Facilities Maintenance Mechanic / Working Foreman -2026/2027 SY

LEAP Academy University Charter School; Camden (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

New Jersey State Pension (TPAF)

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Development Opportunities

Employee Wellness Resources

Premium laptop provided

Job summary

LEAP Academy University Charter School in Camden, NJ seeks a Facilities Maintenance Mechanic / Working Foreman to maintain HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and building systems across campus. You will inspect, troubleshoot, and repair equipment, oversee custodial work, and provide hands-on training to staff.

Ideal candidates hold a high school diploma with 5+ years in facilities maintenance, EPA 608 certification, and proven leadership in a school or institutional setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 5+ years of progressive facilities maintenance experience.
• Hands-on experience with HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, mechanical, and general building systems.
• Prior experience as a working foreman, lead mechanic, or senior maintenance employee.
• EPA Section 608 Universal Refrigerant Certification and knowledge of refrigerant handling.
• Ability to read manuals, diagrams, blueprints and to train or guide staff.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain rooftop units, unit ventilators, split systems, pumps, motors, thermostats, boilers, exhaust fans, HVAC controls, and related equipment.
• Perform plumbing repairs involving faucets, toilets, sinks, drains, and water lines; handle electrical troubleshooting within qualifications.
• Carry out carpentry and general building repairs including doors, locks, ceilings, walls, and furniture.
• Complete scheduled preventive maintenance on HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and general building systems.
• Inspect equipment for wear or failure and document repairs; provide hands-on instruction to custodial staff.
• Assist contractors and vendors, monitor work quality, and report safety concerns to the Director of Facilities.
• Be available for after-hours emergencies, weekends, and incident-based assignments.

Skills

HVAC

Plumbing

Electrical

Carpentry

Mechanical

Building systems

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Documentation skills

Problem solving

EPA 608 Certification

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Refrigerant recovery equipment

Leak detectors

Job description

About LEAP

LEAP Academy University Charter School is a public charter school serving students from infancy through 12th grade in Camden, New Jersey. LEAP provides a rigorous, college‑preparatory education with a strong focus on STEM/STEAM and is committed to preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Through its unique partnership with Rutgers University Camden, LEAP offers innovative academic programs and comprehensive support services that empower students, families, and staff. To learn more, visit www.leapacademycharter.org.

Job Description

LEAP Academy University Charter School is seeking a highly skilled, dependable, and hands‑on Facilities Maintenance Mechanic / Working Foreman to support the safe, efficient, and well‑maintained operation of school facilities. The Facilities Maintenance Mechanic / Working Foreman will perform advanced maintenance, repairs, and preventive maintenance across LEAP Academy facilities, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and general building systems. Working under the direction of the Director of Facilities, the employee will inspect buildings and equipment, identify deficiencies, troubleshoot equipment issues, and complete repairs when appropriate.

The ideal candidate will be able to determine when repairs can be safely completed in‑house and when a licensed contractor or specialized vendor is required. The Working Foreman will also monitor the quality of custodial work and provide hands‑on instruction, technical guidance, and job‑related training to custodial staff as needed. The Facilities Maintenance Mechanic / Working Foreman will play an important role in maintaining a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for students, staff, and the LEAP Academy community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 5+ years of progressively responsible facilities maintenance experience, preferably in commercial, institutional, industrial, or educational settings.
• Hands‑on experience with HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, mechanical, and general building systems.
• Prior experience as a working foreman, lead mechanic, senior maintenance employee, or similar leadership role.
• Current EPA Section 608 Universal Refrigerant Certification and knowledge of refrigerant recovery, charging, leak detection, and safe handling.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance, safety procedures, tools, equipment, and building systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment, identify deficiencies, perform repairs, and determine when specialized contractors are required.
• Ability to read manuals, diagrams, blueprints, specifications, and work orders.
• Strong organizational, communication, documentation, and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to train and provide technical guidance to staff.
• Basic computer skills, including email, electronic work‑order systems, and standard office applications.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including lifting up to 50 lbs., climbing ladders, and working in various indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, school closures, inclement weather, and emergency call‑ins.
• Successful completion of all required background checks and employment clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• A2L refrigerant safety certification or training in R-32, R-454B, and other mildly flammable refrigerants.
• Trade school, apprenticeship, or technical training.
• New Jersey HVACR, electrical, plumbing, boiler, or related trade license/certification.
• Experience in school or institutional facilities.
• Experience with building automation/energy management systems, rooftop units, boilers, pumps, VRF systems, and commercial controls.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain rooftop units, unit ventilators, split systems, pumps, motors, thermostats, boilers, exhaust fans, HVAC controls, and related equipment.
• Perform plumbing repairs involving faucets, toilets, flush valves, sinks, drains, water lines, pumps, valves, and other plumbing fixtures.
• Perform electrical troubleshooting and repairs within the employee's qualifications and legal limitations, including lighting, switches, receptacles, breakers, motors, and electrical controls.
• Perform carpentry and general building repairs involving doors, locks, hardware, ceilings, walls, flooring, cabinetry, shelving, and furniture.
• Complete painting, patching, masonry, tile, and other general facility repairs as assigned.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and general building systems.
• Inspect equipment and building components for wear, damage, leaks, unusual noises, overheating, vibration, and other signs of failure.
• Replace filters, belts, bearings, valves, controls, and other serviceable components as required.
• Conduct building inspections to identify maintenance, cleanliness, safety, and operational concerns.
• Inspect completed custodial work and report deficiencies or performance concerns to the Director of Facilities.
• Provide hands‑on instruction, technical guidance, and job‑related training to custodial employees.
• Complete assigned work orders and document labor, materials used, completion notes, photographs, and other required information.
• Provide the Director of Facilities with updates regarding completed work, outstanding repairs, equipment conditions, emergencies, and material needs.
• Assist contractors, vendors, inspectors, and service companies working at LEAP Academy facilities.
• Monitor contractor work and report incomplete work, deficiencies, unsafe conditions, or other concerns to the Director of Facilities.
• Assist with construction, renovation, equipment replacement, and capital improvement projects as assigned.
• Respond to HVAC failures, plumbing leaks, flooding, power interruptions, equipment failures, weather‑related conditions, and other building emergencies.
• Follow applicable safety requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Maintain safe and orderly work areas and properly use and store tools, ladders, chemicals, equipment, and materials.
• Secure work areas to protect students, employees, visitors, and school property.
• Assist with furniture moves, room setups, deliveries, grounds maintenance, snow and ice removal, and other facility needs.
• Be available for after‑hours emergencies, weekends, school closures, and inclement‑weather assignments when required.
• Perform other facility‑related duties as assigned by the Director of Facilities.

Terms of Employment

2026/2027 12‑month contracted position

Salary Range: $45,000-$65,000

Benefits

At LEAP Academy University Charter School, we are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package, along with the resources and support needed to understand and maximize the options available to you. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Enrollment in New Jersey State Pension Program (NJDPB)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Wellness Resources

Elevate Your Career, Secure Your Future

At LEAP Academy, you do not just get a job. You gain a powerhouse support network designed to elevate your lifestyle, secure your retirement, and fast‑track your leadership potential.

The LEAP Advantage: Why Top Talent Chooses Us

• Day‑One Peace of Mind Comprehensive health, prescription, dental, and vision insurance fully covering you and your entire family.
• Guaranteed Financial Security Secure your future with mandatory enrollment in the highly stable New Jersey State Pension system (TPAF).
• Earn More for Excellence Break free from rigid pay scales with up to 5% annual salary increases based on your classroom success.
• Master Your Craft on Our Dime Receive over 60 hours of paid annual training, dedicated instructional coaching, and financial support for graduate school.
• Fast‑Track Your Leadership Skip the corporate ladder with clear, structured pathways that transition top teachers into administrative leaders.
• State‑of‑the‑Art Tools Hit the ground running with a premium personal laptop and direct funding to bring your creative classroom projects to life.

Ignite your passion for teaching, maximize your earning potential, and secure your future with New Jersey's premier education team.