper care of Agency assets.
- Performs minor maintenance and repair of power tools, pumps, and vehicles, including inspection of lubricant levels, timing, and replacement or adjustment of worn or damaged parts, within assigned skill level and authorization.
- Supports HVAC system reliability by conducting preventive maintenance and, within certification and skill limitations, diagnosing, restoring, and repairing inoperative systems and related equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and applicable standards.
- Prepares interior and exterior wall surfaces for painting by removing fixtures and covers, protecting adjacent areas, scraping, patching, taping, floating, and sanding surfaces, and removing graffiti or other surface damage as necessary.
- Prepares wood and related surfaces for painting, staining, or varnishing through appropriate sanding and surface conditioning methods.
- Mixes and applies paint and coatings to properly prepared surfaces using brush, roller, or spray equipment to achieve durable, uniform, and professional results.
- Cleans and restores the work area upon completion of assignments, including removal of protective materials and reinstallation of fixtures, covers, and plates, to ensure the area is safe, orderly, and ready for occupancy or use.
- Maintains Agency-owned materials, tools, and equipment in a clean, secure, and orderly condition and ensures workshops and job sites are free of clutter, debris, and unnecessary hazards.
- May perform road and site maintenance activities, including clearing drainage areas, filling potholes, repairing fences, removing obstructions, and placing signage, as directed to support safe access and site operations.
- Removes trash and debris for proper disposal and performs lawn care and landscape maintenance activities, including mowing, fertilizing, and pruning, to maintain safe, sanitary, and visually acceptable property conditions.
- May perform limited pest control measures within authorized scope to address common infestations and shall report conditions requiring licensed pest control services to management for appropriate action.
- Performs welding, brazing, and cutting tasks using gas and electric welding equipment in a safe and controlled manner, applying appropriate techniques to protect persons, property, and equipment.
- May operate equipment such as graders, backhoes, tractors, lawn equipment, and other machinery necessary to maintain Agency grounds, drainage systems, parking areas, drives, and related property features.
- May assist with quality control inspections of Public Housing units and common areas to identify deficiencies, verify completion of work, and support ongoing compliance with HUD requirements and NSPIRE readiness expectations.
- Documents and reports observed lease violations and unsafe, unsanitary, or hazardous conditions to the supervisor and may provide information regarding resident-caused damage or tenant charge assessments in accordance with Agency policy.
- Submits requests for maintenance supplies, materials, and equipment needed to complete assigned work in a timely and efficient manner.
- Removes and disposes of discarded appliances and related items in accordance with Agency procedures, environmental considerations, and applicable local requirements.
- Distributes resident notices and other materials as assigned in support of property operations, maintenance coordination, and regulatory compliance.
- Responds to emergency, on-call, and after-hours maintenance needs, as required, to protect resident health and safety and preserve Agency property.
- Maintenance responsibilities may also include pressure washing, upkeep of gutters, downspouts, roof drainage, French drains, surface water management systems, fire alarm and sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, signage, laundry facilities, playgrounds, and other common areas or building systems necessary to support safe and compliant operations.
- Performs make-ready activities for vacant units and may clean offices, learning centers, restrooms, hallways, community rooms, laundry facilities, and kitchens in accordance with HUD and Agency 20-day rule, sanitation, and presentation standards.
- Performs landscaping and grounds maintenance, including cultivating, mulching, planting, trimming, pruning, weeding, mowing, edging, laying sod, applying herbicides, and fertilizing, and removes vegetation that poses a safety risk or detracts from site condition standards.
- Maintains grounds and parking areas by routinely collecting and properly disposing of litter, glass, cans, animal waste, leaves, and other debris in accordance with Agency standards for cleanliness, sanitation, and appearance.
- Keeps sidewalks, entryways, and assigned exterior areas clear of mud, dirt, ice, snow, and debris to promote safe ingress, egress, and site accessibility.
- Maintains accountability for the ethical, responsible, and appropriate use, protection, and safeguarding of Agency materials, supplies, equipment, information, and other assets at all times.
Education and Experience
High school graduate (or GED) or possess a vocational technician certification beyond high school, with (3) years’ experience or training in building construction or maintenance, or in the repair or maintenance of mechanical equipment or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
The following Certifications must be obtained within one (1) year of employment or other allowable period of hire as authorized by the Executive Director/CEO or his/her designee.
- Fair Housing Compliance (FHC)
- National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE)
Knowledge and Skills
- Working knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, equipment, and safety practices used in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliance repair, and general building maintenance.
- Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and requirements relevant to assigned work, including building, electrical, plumbing, fire and life-safety, and accessibility requirements, including Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as applicable.
- Knowledge of HUD Public Housing requirements and NSPIRE standards, with the ability to identify, correct, and help prevent conditions that affect resident health and safety, habitability, and inspection readiness.
- Knowledge of Agency policies, work order practices, preventive maintenance principles, and basic recordkeeping and computer functions needed to document completed work accurately and timely.
- Working knowledge of building systems and components sufficient to diagnose common deficiencies, determine appropriate corrective action, and recognize when specialized or licensed assistance is required.
- Skill in one or more maintenance trades and functional knowledge across multiple building maintenance disciplines.
- Mathematical ability sufficient to perform measurements, estimates, material calculations, and other job-related computations.
- Skill in the safe and effective use of hand tools, power tools, testing devices, and maintenance equipment.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, and safe work practices applicable to maintenance operations.
- Ability to prepare clear service requests, maintenance reports, inspection notes, and related documentation.
- Ability to read and apply work orders, manuals, shop drawings, specifications, schematics, and technical instructions relevant to assigned tasks.
- Ability to support Agency compliance efforts by identifying deficiencies, completing corrective actions, and maintaining documentation associated with inspections, preventive maintenance, and required system checks.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with residents, coworkers, supervisors, vendors, and contractors.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions, manage assigned priorities, and complete work with attention to quality, timeliness, and resident safety.
Supervisory Controls
The employee receives instructions from the Maintenance Supervisor/Property Manager, or his/her designee as assigned. Generally, methods of accomplishing assignments are at the discretion of the employee within established procedures. Deadlines, priorities, necessary guidelines, and scope of work are generally set by the supervisor and the employee's progress is monitored regularly for adherence to instructions, compliance with established procedures, quality, and completeness. The employee has no supervisory responsibilities.
Guidelines
The employee works within established Agency policies and procedures, work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, manufacturer instructions, safety requirements, applicable codes, and HUD/Public Housing/NSPIRE standards relevant to assigned duties. These guidelines are generally adequate for recurring assignments; however, the employee is expected to exercise sound judgment in applying them to field conditions and to consult the supervisor when conditions are unusual, outside assigned authority, or require interpretation, escalation, or specialized response.
Complexity
The work involves a combination of recurring maintenance assignments and non-routine repairs that vary in difficulty depending on the nature of the deficiency, building system involved, occupancy conditions, and urgency of response. Assignments frequently require troubleshooting, prioritizing multiple work orders, evaluating safety or habitability concerns, and selecting appropriate methods, materials, and corrective actions. More complex tasks may require coordination with supervisors, contractors, or licensed trades and careful attention to compliance, documentation, and resident impact.
Scope and Effect
The employee’s work directly affects the condition, safety, functionality, and appearance of Agency properties, the quality of service provided to residents, and the Agency’s ability to maintain compliance with HUD and other applicable requirements. Effective performance supports timely completion of work orders, quality unit turns, reduction of health and safety hazards, preservation of Agency assets, and continued operation of housing that is decent, safe, sanitary, and in good repair.
Personal Contacts
Personal contacts are primarily with residents, supervisors, other Agency employees, vendors, contractors, inspectors, and, as needed, local governmental or utility representatives. Contacts are made to exchange information, coordinate access and repairs, clarify work requirements, document conditions, respond to service needs, and support safe and efficient maintenance operations. Interactions may occur under routine conditions or during urgent and emergency situations requiring professionalism, sound judgment, clear communication, and appropriate sensitivity to resident concerns.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Normal physical activity can be tedious and require heavy lifting, carrying, and prolonged standing, walking, reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, kneeling, crouching, stooping, climbing, balancing, and lying prone. The employee must use arm strength to manipulate hand tools such as saws, sanders, and jointers etc.
- Must be able to lift up to fifty (50) pounds without assistance.
- Must have a sense of balance sufficient for standing on a ladder of at least six (6) feet in height for an extended time period of time.
- Must be able to operate hand tools, power tools, and equipment (e.g., drills, wrenches, hammers, pliers, electrical [Ohm] meters, saws, threaders, plumbing snakes, etc.)
- Work requires spatial perception, finger and manual dexterity.
- Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, residents, and persons outside the Agency and perform essential job functions in an environment that will sometimes include increased levels of work-related stress.
- Must be able to sit and/or stand for up to eight (8) hours at a time while performing work duties.
- Must be able to use fingers bilaterally and unilaterally to utilize job-related tools and equipment.
- Must have vision and hearing corrected to be able to legally operate a vehicle in various environmental and traffic conditions and perform essential job functions.
- Must have normal color perception to differentiate colors of electrical wiring, etc.
- Must maintain a professional appearance and portray a positive image for the Agency.
- Must maintain punctuality and attendance as scheduled.
- An employee may request reasonable accommodation to mitigate any of the physical requirements listed above.
Medicinal and Recreational Marijuana
Marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance and is illegal under federal law. The Agency observes the common rule of the Federal Marijuana Law of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) (21 U.S.C. § 811), which does not recognize the difference between medical and recreational use of marijuana and has established the required Drug Free Workplace Policy. Employees are NOT permitted to use or possess any form of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes. Any applicant for employment who tests positive for marijuana during a pre-employment drug screening shall be ineligible for employment with the Agency. Any applicant for employment who advises the Agency that he/she uses any form of marijuana will be ineligible for employment. The Agency is unable to grant a request for reasonable accommodation to use marijuana under any circumstance.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee works indoors and outdoors and is exposed to extreme weather conditions. The employee may occasionally be subjected to electrical shock hazards, dangerous heights, dangerous chemicals (e.g., cleaning solutions, solvents, insecticides), and skin irritants. The employee may be required to use goggles, gloves, masks, lumbar support belts, safety boots, and other personal protective equipment.
Other Requirements
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license acceptable to the Agency and a satisfactory driving record if driving is an essential function of the position.
- Must be available for occasional local and out-of-town travel for meetings, training, conferences, site visits, emergency response, or other business needs of the Agency.
- Must be able to work a full-time schedule established by the Agency and, when necessary, adjust hours to attend Board meetings, community events, meet deadlines, respond to emergencies, or address operational needs.
- Must successfully complete all lawful pre-employment screening requirements established by the Agency for this position, which may include verification of education, experience, references, background checks, and other job-related screenings permitted by applicable law.
- Must maintain confidentiality and handle personal identifiable information, medical or accommodation information, procurement information, and other sensitive records in accordance with Agency policy and applicable law.
- May be required to work after office hours on the on-call work schedule.
Read and Acknowledge
The Huntsville Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job description is subject to change and in no manner implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed. The duties herein are representative of the essential functions of this job. This job description reflects management's assignment of functions; however, it does not prescribe or restrict tasks that may be assigned. Nothing in this document restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time. The qualifications listed above are guidelines, other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job may be considered at the discretion of the Executive Director/CEO.
Employment with the Huntsville Housing Authority is on an “at-will” basis. Nothing in this document is intended to create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, and does not constitute a promise of continued employment.
Disclaimer: The statements in this job description describe the general nature, level, and type of work expected of an employee assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Nothing in this document creates any employment, compensation, or contractual right. Management reserves the right to revise this job description at any time to meet operational needs, subject to applicable law and Board authority.
7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday (Fridays off)