General Maintenance Worker

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas is seeking a General Maintenance Worker to join the HVAC unit as part of Facilities Services. You will perform preventive maintenance across plumbing, HVAC, electrical and carpentry, respond to emergencies, and keep equipment records.

The role includes routine inspections, and occasional overtime, with a 7:30am–4:00pm schedule. You will work under Facilities Planning & Development within KU Operations, contributing to campus safety and operation while enjoying KU

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• Six months of experience in building, grounds or mechanical trades.
• A valid driver\'s license by date of hire and maintain it throughout employment.

Responsibilities

• Inspect facilities and equipment; perform minor repairs (e.g., touch-up painting, walls, ceilings, floors).
• Patching, repainting, plumbing, HVAC belts/filters, and basic electrical components as needed.
• Respond to emergencies and outages; reset breakers and assist with leak mitigation.
• Maintain accurate equipment records and logs for preventive maintenance.

Skills

General maintenance

HVAC systems

Plumbing

Electrical

Carpentry

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalency

Job description

Position Overview

The University of Kansas is seeking a General Maintenance Worker in the HVAC unit. This position will function as part of a team of maintenance staff who are responsible for the preventive maintenance program for Facilities Services. Work involves general maintenance and repair which may pertain to a wide variety of areas such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical and carpentry. The incumbent also responds to emergency calls involving loss of utilities and/or equipment failure, performs equipment inspection, and maintains records of equipment. This position requires the operation of work issued vehicles.

Work Schedule 7:30am-4:00pm M-F

Facilities Planning & Development within KU Operations

provide design, construction and safety services for campus buildings and outdoor areas. KU Operations supports KU’s mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university’s academic and research missions.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.

Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

Job Description

40% - Facility & Equipment Inspection and Monitoring:

Follows a daily inspection route through assigned areas to identify conditions requiring attention. Performs minor corrective repairs such as touch-up painting; repairing damaged walls, ceilings, or floor tiles; addressing leaking water or gas pipes and fixtures; malfunctioning HVAC equipment; and burned-out lighting. Documents and reports findings and corrective actions to the supervisor. Performs monthly testing of life safety systems, emergency generators, stand‑alone lighting inverters, and other auxiliary power sources. Identifies urgent or emergent conditions and takes appropriate initial action within scope of training and authority.

30% – General Maintenance, Repair, and Emergency Response:

Performs a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks including replacing ceiling and floor tiles; patching and repainting walls; repairing or replacing plumbing components and restroom fixtures; lubricating, inspecting, and replacing belts and filters in HVAC and exhaust equipment; and repairing or replacing lights, switches, receptacles, and other basic electrical components. Responds to emergency situations involving utility outages or equipment failure by resetting breakers, establishing temporary power solutions, assisting with leak mitigation, and performing repairs as time, safety, and expertise permit. Works independently or collaboratively under general supervision, with complex repairs performed under guidance of skilled trades personnel.

20% – Equipment Records, Inventory, and Documentation:

Maintains accurate inventories and records for new, replaced, or relocated equipment within assigned areas. Updates equipment logs and tracking systems to ensure accuracy and compliance. Assists with verification of equipment status, location, and condition to support preventive maintenance planning and operational continuity.

10% – Other Duties as Assigned

Performs related duties as assigned by the supervisor to support departmental operations, special projects, coverage needs, or organizational priorities.

Position Requirements

• Reach, grasp, lift, carry, and place moderately heavy loads frequently, and heavy loads occasionally (50 lbs.) with or without accommodation.
• Perform work above normal heights, in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures - both hot and cold, inside, and outdoors. Report to work during declared periods of inclement weather.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.
• Work planned, and unplanned overtime as needed.
• Must have a valid driver's license by the time of hire and maintain that license throughout employment.
• Must digitally enter work order information and perform other electronic communications as required.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• Six months of experience in building, grounds or mechanical trades. Associate's Degree or vocational school certificate may be substituted for experience.
• A valid driver's license by date of hire and maintain it throughout employment.

UPDATED 8/11/26 - Review of applications are ongoing and will continue until all positions have been filled.

Contact Information to Applicants

Dave Henricks

[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

Starting at 37,440

Application Review Begins

Monday April 20, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Monday September 28, 2026