Career Spotlight: Facilities Maintenance Technician

Most HVAC professionals enjoy the daily work variety that comes with working for an HVAC service company. But some might be better suited to working in the same location every day. If that’s you, consider becoming a Facilities Maintenance Technician.

Here’s what you need to know about this rewarding career path.

What is a Facilities Maintenance Technician and what do they do?

A Facilities Maintenance Technician monitors, maintains, and repairs the HVAC, electrical, fire safety, security alarms, and other systems within a building or larger facility. 

The position typically reports to the Operations or HR department. The scope of responsibilities depends on the size of the staff and seniority level of the position, and can include the following:

• Keep all systems up to legal, health & safety standards
• Perform proactive maintenance to prevent system downtime
• Perform repairs as needed
• Work with outside contractors and manage maintenance contracts 
• Understand, monitor and operate building automation & management systems
• Serve as primary contact for building emergencies (which may require work during evenings, weekends, and holidays)
• Perform regular facilities inspections & prepare reports
• Monitor equipment age and condition, and recommend equipment replacement when necessary
• Assist in preparing budgets
• Maintain plans and records for municipal inspections, scheduled service, warranties, and disaster response
• Purchase and maintain inventory for fixed assets and office supplies

Earnings potential for Facilities Maintenance workers

As a Facilities Maintenance technician, you may be paid hourly or as a salaried employee (typically based on a 40 hour work week).

Here in New York, earnings range from $51,000 to $85,000 depending on your experience level. If you advance into a management or director role, you could earn considerably more (well above $100,000). Compensation usually comes with additional benefits such as medical/dental/vision plans, paid time off, life insurance, and a 401k or retirement plan.

Skills and credentials required to get hired

These are some of the qualifications that employers look for when hiring a Facilities Maintenance Technician:

• General maintenance knowledge and experience, including: HVAC/ mechanical systems, plumbing, carpentry, electrical
• Vocational training
• OSHA certification
• Understanding of local building codes
• HVAC license (if required by state law) 
• Experience with building management technology
• Computer skills
• Project management
• Organizational skills and time management
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Customer service and Interpersonal skills
• Physical capabilities including lifting, climbing ladders, crawling into small spaces, manual dexterity
• Driver’s license
• Some employers look for an Associate’s degree

Learn more about careers in HVAC & Refrigeration

Check out our Career Spotlights to learn more about career paths in the HVACR industry. And sign up for our newsletter below for monthly tips to help you build a successful career.

HVACR Career Connect NY was created to promote the exceptional quality-of-life benefits of a career in HVAC and Refrigeration service, and also to provide a clear path for getting started in the profession. In doing so, we serve as a resource for employers in the New York City metro area to find and hire smart and capable new technicians. We also serve as an educational resource to support business growth and to help service technicians succeed in their chosen profession.