Maintenance Technician Job Description Guide 2025

Use this copy-ready maintenance technician job description to post faster while staying compliant and competitive. A Maintenance Technician maintains, repairs, and improves building systems and equipment across electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and carpentry trades to keep facilities safe, reliable, and efficient.

The role blends preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, documentation, and customer service. Technicians often use a CMMS to prioritize and close work orders.

This guide adds salary ranges, shift/on-call language, KPIs, certifications, and industry variants. Use it to tailor the post with confidence.

Job Brief: What a Maintenance Technician Does

Paste this job brief to define scope in your post. A Maintenance Technician performs preventive and corrective maintenance on facility systems, equipment, and infrastructure to minimize downtime and ensure occupant comfort and safety.

Typical work includes diagnosing issues, completing repairs, documenting tasks in a CMMS, and coordinating with vendors or specialists when needed.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), general maintenance and repair workers span many industries and increasingly use digital tools for work orders and asset history. Use this brief with the template below to align expectations and screening criteria.

Copy-and-Paste Maintenance Technician Job Description

Role Objective

You will maintain and repair our facility’s building systems and production/support equipment to achieve safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations.

Success means completing preventive maintenance on schedule and responding quickly to service requests. You document your work in our CMMS and partner with team members and vendors to reduce downtime and improve asset life.

Key Responsibilities

Execute preventive maintenance (PM) on HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and general building systems per CMMS schedules.
Troubleshoot and repair equipment, fixtures, and building components; escalate complex issues appropriately.
Perform safety-focused tasks using LOTO, PPE, and established procedures; report hazards and near misses.
Complete accurate work orders, parts usage, and asset notes in the CMMS; close out jobs with cause/correction.
Respond to tenant/occupant requests professionally; communicate ETAs and follow-up plans.
Inspect facilities for deficiencies; identify and prioritize corrective actions and improvements.
Coordinate vendors (e.g., elevator, fire/life safety, specialty trades) and oversee work to scope and standards.
Support sustainability and energy-efficiency initiatives (filter schedules, setpoint tuning, leak checks).
Maintain shop organization, inventory, and tools; contribute to 5S and housekeeping standards.
Assist with projects, moves, and seasonal work (e.g., winterization, landscaping coordination, turns).

Requirements and Skills

High school diploma or GED; technical/vocational training in a skilled trade preferred.
2+ years of experience in building/facility maintenance or related field (apprenticeship or military experience welcomed).
Working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry fundamentals; ability to read schematics and manuals.
CMMS proficiency (e.g., Fiix, UpKeep, eMaint) and basic digital skills (mobile work orders, photos, notes).
Safety-first mindset with LOTO procedures, ladder/scaffold safety, and basic electrical awareness (NFPA 70E familiarity).
Strong troubleshooting, prioritization, and customer service skills; clear written/verbal communication.
Ability to lift 50 lbs., climb ladders, and work in varying conditions (hot/cold, heights, confined spaces with permits).
Valid driver’s license; ability to pass background and drug screen as applicable.
Nice-to-have: EPA 608 (HVAC), CPO (pools), OSHA 10/30, forklift certification, basic PLC/I/O familiarity (industrial).

Schedule, On-Call, and Work Conditions

Full-time, onsite role with one of the following shifts: Day (7a–3:30p), Swing (3p–11:30p), or Night (11p–7:30a).
Rotating on-call (e.g., 1 week every 4–6 weeks) with response expectations (phone in 15 minutes; onsite within 60–90 minutes).
Overtime may be required for emergencies, seasonal peaks, or planned shutdowns; overtime is paid in accordance with applicable laws.
Union vs. non-union language, breaks, and overtime practices will follow the applicable CBA or company policy.

Compensation and Benefits (Pay Transparency Example)

Pay range: $24.00–$32.00 per hour (estimate for this location and level), plus shift differential of +$1.50/hr for swing and +$2.50/hr for nights.
On-call stipend: $100 per on-call week; after-hours call-outs paid at overtime rates per law/policy.
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, paid time off, paid holidays, tool/boot allowance, training/certifications reimbursement, and tuition assistance.
Actual pay is based on skills, certifications (e.g., EPA 608), relevant experience, shift, and market data.

EEO/ADA & Background Screen Language (Copy-Ready)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. If you need an accommodation, please contact HR.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and, where permitted by law and job-related, a drug screen and motor vehicle record check.

Essential functions include standing/walking for extended periods; lifting up to 50 lbs.; climbing ladders; working in hot/cold environments; and safely using tools and equipment. Applicants must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Customize By Environment

Use these mini-templates to align duties, requirements, and compliance with your facility type. Tailor only what’s essential to avoid deterring qualified applicants.

Apartment/Multifamily

Responsibilities: Apartment turns, tenant work orders, appliance installs/repairs, minor drywall/paint, lock changes, pest-prep coordination, pool/spa maintenance (CPO), code compliance for smoke/CO detectors.
Requirements: EPA 608 for HVAC preferred; CPO certification where pools exist; fair housing awareness; strong customer service and unit-entry professionalism.
Notes: After-hours emergencies (floods, lockouts), vendor coordination for major appliances, clear on-call language for weekends/holidays.

Industrial/Manufacturing

Responsibilities: PMs and breakdown repairs on production equipment; bearings, belts, gearboxes; basic PLC/I/O checks; sensors and motors; LOTO; lubrication routes.
Requirements: Strong mechanical/electrical aptitude; reading schematics; forklift/scissor lift certification; OSHA 10/30; NFPA 70E awareness.
KPIs: MTTR, MTBF, PM compliance, first-pass fix, production uptime; support planned shutdowns and root-cause analysis.

Healthcare/Hospitality

Responsibilities: Life-safety systems support, patient/guest room maintenance, water temperature/logs, infection control coordination, quiet-hours etiquette.
Requirements: Knowledge of Joint Commission/DOH expectations (healthcare) or brand standards (hospitality), hygiene protocols, rapid response to guest/patient-impact issues.
Notes: Background and vaccination requirements may apply; strong documentation and communication are vital.

Commercial/Office/Retail

Responsibilities: Comfort systems (HVAC/controls), lighting, access control basics, restroom/finish repairs, vendor SLAs, event/setups, routine inspections.
Requirements: Customer-facing communication, experience with BMS/BAS preferred, familiarity with lease obligations and service-level expectations.
Notes: Emphasize uptime during business hours and professional appearance/etiquette.

Certifications, Safety, and Tools

Invest in credentials and procedures that reduce risk and increase credibility. Referencing OSHA/NFPA in your JD signals a safety-first culture.

Core Certifications

EPA 608 (HVAC refrigerants)
OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 (General Industry)
NFPA 70E awareness (electrical safety in the workplace)
Certified Pool Operator (CPO) for properties with pools
Forklift/aerial lift certification
Low-pressure/high-pressure boiler operator (where applicable)
Confined space entry/attendant (permit-required, where applicable)

Safety & Procedures

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) for hazardous energy control (OSHA 1910.147)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection and use (OSHA 1910 Subpart I)
Job Safety Analysis (JSA), hot work, and confined space permits (OSHA 1910.146)
Electrical safety practices per NFPA 70E and qualified person definitions
Ladder/scaffold safety, housekeeping/5S, and incident/near-miss reporting

CMMS and Digital Tools

CMMS platforms: Fiix, UpKeep, eMaint, Hippo, Limble (or similar) for work orders, PMs, parts, and asset history.
Mobile workflows: Receive/close tickets with notes, photos, parts, and time; follow digital SOPs and checklists.
Data discipline: Use failure codes, cause/correction notes, and meter readings to drive RCA and reliability.

Qualifications by Level: Tech I, II, III (Career Path)

Tech I (Entry/Junior): 0–2 years; assists with PMs and basic repairs; learns CMMS; follows SOPs and safety direction; may hold EPA 608 Type I.
Tech II (Intermediate): 2–5 years; independently completes most diagnostics/repairs; mentors Juniors; strong CMMS usage; may hold EPA 608 Universal, OSHA 10/30, and one specialty cert.
Tech III/Senior: 5+ years; expert troubleshooting; plans shutdowns; leads vendors; sets PM strategy; supports KPIs, RCA, and training; may handle light PLC/I/O or BMS.

State the level in your title (Maintenance Technician II) and align pay and KPIs accordingly to reduce mis-hire risk.

KPIs and Performance Expectations

Measure what matters so you can reward impact. BLS and O*NET emphasize reliability and service quality—KPIs translate that into daily priorities.

PM completion rate: 90–95% on-time after ramp-up.
Mean Time to Repair (MTTR): Target reductions quarter-over-quarter on recurring assets.
First-time fix rate: 75–85% with proper parts and diagnosis.
Work orders: 20–40 per week depending on complexity and site type.
Backlog age: <10 business days for priority-2 work.
Safety: 0 recordables; near-miss reporting participation.

90-day goals example:

Complete onboarding, safety training, and CMMS proficiency.
Achieve 85% PM on-time.
Document root cause on top 5 repeat failures.

Compensation Benchmarks and Benefits

Set a transparent range that fits your market and level. BLS reports 2023 median pay for general maintenance and repair workers around $46,700/year (~$22–$23/hour), with wide variation by industry and region.

Typical hourly ranges run ~$19–$35+, with industrial/union and night shifts higher. Metro markets and high-complexity sites trend upward. Common practices include shift differentials (+$1–$3/hr), on-call stipends, overtime for call-outs, tool/boot allowances, and certification pay (e.g., +$0.50–$1.00/hr for EPA 608 Universal). Refresh your range annually against local market data and internal parity.

Pay-transparency tip: Post a good-faith range, factors that influence offers (skills, certs, shift), and your benefits highlights. Example: “This role is non-exempt with an hourly range of $24.00–$32.00 based on experience, certifications, shift, and location.”

Maintenance Technician vs. Mechanic vs. Engineer

Choose the right role for your needs.

Maintenance Technician: Multitrade generalist maintaining facilities and equipment; strong PMs, troubleshooting, and CMMS. Best for buildings, small industrial sites, and tenant-centric environments.
Maintenance Mechanic: Deeper mechanical/equipment focus (gearboxes, hydraulics, pneumatics); common in manufacturing; may read blueprints and perform rebuilds. Best when production equipment uptime is the priority.
Maintenance Engineer: Designs/improves maintenance systems, reliability, and projects; stronger in analytics, CMMS optimization, RCA, and capital planning; may require engineering degree. Best for complex plants, scaling reliability, and continuous improvement.

If 70%+ of the workload is building systems and service tickets, hire a Technician. If it’s heavy mechanical on production lines, hire a Mechanic. If you need strategy, projects, and reliability systems, hire an Engineer.

How to Tailor and Post This JD

Make edits once, then standardize your template.

Define level and environment: Tech I/II/III; apartment, industrial, healthcare, hospitality, or office.
Lock in schedule: shift, weekend/night expectations, on-call cadence, response times, and overtime rules.
Specify must-haves vs. nice-to-haves: certifications, driver’s license, tools provided vs. stipend.
Confirm compliance: EEO/ADA language, background/drug-screen notices, union/CBA references, safety procedures.
CMMS/tools: Name the platform and mobile expectations; list top assets covered.
Salary: Post a compliant range, differentials, stipends, and benefits summary.
Publish: Careers page first, then job boards; include location, shift, and level in the title for search relevance (e.g., “Maintenance Technician II – Night Shift”).
Refresh quarterly based on applicant quality and KPI needs.

Screening Add-Ons (Skills Tests & Interview Questions)

Practical task: Wire a basic receptacle on a test board, change a motor belt, diagnose a fan that won’t start, or replace a fill valve—observing safety steps.
Safety check: Walk through LOTO steps and PPE selection for a common task.
CMMS exercise: Close a mock work order with cause/correction and parts; find asset history and next PM.
For industrial: Verify sensor, read a schematic, or trace PLC input/output symptoms (no programming required).
Sample questions: “How do you prioritize multiple urgent work orders?”, “Describe a repair you documented that prevented a repeat failure,” “How do you stay safe around live electrical panels?”

FAQs

What does a Maintenance Technician do daily?

A Maintenance Technician completes preventive maintenance, troubleshoots and repairs building systems and equipment, and documents work in a CMMS.

Daily tasks may include HVAC filter changes, lighting and plumbing fixes, equipment checks, and responding to occupant requests. They coordinate vendors for specialty work and ensure safety through LOTO and PPE. The goal is to reduce downtime and keep facilities safe and comfortable.

What makes a good Maintenance Technician?

Strong techs blend multitrade skills, problem-solving, and clear communication. They follow safety procedures and use the CMMS to create accurate asset histories.

They proactively spot issues before they cause downtime. Examples include diagnosing root cause instead of swapping parts, communicating ETAs to tenants, and closing PMs on time. Look for curiosity, reliability, and accountability.

Which certifications are preferred or required?

Common preferences include EPA 608 (HVAC), OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E awareness, forklift/aerial lift, and CPO for properties with pools. Boiler operator and confined space are role- and jurisdiction-specific.

Industrial environments may value basic PLC/I/O familiarity and rigging/lifting training. Always align certification asks with actual job hazards and local code requirements.

How much do Maintenance Technicians make?

Pay varies by market, industry, and shift. BLS reports 2023 median pay around $46,700/year (~$22–$23/hour) for general maintenance and repair workers, with ranges typically ~$19–$35+ per hour.

Industrial, night shift, and union roles often pay more, and certifications like EPA 608 can lift pay. Add clear differentials and stipends to stay competitive.

Additional how-tos and policy pointers

How should I write a pay-transparency compliant salary range for a Maintenance Technician?
Post a good-faith range aligned to level and location (e.g., $24–$32/hr), list factors (experience, certifications, shift), and describe benefits, differentials, and stipends. Avoid wide, non-actionable ranges; update annually to reflect market data and internal equity.
What KPIs should a Maintenance Technician be measured against in the first 90 days?
Focus on safety training completion, CMMS proficiency, 85% PM on-time, accurate documentation (cause/correction), and participation in at least one RCA for a repeat issue. Add site-specific targets like reducing MTTR on top three assets.
What is an appropriate on-call and overtime policy for Maintenance Technicians?
State rotation frequency (e.g., 1 week every 4–6 weeks), expected response times, stipend amount, and overtime handling for call-outs. Clarify holiday coverage, who is backup, and how non-emergencies are triaged.
Which certifications are mandatory vs. preferred by industry?
Apartment: Preferred EPA 608, often CPO. Industrial: OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E awareness, forklift; PLC/I/O familiarity preferred. Healthcare: Facility safety/life-safety familiarity; vaccinations/backgrounds as required. Always check state/local licensing.
How do union vs. non-union environments change the job description language?
Union roles should reference the applicable CBA for shifts, overtime, bidding/seniority, and differentials. Non-union roles should cite company policy; keep language consistent and avoid commitments that conflict with future policy changes.
What physical demands and essential functions should be listed to remain ADA-compliant?
Describe the job’s actual, essential functions (lifting 50 lbs., ladder work, hot/cold environments, confined spaces with permits) and state that reasonable accommodations are available. Avoid unnecessary requirements that could screen out qualified candidates.
What CMMS skills should be included in a Maintenance Technician job description?
Receiving/closing work orders, documenting cause/correction, logging parts and time, attaching photos, using failure codes, reading asset history, and following digital PM checklists—all via mobile.
What interview task or skills test best validates a Maintenance Technician’s capabilities?
A short, safety-observed practical (e.g., diagnose a non-starting motor or repair a leaking fixture), plus a CMMS documentation exercise. Add a scenario on triaging three concurrent work orders to assess judgment.
How should I tailor a Maintenance Technician JD for night shift or weekend-only roles?
Put the shift in the title, add differentials, clarify workload mix (PMs vs. calls), define support/escalation, and list building access/vendor constraints after hours. Confirm response and safety protocols for working alone.
Which safety standards (OSHA/NFPA) should be referenced for electrical and LOTO work?
Cite OSHA lockout/tagout (1910.147), OSHA confined spaces (1910.146), PPE (1910 Subpart I), and NFPA 70E for electrical safety practices. Train to your specific hazards and keep procedures accessible.
What benefits and allowances attract high-quality Maintenance Technicians?
Competitive hourly pay, shift differentials, overtime clarity, tool/boot allowances, certification pay, training reimbursement, predictable schedules, and modern tools/CMMS. Adding career ladders and tuition support helps retention.