Maintenance Technician I

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University is seeking a Maintenance Technician I to perform skilled work including installation, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of facility buildings, systems, and equipment such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and structural components.

This on-site role is based at the FP&CC PM Shop with varying day, night, and weekend shifts, and may require on-call duties during emergencies.

Qualifications

• 2 years hands-on experience in facilities maintenance or a related trade
• Ability to work on-site and adapt to day, night, and weekend shifts
• Knowledge of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical systems

Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventive maintenance on residential facilities, building systems, and equipment
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and diagnose maintenance issues and determine corrective actions
• Escalate complex maintenance problems and assist with coordinating repairs and work orders
• Maintain equipment, tools, and mechanical spaces and assist with basic repairs
• Enter work orders and track labor time in CMMS or designated systems

Skills

Maintenance basics

Troubleshooting

Electrical safety

HVAC knowledge

Reading drawings

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate or trade school degree

Tools

CMMS systems

Maintenance tools

Job description

The Maintenance Technician I performs skilled work with limited oversight involving the installation, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of facility buildings, systems, and equipment, including 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 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, from 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 Range

This is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible position, and the hiring salary is $19.08 hourly, contingent upon qualifications and experience. 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 the 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’s 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.

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, and organized work environment and follow all applicable safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Rice University HR | Benefits:

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values:

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [e-mail] for support. If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.