Maintenance Technician I

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University is seeking a Maintenance Technician I to perform skilled work installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining facility systems and equipment on-site at the FP&CC PM Shop. The role runs Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.

to 4:30 p.m., with potential for overtime and varied shifts to support campus operations. Ideal candidates have 0–1 years of facilities maintenance experience, no formal education required, and are capable of using standard tools, reading schematics, and

Qualifications

• 0-1 years of experience in facilities maintenance or related trade.
• Practical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and electrical schematics.
• Basic computer skills and CMMS familiarity.
• Willingness to work on-site and flexible shifts.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventive maintenance on facilities and building systems.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot maintenance issues and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Escalate complex problems to supervisors and coordinate repairs.
• Inspect and maintain equipment, tools, and mechanical spaces.
• Enter work orders and labor time into CMMS and track activities.
• Monitor inventory and communicate material needs.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

Skills

Maintenance basics

Troubleshooting

CMMS usage

Reading schematics

Safety awareness

Communication

Power tools

Electrical testing

Tools

Power tools

Electrical testing equipment

Job description

Job Description

The Maintenance Technician I performs skilled work with limited oversight, including the installation, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of facility buildings, systems, and equipment, such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and structural systems.

This position diagnoses maintenance issues, performs preventive maintenance to extend the life of facility assets, conducts routine building inspections, addresses maintenance concerns, and maintains accurate records. The role also supports general facility maintenance activities, including HVAC maintenance, equipment inspections, and mechanical room upkeep, while assisting maintenance, custodial, and specialty trades personnel as needed.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of two years of demonstrated hands-on experience in facilities maintenance or a specialty trade/craft (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, power generation, manufacturing, etc.).

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person at the FP&CC PM Shop, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is an essential on-campus position requiring all duties to be performed in person, with multiple schedules in place, including day, night, and weekend shifts. Schedules may change based on business needs and may include overtime or shifts to other hours. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change. Candidates selected through this posting may be assigned to day, night, and weekend shifts.

As an essential role, the employee must be on-site during emergencies or crises to ensure continuity of critical operations and remain accessible to leadership to support institutional functions. After-hours work or work outside the regular schedule may be required, and the employee must be available for on-call scheduling to respond to problems affecting campus operations.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding, and navigate confined areas with piping or wiring obstructions as needed to access equipment.
• Moderate to heavy physical activity, including bending, stooping, climbing, balancing, standing, and walking for up to 8 hours per day.
• Occasional entry into utility tunnels and other confined spaces.

Work Environment And Safety

• Exposure to high-pressure boilers and steam piping, high-voltage electricity, high noise levels, rotating machinery, and other potentially hazardous equipment.
• Work in mechanical rooms, tunnels, labs, attics, crawl spaces, non-conditioned spaces, and dusty, dirty, or wet conditions.
• Personal protective equipment (hearing protection, safety shoes, and safety glasses) is required.

Hiring Salary

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with a proposed starting rate of $19.08 hourly. Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• No formal education required
• 0-1 years of experience in facilities maintenance or a related trade, with practical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems, and the use of standard tools and troubleshooting equipment.

Skills

• Basic maintenance and repair skills, including the safe use of hand tools, power tools, testing devices, and maintenance equipment to inspect, troubleshoot, and perform repairs.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand, operate, and maintain facility systems and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret basic mechanical drawings, equipment manuals, and electrical schematics.
• Basic computer skills, including the use of tablets, work order systems, and other maintenance-related technology.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, applicable safety standards and regulations, including OSHA, NEC, and NFPA requirements.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify issues, follow instructions, and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and attention-to-detail skills, with a commitment to quality workmanship and maintaining a safe, clean, and professional work environment.

Preferences

• Associate degree, or trade school degree in a related field.
• Experience working effectively in a team-based maintenance or facilities environment within higher education.
• Journeyman certification, trade school training, or equivalent experience in a skilled trade such as electrical, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, or pipefitting.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to work independently and solve problems involving mechanical, electrical, or automated systems.
• Working knowledge of building and facility systems, including motors, transfer switches, bus ducts, and other related equipment.
• Strong customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with facility occupants and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with computers and maintenance technology, including Microsoft Office applications and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid Texas driver's license (or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment) with an acceptable driving record.

Essential Functions

• Perform routine preventive maintenance on residential facilities, building systems, and equipment to support safe and reliable operations.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and diagnose maintenance issues and determine appropriate corrective actions within the scope of the position.
• Escalate complex maintenance problems to supervisors and assist with coordinating repairs and generating work orders as needed.
• Inspect, repair, clean, and maintain equipment, tools, common areas, and mechanical spaces.
• Assist with general building maintenance tasks, including moving furnishings, replacing HVAC filters, cleaning HVAC coils and mechanical rooms, maintaining laundry room lint-collection systems, performing basic valve maintenance, conducting equipment inspections, and completing functional checks.
• Assist with basic repairs and maintenance of electrical, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and related building systems under guidance as needed.
• Support other Maintenance Technicians and skilled trades personnel with maintenance and repair projects.
• Accurately enter work orders, maintenance activities, and labor time into computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or other designated systems.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate material and supply needs to maintain adequate stock.
• Maintain a safe, clean,