General Maintenance Mechanic, Senior

Goduke; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University in Durham, NC is seeking a General Maintenance Mechanic to maintain and repair campus facilities and building systems. You will perform preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs across plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, and related trades.

The role requires six years of relevant experience, a high school diploma, NC driver’s license, and various certifications (OSHA, lockout/tagout, fire safety, pool/spa, GMM Level 7). You will train others and sometimes supervise.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with skilled trades coursework or related experience.
• Six years of maintenance experience in facilities or related field; relevant certifications listed.
• Valid NC driver’s license and OSHA/lockout/tagout training prerequisites.
• Pool & Spa Certification and GMM Level 7 training completed.
• Ability to read blueprints and use Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs across multiple systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, masonry, painting, glazing).
• Troubleshoot and repair equipment and building components to ensure safety and reliability.
• Operate and maintain pools, filtration systems, and related equipment.
• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job training to teammates.
• Document work orders, maintenance activities, and inventory records accurately.

Skills

Multitrade maintenance

Troubleshooting

Blueprint reading

Safety awareness

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

North Carolina driver’s license

OSHA / safety training

Pool and Spa Certification

GMM Level 7 training

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Hand tools

Power tools

Electrical testing devices

Job description

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Date: Aug 3, 2026

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives each team member brings to our campus community. As a General Maintenance Mechanic, you'll play a critical role in maintaining the buildings, systems, and infrastructure that support Duke's world-class education, research, and healthcare missions. You'll work alongside skilled professionals in a collaborative environment where your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to excellence help create safe, functional, and welcoming spaces for everyone.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires an educational background normally acquired through a high school education with course work in skilled crafts, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience. Possess a valid North Carolina driver's license. Received training on knowledge of general OSHA standards. Received training on use of portable fire extinguisher. Received training on hazardous waste awareness. Received training on OSHA standards for lockout/tag out procedures. Received training on fire safety. Received training on fall protection. Received training on blueprint reading. Received training on Microsoft Office software. Obtain CFC certification. Obtain pool and spa certification. Satisfy training requirements for GMM, Level 7.

Experience

Work requires six years of experience in the field of general maintenance or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Be Bold.

As a General Maintenance Mechanic, you will apply your broad technical knowledge across multiple trades to maintain, repair, troubleshoot, and improve campus facilities and building systems. Your work will directly contribute to the reliability, safety, and efficiency of Duke's physical environment.

What You'll Do:

Facility Maintenance & Repair

• Perform preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs across multiple building systems, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, refrigeration, carpentry, masonry, painting, glazing, and pneumatic systems.
• Troubleshoot equipment, building components, and facility systems to identify issues and implement effective solutions.
• Maintain and repair plumbing fixtures, valves, faucets, piping systems, drain-waste-vent systems, and related components.
• Maintain and repair electrical systems and components including lighting fixtures, switches, receptacles, wiring devices, relays, contractors, circuit breakers, and control circuits.
• Service and maintain HVAC equipment, air distribution systems, window units, thermostats, and associated components.
• Install, maintain, and repair doors, hardware, locks, panic devices, windows, skylights, weather-stripping, drywall, suspended ceilings, and interior trim.

Construction & Trade Support

• Complete carpentry, masonry, painting, drywall, and minor construction tasks to support facility operations.
• Layout projects, estimate materials, and plan repair activities to ensure efficient completion of work assignments.
• Apply coatings, sealants, fillers, mortar, grout, and other materials using appropriate methods and safety standards.
• Perform welding and oxyfuel cutting as required to support maintenance activities.

Equipment Operations & Technical Work

• Operate and maintain pools, filtration systems, chemical treatment equipment, and associated mechanical components.
• Use diagnostic equipment, electrical testing devices, hand tools, and power tools safely and effectively.
• Analyze maintenance systems, shop programs, and operational data to support department objectives.
• Complete work orders, preventive maintenance documentation, inventory records, and related reports accurately.
• Collaborate with mechanics, trades personnel, supervisors, and other campus partners to complete maintenance projects.
• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job training to less experienced team members.
• Serve as acting supervisor when assigned, helping coordinate daily operations and work activities.
• Support a positive team culture focused on safety, service, reliability, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Bring

Education & Training

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Training and demonstrated knowledge in:
  • OSHA safety standards
  • Lockout/tagout procedures
  • Fire safety and portable fire extinguisher use
  • Hazardous waste awareness
  • Fall protection practices
  • Blueprint reading
  • Microsoft Office applications
• Pool and Spa Certification.
• Completion of GMM Level 7 training requirements.

Experience

• Six years of experience in general facility maintenance, building trades, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of building maintenance principles across electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, masonry, painting, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, and maintenance-related machinery.
• Working knowledge of workplace safety requirements, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response procedures.
• Ability to read blueprints, perform basic mathematical calculations, and interpret technical information.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize work, manage multiple assignments, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to train, mentor, and provide guidance to others.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality customer service and maintaining operational excellence.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Nearest Major Market: Durham

Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.