Building Maintenance Technician

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University is seeking a Building Maintenance Technician to support the Vanderbilt University Maintenance & Operations (VUMO). The role focuses on maintenance and repairs across buildings with skills in HVAC, plumbing, drywall, painting, and general building upkeep.

You will report to a Zone Manager and gain broad facilities trades experience. This position emphasizes mechanical aptitude, safety, and teamwork across a wide range of campus spaces, with hands-on opportunities to expand

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record.
• Hands-on maintenance experience or mechanical aptitude preferred.
• Comfortable performing physical tasks and working in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance on building systems and equipment.
• Change filters, test alarms, and inspect HVAC components.
• Repair plumbing, carpentry, and electrical fixtures as needed.
• Assist skilled trades with projects and repairs.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and proper inventory of supplies.
• Respond to service requests and safety concerns in a timely manner.
• Operate tools and machinery safely and according to procedures.

Skills

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Weather adaptability

Follow instructions

General maintenance

Troubleshooting

Education

High School Graduate or GED

Job description

The Building Maintenance Technician is part of the Vanderbilt University Maintenance & Operations (VUMO) and is a key individual responsible for the ongoing maintenance and repair of a building or area. Building Maintenance Technicians need to have a good knowledge of building skills, including HVAC, plumbing, drywall installation, painting, and general building repair. The position reports directly to a Zone Manager. This is a great opportunity for candidates with a mechanical background or aptitude looking to gain experience in a wide range of facilities and trades skills, and who wants to expand their experience as a craftsman or technician.

About The Work Unit

VUMO provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University Central space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• Change filter in dorm room unit
• Check chilled water pressure in building
• Check Steam pressure at PRV station in building
• Check run status on air handling unit
• Check alarm on VFD
• Investigate water leaks
• Change air filters in AHU
• Grease pump/motor bearings
• Check a steam trap for proper operation
• Check/prime AC drain trap
• Assist HAR Tech in pulling motors on equipment
• Assist Tech with condensate pump system repairs
• Clean AHU coils/air intakes
• Change out thermostats
• Check discharge air temps on HVAC equipment
• Clean and organize work areas, including mechanical/electrical rooms’ parts storage areas
• Plunge sink and toilet (snaking)
• Replace shower curtain rods
• Tighten toilet seat
• Replace wax ring on toilet and reset toilet
• Rebuild flush valve
• Use small sewer machine
• Change batteries in auto flush valves
• Use pro-press to install piping and valves
• Change out fire extinguishers (including record keeping)
• Test fire extinguishers (including record keeping)
• Clean out drains
• Caulk sinks and vanities
• Change out toilet tank float/flush assemblies
• Change out water stop valves
• Help w/winterization at Stadium
• Help w/installation of shutoff valves on water mains to each floor of buildings
• Help plumber w/various plumbing/piping repairs
• Assist plumber w/repair or replacement of water heaters
• Minor piping repairs to fix leaks
• Replace ceiling tile
• Replace rubber base
• Replace carpet and carpet squares
• Hang pictures/bulletin/dry erase/chalk boards
• Cut and install small drywall pieces/mud
• Patch holes and nail holes
• Help carpenter lay ceramic floor tile and grout
• Respond to roof leak calls and locate leak
• Change out/install door sweeps
• Install/replace door stops
• Repair tracks on sliding doors
• Minor dorm furniture repairs
• Assist carpenter w/assembling trash cans/benches & setting them
• Repair brackets for wall shelving
• Replace lamps and ballasts in any fixture
• Replace/upgrade fixtures
• Replace receptacles and switches
• Reset small amperage circuit breakers
• Proper handling/disposal of lamps and ballasts
• Organize bulb supply and spent bulb storage locations
• Use Volt-Ohm Meter to check voltage/current
• If trained, use man lift/boom lift/scissor lift and single man lift/bucket truck for various repairs
• String lights and drop cords in tents for special events
• Assemble scaffolding/adjustable ladders to work on various lighting repairs
• Assist electrician on conduit runs/wire pulls
• Hand banners on street light poles
• Set up and monitor personal work order query
• Process daily work order time sheet
• Operate vehicle/golf cart and perform operator level maintenance
• Cleaning Windows
• Grinding Concrete
• Pressure Washing
• Ballard Rotation – Going around checking to make sure they are up or down.
• Pick up outside furniture to bring back to the shop for the carpenter to fix.
• Other duties related to classification

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Zone Manager.

Education and Certifications

• High School Graduate or GED is required
• Valid Driver License is required; must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records

Experience and Skills

• Ability to work safely around equipment
• Strong communication skills
• Able to stand, stoop, crawl, work on elevated surfaces and be in awkward positions for extended periods of time.
• Push, pull, lift and carry at least 50 pounds.
• Able to work in various weather conditions
• High work ethic
• Ability to effectively communicate and follow written and oral instructions is Preferred
• Ability to: change light bulbs, ballasts, fixtures, switches/plates, HVAC filters, thermostats, hang pictures, tighten screws on hardware, lubricate hinges and closures.
• Touch up paint as needed.
• Simple plumbing repairs.
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment.