Building Maintenance Technician

Job Description

About Us:

HomeSpace Society is a leading organization dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions to low-income individuals and families within our community. Our mission is to create safe and sustainable housing opportunities while fostering a sense of belonging and community. HomeSpace's current portfolio consists of over 36 owned properties containing 979 units located throughout Calgary.

Position: Maintenance Technician

Reports to: Facility Manager
Location: HomeSpace Society, Assigned Portfolio (Buildings & Units)

Position Mandate:

The Maintenance Technician is critical in ensuring the upkeep, safety, and operational efficiency of HomeSpace Society's properties. Responsible for performing a wide range of repairs, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting tasks, the Maintenance Technician ensures that all buildings and units are maintained to a high standard. This role requires technical proficiency, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills, contributing directly to the smooth functioning of the property portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

Maintenance & Repairs:

• Perform routine and emergency maintenance tasks such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, and painting to ensure properties are in excellent condition.
• Inspect, diagnose, and troubleshoot issues related to building systems, including heating, cooling, lighting, and general building equipment.
• Repair or replace defective parts in equipment or buildings, working within the scope of expertise and obtaining quotes for more specialized work if necessary.
• Ensure that common areas, lobbies, hallways, grounds, and building exteriors are clean, safe, and well-maintained.

Preventative Maintenance:

• Carry out preventative maintenance schedules for all building systems and units, ensuring compliance with operational standards and minimizing future repairs.
• Inspect mechanical rooms, boilers, HVAC systems, and other key areas regularly and document the condition of equipment and systems.
• Recommend improvements to preventative maintenance practices and assist in implementing new maintenance protocols as needed.

Unit Turnovers:

• Assist with preparing units for new residents, including performing repairs, touch-ups, cleaning, and ensuring the unit is in move-in-ready condition.
• Coordinate with the Facility Manager and contractors on larger turnover tasks, ensuring timely completion.
• Ensure timely completion of unit inspections to identify maintenance issues during move-outs and turnovers.

Work Orders & Reporting:

• Respond to work orders and maintenance requests from residents and staff in a timely and professional manner.
• Document completed tasks and ensure accurate record-keeping in property management software (such as Yardi or similar systems).
• Provide regular updates to the Facility Manager on the status of maintenance tasks and upcoming needs for repairs or equipment replacements.

Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, building codes, and company policies while performing all maintenance tasks.
• Promote and follow proper safety procedures for handling equipment, hazardous materials, and potential hazards in the workplace.
• Conduct safety inspections of properties, document findings, and address any issues to ensure all properties are compliant with health and safety standards.

Vendor & Contractor Coordination:

• Liaise with external contractors when necessary for specialized repair work, ensuring the work meets HomeSpace Society standards and timelines.
• Work with the Facility Manager to obtain quotes for repairs and maintenance projects and provide recommendations on vendor selection when required.
  

Emergency Response:

• Be available to respond to after-hours emergencies on a rotational basis, including issues like flooding, electrical outages, or mechanical failures.
• Effectively troubleshoot and resolve emergency maintenance problems, ensuring minimal disruption to residents and property operations.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in general building maintenance or related roles (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, etc.).
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) and hands-on experience with various maintenance tasks.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex maintenance problems efficiently and safely.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education in building maintenance or technical trades is an asset.
• Tools & Equipment: Experience using hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment for maintenance and repair tasks.
• Software: Familiarity with property management software (e.g., Yardi), maintenance tracking systems, and basic proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal skills for working with staff, contractors, and residents to ensure work is done efficiently and respectfully.
• Safety Practices: Knowledge of health and safety regulations, building codes, and safe work practices.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift and move heavy objects (up to 50 lbs) and work in confined spaces or heights as required.
• May be required to work outside regular business hours to respond to emergencies or urgent maintenance tasks.
• Must have a valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle for travel between properties.