Lead Maintenance Technician

Durham Housing Authority; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Durham Housing Authority (DHA) is seeking a skilled, motivated Maintenance Team Lead to supervise technicians and site laborers, balancing hands-on maintenance with leadership duties to ensure safe, quality housing for residents.

Ideal candidate has 4+ years in maintenance, strong customer service and leadership skills, and a high school diploma. The role includes scheduling, training, and coordinating work orders to meet DHA standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of residential, apartment, public housing, or commercial maintenance experience.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliance repair, carpentry, and general building maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day supervision and direction to Maintenance Technicians and Site Laborers.
• Assign, prioritize, and monitor work orders and maintenance projects.
• Train, mentor, and coach maintenance staff to improve performance and productivity.
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality standards are met.
• Assist with employee onboarding and skills development.
• Provide feedback regarding employee performance, attendance, and work quality.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and customer service.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Safety procedures

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Maintenance software

Work order systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Durham, NC 27701

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School

Salary Range: $24.03 - $27.00 Hourly

The Durham Housing Authority (DHA) is seeking a skilled, motivated, and customer-focused Maintenance Team Lead to help maintain safe, quality housing for our residents. This position is ideal for an experienced maintenance professional who is ready to take the next step in their career by supervising staff, leading daily operations, and serving as a technical resource to the maintenance team while continuing to perform hands‑on maintenance work.

The Maintenance Team Lead serves as a bridge between the Maintenance Technician and Maintenance Supervisor positions, providing day‑to‑day leadership, coaching, work coordination, and quality control while supporting the maintenance and preservation of DHA properties.

Job Purpose

The Maintenance Team Lead performs advanced maintenance and repair work while overseeing the daily activities of Maintenance Technicians and Site Laborers. This position provides leadership, guidance, training, and work direction to maintenance staff, assists with work order management and unit turnarounds, and helps ensure DHA properties remain safe, attractive, and compliant with applicable housing standards. The successful candidate will serve as a working leader, balancing hands‑on maintenance responsibilities with employee supervision, quality assurance, customer service, and operational support.

Schedule: Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm; Emergency Call-back is required and likely.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Supervision

• Provide day-to-day supervision and direction to Maintenance Technicians and Site Laborers.


• Assign, prioritize, and monitor work orders and maintenance projects.


• Train, mentor, and coach maintenance staff to improve performance and productivity.


• Inspect completed work to ensure quality standards are met.


• Assist with employee onboarding and skills development.


• Provide feedback regarding employee performance, attendance, and work quality.


• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and customer service.


• Serve as the lead maintenance employee in the absence of the Maintenance Supervisor.

Property Maintenance

• Perform advanced maintenance and repair work in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, appliance repair, and general building maintenance.


• Troubleshoot maintenance issues and provide technical guidance to staff.


• Complete emergency and non-emergency work orders within established timelines.


• Perform preventative maintenance inspections and repairs.


• Coordinate and assist with vacant unit turnarounds.


• Support property readiness for HUD, NSPIRE, REAC, and other regulatory inspections.


• Respond to after-hours maintenance emergencies as needed.

Customer Service & Operations

• Maintain positive working relationships with residents, contractors, vendors, and coworkers.


• Assist in resolving resident maintenance concerns.


• Ensure compliance with DHA policies, safety standards, and maintenance procedures.


• Monitor inventory, equipment, and supply needs.


• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and work order information.


• Identify opportunities for improved efficiency and service delivery.

QualificationsRequired Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.


• Minimum of four (4) years of residential, apartment, public housing, or commercial maintenance experience.


• Previous experience leading, directing, mentoring, or supervising employees preferred.


• Experience in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliance repair, carpentry, and general building maintenance.


• Valid North Carolina Driver's License and ability to be insured under DHA's vehicle insurance program.


• EPA Certification preferred.


• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Required Skills and Abilities:

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of residential and multifamily maintenance practices.


• Ability to diagnose and repair plumbing, electrical, carpentry, appliance, and building system issues.


• Knowledge of preventive maintenance and safety procedures.


• Ability to operate maintenance tools, equipment, and machinery safely and effectively.

Leadership Skills

• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse maintenance team.

Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent customer service and communication skills.


• Ability to establish effective relationships with residents, vendors, contractors, and staff.


• Ability to remain professional and solution-oriented in challenging situations.


• Strong teamwork, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills

Computer Skills

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.


• Ability to utilize maintenance management software, work order systems, and other technology platforms necessary to perform assigned duties.


• Strong organizational and time-management skills.


• Ability to prioritize workloads and manage multiple projects simultaneously.


• Proven ability to train, coach, and mentor employees.


• Ability to hold staff accountable while maintaining positive working relationships.