5 Building Maintenance Job Roles, Defined

If you’ve ever lived in an apartment building, you may have noticed the lights flickering, the air-conditioning acting up or chipped paint in the hallway. Then, a few weeks later, these issues may be gone. That’s because someone working in one of the various building maintenance jobs came in to save the day. Whether they scheduled the fixes or actually took on the tasks at hand, they made sure everything got fixed quickly and efficiently, so there was no disruption to your day-to-day comfort levels.

A building maintenance worker’s responsibilities involve general upkeep of buildings, but they can also differ depending on the industry in which they work. For example, in manufacturing, they may solve problems with air quality and temperature to ensure optimal working conditions, and at schools, they may fix classroom equipment or tend to school grounds. There are several building maintenance jobs of varying importance that carry out different aspects of these tasks. Here’s a guide to the five most common building maintenance positions as well as insight into the maintenance work they perform.

Building Maintenance Technician 

Average U.S. salary: $68,591

Skills required: Carpentry, plumbing, painting, welding, problem-solving, managing supplies, records and schedules, physical stamina, lifting, standing long hours, communication skills, working in all weather conditions, time management

Building maintenance technician job description: A building maintenance tech works in places like apartment complexes, college campuses, office buildings, hotels and retail stores. They use their skills in plumbing, construction and electrical work to keep everything in top shape for residents, workers and guests.

While building maintenance technicians are typically entry-level positions, they are essential in many industries, like manufacturing, property management and logistics. They focus on inspecting and maintaining equipment, helping to extend the life of a company’s assets and avoid costly downtime. 

Their day-to-day duties often involve teaming up with other technicians to tackle any maintenance requests they receive. They may fix clogged drains, patch and paint damaged walls, or plug leaks. They also take care of the structure’s exterior by painting, replacing windows, or repairing HVAC systems.

A person preparing for a facilities maintenance technician job interview needs a high school diploma; however, some employers may prefer candidates who completed maintenance training programs or certifications in plumbing, electrical, HVAC or related fields. 

Building Maintenance Engineer

Average U.S. salary: $70,771

Skills required: HVAC, plumbing, fire and electrical safety systems knowledge, strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, proficiency in computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or computer-aided facility management (CAFM) software solutions, communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to prioritize and manage tasks independently. A bachelor’s in a related engineering field is typically required.

Building maintenance engineer job description: This senior-level technician may repair HVAC, plumbing, electrical and mechanical issues, but they don’t just fix problems. They also spot issues before they become bigger by proactively performing preventive maintenance. Building maintenance engineers may lead maintenance teams, work with contractors on major repairs and ensure everything is up to code with safety and building regulations. They manage budgets, plan facility upgrades and implement energy-saving strategies.

Maintenance engineers may take care of landscaping and general construction tasks, coordinate with vendors and ensure safety and health standards are met. They know their equipment inside and out and pay close attention to detail to catch any issues, big or small. Successful engineers are organized, work well with others and are comfortable using different maintenance tools in all kinds of environments.

Most people start out in entry-level technician or engineering roles, where they gain essential skills in plumbing, HVAC, electrical systems and general building repairs. With some experience and extra certifications — like those from the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) — individuals can move into higher full-time positions, including supervisory or management roles.

Building Maintenance Supervisor 

Average U.S. salary: $70,744

Skills required: Knowledge of various systems (electrical, HVAC, production, etc.), preventive maintenance, facilities management, OSHA regulations and compliance, vendor management, budget management, inventory control, scheduling and staff coordination, safety inspections, equipment repair, communication skills, problem-solving and critical thinking, time management, customer service, computer skills, energy management, emergency response planning. Some employers require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field like facilities management, industrial technology or engineering or certifications in those areas.

Building maintenance supervisor job description: A building maintenance supervisor oversees various maintenance team members, from services technicians to engineers. They hire, train and schedule workers with the end goal of completing work orders on time and up to standard.

Daily duties include planning daily or weekly maintenance schedules, assigning tasks and keeping an eye on ongoing repairs. They conduct building inspections to catch minor issues before they become bigger problems. If something major does come up, the supervisor is the person who troubleshoots it and brings it to management’s attention if needed.

A building maintenance supervisor ensures that staff follows regulations and conducts safety inspections to keep the workplace secure. They also help manage maintenance budgets, keep track of supplies and sometimes get involved with larger projects. A person in this role is more hands-on and task-focused with the day-to-day condition of the building than a maintenance manager and typically follows the plans and budgets set by higher leadership.

Building Maintenance Manager

Average U.S. salary: $72,108

Skills required: Ability to rank and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously, knowledge of various systems, team-building and leadership skills, familiarity with trade tools and communication skills. This maintenance job role typically requires a bachelor’s degree and some certifications, including Certified Building Maintenance Technician (CBMT); Certified Utility Worker (CUB); Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP); Certified Plant Maintenance manager (CPMM); and Certified Maintenance and Operations Management Professional (CMOMP), depending on the industry.

Building maintenance manager job description: Building maintenance managers are similar to building maintenance supervisors. Like supervisors, they are brought on to oversee tasks that keep people living or working in structures safe and comfortable, and they manage a team of maintenance workers. They may be responsible for fixing HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems and sometimes handling bigger structural issues. They may also oversee landscaping duties.

Maintenance managers typically meet with property owners or investors to determine what repairs and improvements should be prioritized. They conduct inspections and schedule repairs. Like building supervisors, they may set up staff schedules, train or hire workers, track material and tool expenses, and outsource projects when needed. However, building maintenance managers are responsible for more large-scale planning than supervisors are. Their focus is more on monthly maintenance plans, annual inspections, contractor scheduling, setting overall maintenance priorities and budgeting for upcoming projects.

Facilities Manager 

Average U.S. salary: $111,329

Skills required: Several years of experience in facility maintenance or related functions; knowledge of OSHA and other environmental regulations; understanding of general maintenance methods, operating requirements and safety precautions related to facilities management as well as procurement and negotiation skills. A person in this position typically has a bachelor’s degree in facilities management, business administration or a related field like engineering, along with a CFM (Certified Facility Manager) certification.

Facilities manager job description: A facilities manager oversees entire facility operations and upkeep — including budgeting, strategy, vendor management, compliance and planning. They can manage one structure or multiple buildings or a large, complex site.

While the specific responsibilities can vary based on the type of organization, core duties for this job type include maintaining both the physical buildings and the surrounding grounds, keeping equipment and supplies in working order, and planning or scheduling any necessary repairs. They also handle safety inspections to ensure everything meets the required standards. This role often involves managing a budget and working closely with outside vendors to negotiate costs for supplies, services and larger repair projects.

On a day-to-day basis, facilities managers make sure everything is functioning properly — from utilities to building systems. They oversee maintenance and repairs, monitor stock levels, order parts within budget and make sure the facility remains compliant with state and federal regulations. They may also assist with energy management initiatives and are often responsible for building and grounds’ security. As they carry out these tasks, they keep in close contact with vendors, clients and their internal team to make sure everyone’s on the same page.