Trades Specialist V #2716 (Palmer Campus)

Trident Technical College; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Trident Technical College in Charleston, SC is seeking a Trades Specialist V to perform advanced skilled maintenance across the Palmer and Mount Pleasant campuses, covering electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, painting, roofing, and more.

The role requires independent execution of complex repairs, project coordination, and supervision of contracted services to keep facilities safe, functional, and well-maintained.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; formal training or trade experience preferred.
• Extensive experience in commercial building maintenance or skilled trades operations is desirable.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints, schematics, and construction documents.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced maintenance, repair, renovation, and construction activities for campus facilities (electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, painting, roofing).
• Install, modify, repair electrical equipment and systems, including fixtures, motors, fans, and controls.
• Install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems and equipment (sanitary, water, gas, compressed air lines).
• Develop and perform preventative maintenance schedules; identify major needs and recommend repairs or improvements.
• Coordinate maintenance projects with other trades, contractors, and campus departments to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Assist with budget planning, cost estimates, and procurement; prepare material orders.
• Manage roofing maintenance, inspections, contractor coordination, and quality assurance.

Skills

Electrical systems

Plumbing systems

Carpentry

Masonry

Heavy equipment operation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Blueprint reading

Job description

Job Responsibilities

The Trades Specialist V performs advanced skilled trades work in the maintenance, repair, renovation, and construction of college facilities. This position supports operations at the Palmer and Mount Pleasant campuses and serves as a technical resource for electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, painting, roofing, and general maintenance activities. The successful candidate will independently perform complex repairs, coordinate maintenance projects, oversee contracted services, and help ensure safe, functional, and well-maintained facilities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Perform advanced maintenance, repair, renovation, and construction activities for campus facilities, including electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, painting, roofing, and general building systems.
• Install, maintain, modify, and repair electrical equipment and systems, including fixtures, motors, fans, blowers, control devices, and related components. Assist with campus-wide electrical repairs and projects as needed.
• Install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems and equipment, including sanitary, water, gas, and compressed air lines, fixtures, water heaters, valves, and pumps.
• Develop, schedule, and perform preventative maintenance for building systems and equipment. Identify major maintenance needs and recommend repairs, replacements, and facility improvements.
• Coordinate maintenance and renovation projects with other trades personnel, contractors, campus departments, and building occupants to ensure projects are completed safely and efficiently.
• Assist with budget planning, project estimating, procurement activities, and the sourcing of repair parts, materials, and equipment. Prepare material orders and cost estimates for maintenance and construction projects.
• Manage roofing maintenance and repair activities, including inspections, repair planning, contractor coordination, bid assistance, contract management, and quality assurance of completed work.
• Perform miscellaneous metal fabrication and maintenance of equipment such as compressors, refrigeration equipment, ice machines, boilers, and washers and dryers. Coordinate contracted repairs as needed and monitor contractor performance.
• Operate heavy equipment, including forklifts, boom trucks, trenching equipment, tractors, and backhoes. Perform groundskeeping activities and support campus maintenance operations as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent; and formal training or trade experience that is directly related to the area of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience in commercial building maintenance, facilities management, construction, or skilled trades operations.
• Knowledge of electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, painting, roofing, and general maintenance practices.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints, schematics, specifications, and construction documents.
• Experience planning maintenance projects, estimating costs, procuring materials, and coordinating work with contractors and vendors.
• Experience managing roofing systems, building infrastructure repairs, or construction-related projects.
• Experience operating heavy equipment and maintenance vehicles, including forklifts, boom trucks, tractors, backhoes, and trenching equipment.
• Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, contractors, and vendors.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, prioritize multiple projects, and respond effectively to routine and emergency maintenance situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and the ability to maintain safe working conditions for building occupants and maintenance personnel.

Additional Comments

This position is designated as essential personnel and must be available to assist before, during, and after severe weather events, including hurricanes and other emergencies. The successful candidate must be able to work independently, respond to emergency call-outs, work overtime as needed, and perform physically demanding maintenance activities in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.