Service Manager - Cortland on Adams $2,500 Sign On Bonus!

Cortland; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Cortland is seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead the maintenance team at a multifamily community. You will oversee maintenance operations, guide preventative programs, manage staffing, and ensure timely, high-quality service that supports resident satisfaction and asset preservation.

You will diagnose and resolve complex issues across electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and appliances while maintaining safety and compliance, mentoring staff, and coordinating with vendors.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in maintenance, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC; Multifamily experience preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or college coursework preferred.
• Leadership skills with the ability to train, mentor, and manage a maintenance team.
• Universal EPA and CPO certifications are required.
• Valid Class E driver's license.
• Knowledge of EPA, OSHA, ADA, and Fair Housing regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a maintenance team to ensure high-quality repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Oversee service requests, preventive maintenance schedules, and maintenance records.
• Manage budget and inventory; coordinate with outside vendors as needed.
• Promote safety culture and oversee on-call rotations; support emergency responses.

Skills

Leadership

Safety culture

Customer service

Team management

Maintenance expertise

Electrical

Plumbing

HVAC

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical training preferred

EPA certification

CPO certification

Job description

Role Overview

As the Service Manager, you are responsible for leading the maintenance team and ensuring the physical integrity, safety, and overall functionality of a multimillion‑dollar multifamily community. You oversee all maintenance operations, guide preventative programs, manage workflow and staffing, and ensure timely, high‑quality service that supports resident satisfaction and asset preservation. This role combines strong technical expertise with leadership, organization, and exceptional customer service.

Maintenance Leadership & Technical Expertise

• Diagnose and resolve complex maintenance issues across electrical, plumbing, HVAC, appliance, structural, lighting, and security systems.
• Ensure the community operates efficiently by proactively identifying areas needing repair or improvement.
• Guide the team in anticipating and preventing resident issues through consistent upkeep and early problem detection.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for creating a safe, reliable, and worry‑free living environment.

Team Management & Performance Oversight

• Support a team of maintenance technicians, ensuring timely, high‑quality completion of routine maintenance and repairs.
• Provide training, guidance, and mentorship, encouraging adherence to safety protocols and company standards.
• Assign and prioritize daily tasks, inspect completed work, and step into complete hands‑on repairs when necessary.
• Promote a strong safety culture with continuous attention to hazards, preventative actions, and compliance.
• Help manage the on‑call rotation and provide support during emergency situations.

Organization, Budget & Vendor Coordination

• Oversee service request management, preventive maintenance schedules, and maintenance records.
• Track, manage, and allocate the maintenance budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Maintain supply and parts inventory to support timely completion of work orders.
• Coordinate with outside vendors, ensuring timely, quality service and adherence to scope and budget.

The Team Leader

• Fearlessly lead a team of technicians as they perform routine preventive maintenance and make timely, high‑quality repairs
• Share your wisdom and insights with the team, prioritize their tasks, make sure they follow protocol, and motivate them to go above and beyond the call of duty
• Oversee and inspect your team's work, and sometimes perform the tasks yourself
• Make sure your team is constantly on the lookout for areas of concern, using our "safety first" motto

The Organizer

• Keep track of a crazy number of details without feeling like your head might explode
• Act as the gatekeeper of maintenance information - tracking and assigning everything from resident service requests to preventive maintenance records
• Manage to keep the service vendors, maintenance budget, and supplies inventory on track

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in maintenance, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC; Multifamily experience preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or college coursework preferred.
• Leadership skills with the ability to train, mentor, and manage a maintenance team.
• Universal EPA and CPO certifications are required.
• Valid Class E driver's license.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations including EPA, OSHA, ADA, and Fair Housing.
• Ability to read and interpret maintenance instructions, technical manuals, and equipment documentation.
• Strong customer‑service and communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and participate in on‑call rotations as needed.
• Physical ability to perform maintenance tasks including lifting, climbing, and working indoors/outdoors.

Virginia Pay Range

$34 - $36 USD

About Cortland

Founded in 2005, Cortland is an international, vertically integrated multifamily real estate investment, development, and management firm with a resident‑centric approach to living experiences. Recognized as one of the top 10 multifamily owners and operators in the US, Cortland combines in‑house design, construction, and operations to deliver value and innovation across its portfolio.

Join us as we reimagine apartment living and drive outsized returns through purpose, performance, and people.

Cortland is an equal opportunity employer, and we're proud to support and celebrate diversity in the workplace. We are committed to equal consideration for all qualified applicants regardless of race,