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The Prosperity Center
Youth Services Division
MISSION:
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Rockingham X-PLOSION
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Career: Facilities
Maintenance
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Overview
Building maintenance workers keep buildings in good shape.
They repair plumbing, electrical fixtures, machinery, and the structure of
buildings.
Building maintenance workers use carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and masonry
skills to keep buildings in good shape. They plan routine maintenance and
schedule their work. Some of the maintenance they do occurs in almost every
building. For example, they repair leaky faucets, clear clogged drains, and
replace light bulbs. Other tasks are specific to the building they maintain.
Those who work in apartment buildings are more likely to fix walls, roofs,
windows, doors, and floors. This is because renters are less likely to take good
care of their apartments. Those who work in hospitals or factories install
machines, systems, and fixtures. Some workers lay brick to repair foundations,
walls, and chimneys.
When making repairs, workers inspect the structure or equipment and diagnose the
causes of problems. Maintenance workers take apart machines and fix them. This
may involve cleaning and lubricating parts. It may also require the replacement
of worn or broken parts. After making repairs, workers reassemble machines and
test them. Maintenance workers use various hand and power tools. Some tools are
basic, such as hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers. They may also use machine
tools to repair and construct parts.
Maintenance workers repair and maintain systems that control the temperature in
buildings. They set and adjust the controls of these systems. In newer
buildings, workers maintain computer systems that control temperature and
lights.
Building maintenance workers have a few administrative tasks. They keep track of
work orders and the repair jobs they complete. They also document their
purchases and what items cost. Before buying supplies and parts, maintenance
workers read blueprints, catalogs, and manuals. They check prices with suppliers
and estimate costs of a job.
Those in smaller buildings often do all the repairs except for very difficult or
large jobs. In larger buildings, they may work only in a particular area or do
general maintenance.
Work
Activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this
career.
- Plan work and schedule routine maintenance.
- Do routine maintenance such as oiling equipment,
clearing clogged drains, and painting walls.
- Fix roofs, windows, doors, and floors.
- Lay brick to repair and maintain physical
structures.
- Estimate costs of repairs. Buy supplies and parts
from distributors or stores.
- Inspect and test structures, machines, and
equipment to determine the causes of problems.
- Repair and replace worn or broken parts, using
hand and power tools.
- Use cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or
join metal parts.
- Set up and operate machine tools.
- Repair and maintain motors, plumbing, electrical
fixtures, and heating and air conditioning systems.
- Clean and lubricate shafts, bearings, gears, and
other parts of machinery.
- Assemble and install building components, such as
plumbing, machinery, and equipment.
- Take apart, fix, and put together defective
machines and equipment.
- Read blueprints, repair manuals, and parts
catalogs.
- Keep records of maintenance, repairs, purchases,
and costs.
- Monitor, operate, and maintain computer-controlled
systems that adjust temperatures and turn lights on and off.
People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but
the tasks are common to many occupations.
- Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
- Repair and maintain mechanical equipment.
- Get information needed to do the job.
- Perform activities that use the whole body.
- Handle and move objects.
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
- Update and use job-related knowledge.
- Repair and maintain electronic equipment.
- Carry out ideas, programs, systems, or products.
- Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or
materials needed.
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people.
- Evaluate information against standards.
- Make decisions and solve problems.
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
- Analyze data or information.
- Identify objects, actions, and events.
- Control machines and processes.
- Document and record information.
- Process information.
Working
Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
Interpersonal Relationships
- Are responsible for the health and safety of
people who live and work in buildings.
- Have a low level of social interaction. They may
discuss repairs with tenants and owners, but spend most of their time alone.
Physical Work Conditions
- Often wear protective attire, such as work gloves,
hard hats, leather aprons, back support, and sturdy boots.
- Usually work indoors, but may on occasion work
outdoors repairing foundations and exteriors.
- May be exposed to hazardous conditions,
situations, and equipment. They have a low risk of being injured. However,
moderate injuries are possible from electrical shocks, cuts, or falls.
- Are occasionally exposed to machine sounds and
noises that are distracting and uncomfortable.
Work Performance
- Must be exact in their work and be sure all
details are done. Errors can cause heating system failures or electrical
blackouts.
Hours/Travel
- Usually work a standard 40-hour week.
- May be on-call for emergencies.
- May work some evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Physical
Demands
People in this career frequently:
- Use hands to handle tools or controls.
- Stand, bend, twist, kneel, stoop, crouch, and
crawl to work on various parts of building structures and systems.
It is important for people in this career to be able to:
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine
controls.
- Use hands and fingers to grasp, move, or assemble
very small objects.
- Quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or
reach out with the body, arms, and/or legs.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the
hand steady while moving the arm.
- Use muscles to support the body for long periods
and to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
- See differences between colors, shades, and
brightness.
- See details of objects whether they are nearby or
far away.
- Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
- Move arms and legs quickly. Move two or more limbs
together while remaining in one place.
- Determine the distance between objects.
- Hear sounds and recognize the direction they come
from and the differences between them.
- Make fast, simple, repeated movements of fingers,
hands, and wrists.
- Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright
when in an unstable position.
- React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
- Be physically active for long periods without
getting out of breath.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this
career to be able to:
- Choose quickly and correctly among various
movements when responding to different signals.
- Coordinate movement of several parts of the body,
such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
- See objects in very low or very bright, glaring
light.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- While looking forward, see objects or movements
that are off to the side.
- Recognize and understand the speech of another
person.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Skills
and Abilities
People in this career need to:
Communicate
- Understand spoken and written information.
Reason and Problem Solve
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in
a certain order.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go
wrong.
- Identify problems and review information.
- Develop rules that group items in various ways.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw
conclusions.
- Remember information such as words, numbers,
pictures, and procedures.
Use Math and Science
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and
correctly.
Work with Things
- Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs
to meet specifications.
- Repair machines or systems and maintain equipment
on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of upkeep is needed.
- Determine the causes of technical problems and
find solutions for them.
- Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a
job.
- Inspect, test, and evaluate the quality of
products.
- Operate and control equipment. Watch gauges,
dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Perceive and Visualize
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved
around or its parts are rearranged.
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
- Building and Construction: Knowledge of
constructing buildings and other structures.
- Mechanical: Knowledge of designing, using, and
repairing machines and tools.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of how to
build machines, buildings, and other things. Also includes knowledge of how
to use computers, machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
- Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of
protecting people, data, and property.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
- Consider support from their employer important.
They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up.
They prefer jobs where they are trained well.
- Consider good working conditions important. They
like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that
fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks,
working alone, or being busy all the time.
- Have realistic interests. They like work
activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They
like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood,
tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
- Have conventional interests. They like work
activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to
work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line
of authority to follow.
Preparation
To work as a building maintenance worker, you must:
have a high school diploma or GED;
complete on-the-job training; and
be in good physical condition.
Formal Education
No formal training is required beyond high school. Some building maintenance
workers take courses at professional technical schools. They learn skills in
trades such as plumbing and construction.
Work Experience
Building maintenance workers often learn their skills by working with
experienced construction workers. For example, you may work as a helper for a
plumber, electrician, or carpenter. You begin by doing simple tasks such as
fixing leaky faucets and changing light bulbs. Gradually you progress to more
complex tasks, such as repairing machinery or creating parts.
On-the-job Training
Most building maintenance workers receive training on the job from an
experienced worker. You need between one and four years to be fully trained in
this occupation. In large buildings that have maintenance crews, you may
specialize in one craft area. In smaller buildings that have only one worker,
you need all-around skills.
Helpful
High School Courses
A high school degree is almost always required to work in this
occupation. You should take courses in high school that prepare you to earn a
high school diploma. This includes courses in English, math, science, and social
studies. You also need to take courses in physical education, health, and
applied art or second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you
for this specific occupation. While you do not have to take all of them, you
should consider them in planning for high school. Some of these courses are also
available at colleges and technical schools.
Construction Trades
Construction Career Exploration
Construction
Carpentry
Woodworking
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Plumbing
Electricity
Industrial Electricity
Building Maintenance
Construction Trades Work Experience
Drafting
Drafting, Technical and Mechanical
Blueprint Reading
Health and Safety Education
Safety and First Aid
Industrial and Technology Education
Exploration of Careers
General Industrial Arts
Metal and Wood Technology
Industrial Safety and First Aid
Industrial and Technology Education Work Experience
Mathematics
General Math
Applied Math
Physical Education
Physical Education
Fitness and Conditioning Activities
Hiring
Practices
Many employers prefer applicants who have a high school
diploma or GED. They also prefer applicants who have related work experience.
However, some employers will provide training to people they hire as helpers.
Depending on the employer, applicants may need skills in welding, carpentry, and
electrical wiring. Some may need some electronics background to operate
equipment with computer controls.
Employers often require applicants to pass background checks and drug tests.
Background checks are required because building maintenance workers often have
access to private residences and offices.
Licensing
/ Certification
No State of North Carolina license requirements are found for this
career.
Wages
Nationally, the median wage for building maintenance workers is $2,450 per month
($14.12 per hour). Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $1,840
and $3,200 per month ($10.61 and $18.48 per hour).
Wages vary with the employer, duties, and skill of the worker. Wages are higher
in government and hospital jobs, and lower in real estate and hotel or motel
jobs. Some workers are members of unions. Union members often receive higher
wages than nonunion workers.
Building maintenance workers who work full time usually receive benefits.
Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.
Employment
Nationally, about 1,266,000 building maintenance workers are employed in this
large occupation. Building maintenance workers are employed in almost every
industry.
Major employers:
Property management firms
Colleges and universities
Real estate agencies
Local government agencies
Hotels and other lodging places
Outlook
In North Carolina, the number of jobs for building maintenance
workers is expected to grow about as fast as average through 2012.
Nationally, the number of jobs for building maintenance workers is expected to
grow about as fast as average through the year 2012.
Employment depends on the number of buildings and equipment that need
maintenance. Because of technical improvements in machinery, fewer repairs are
needed on new equipment. However, many older buildings have machinery that needs
more frequent upkeep.
The occupation is large and has a high rate of turnover. Thus, many openings
will occur as current workers change jobs or stop working.
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Employment
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Employment
Change
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2002
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2012
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Number
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Percent
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National
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1,266,000
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1,472,000
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206,000
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16.3
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Advancement
Opportunities
Those who begin as helpers can advance to jobs as building
maintenance workers. Some maintenance workers advance to working as crew chiefs
or supervisors. They may train and manage helpers. Some start their own
businesses and work on a contract basis for more than one employer.
With small employers, there are not many chances for promotion.
Please see Facilities Maintenance Courses.
For More Information Contact:
The Prosperity Christian Resource
and
Community Housing Development Center, Inc.
P. O. Box 2683, Reidsville, NC 27323
Tel: (336) 361 - 4066
FAX: (336) 348 - 1802
E-mail: webmaster@theprosperitycenter.com
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