PK-12 Maintenance & Grounds Technician

Department: Operations: Facilities & Maintenance 

Reports To: Director of Operations / Lead Maintenance Supervisor 

Employment Type: Full-Time, 12-Month

Shift: 6am to 2pm w/ occasional adjustments depending on event preparation

Position Summary

The Maintenance & Grounds Technician works as a member of the Operations Department and is responsible for ensuring that all school buildings, facilities, and grounds are safe, functional, clean, and well-maintained. This position performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks across multiple trades—including basic plumbing, electrical, HVAC troubleshooting, carpentry, painting, and general repairs—as well as routine groundskeeping and seasonal exterior maintenance.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who takes pride in maintaining a safe, welcoming learning environment for students, staff, and the community.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Duties

1. Building Maintenance & General Trades

• General Repairs: Perform routine repairs on furniture, doors, door hardware/locks, windows, drywalls, ceiling tiles, and fixtures.
• Plumbing: Conduct minor plumbing repairs, including unclogging drains, replacing faucets, repairing flush valves, fixing leaks, and maintaining restroom fixtures.
• Electrical: Perform basic electrical work such as replacing light switches, ballasts, LED fixtures, outlets, and circuit breakers (within non-licensed code limits).
• HVAC / Climate Control: Inspect and perform preventative maintenance on HVAC units (changing filters, cleaning coils, replacing belts); monitor building automation/thermostat systems; assist certified technicians during major repairs.
• Carpentry & Painting: Repair trim, cabinets, and drywall; paint interior and exterior surfaces; assemble and repair classroom and administrative furniture.

2. Groundskeeping & Exterior Maintenance

• Lawn & Turf Care: Mow, edge, trim, and maintain lawns, athletic fields, and landscaped areas across district properties.
• Landscape Management: Plant, prune, and trim trees, shrubs, and hedges; weed flowerbeds; apply mulch and fertilizer as directed.
• Asphalt & Concrete: Inspect and perform minor repairs on walkways, parking lots, curbing, and playgrounds.
• Seasonal & Athletic Field Prep:
• Perform seasonal ground maintenance, including leaf removal and winterizing irrigation systems.
• Operate snow removal equipment (truck plows, snowblowers, salt spreaders) to clear sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways.
• Assist in setting up and marking fields for athletic events or district activities as needed.

3. Equipment Operation & Preventive Maintenance

• Safe operation of light and heavy equipment, including ride-on mowers, utility vehicles (UTVs), power tools, pressure washers, and snow removal equipment.
• Perform regular preventative maintenance on tools and grounds equipment (oil changes, blade sharpening, filter replacements).
• Maintain clean, organized work spaces, shop areas, and equipment storage facilities.

4. Safety, Security, & Operations

• Perform daily safety inspections of school facilities, playgrounds, and grounds to identify and remediate hazards.
• Respond promptly to urgent maintenance requests, safety issues, and work order requests.
• Support school events, board meetings, and extracurricular activities with room setups, tear-downs, and logistical support.
• Adhere to all federal, state, and district safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, Hazard Communication).

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Technical school coursework or trade certifications preferred.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in general building maintenance, facility operations, or commercial groundskeeping.
• Experience working in a K-12 school or institutional setting is a plus.
• Licensing/Certifications:
• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record (required).
• Applicable trade licenses (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Pesticide Applicator) are desirable but not required.
• Background Check: Must pass all state-required background checks, fingerprinting, and drug screenings for school district employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of tools, methods, and practices involved in general building maintenance and landscaping.
• Ability to safely operate power tools and heavy machinery.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, technical manuals, and safety data sheets (SDS).
• Basic computer literacy to manage digital work-order systems and email communications.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact respectfully with school staff, administrators, students, and contractors.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Physical Requirements: Ability to regularly stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb ladders, and lift/carry items weighing up to 50–75 lbs.
• Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow). Exposure to loud noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, and mechanical hazards common to maintenance and landscaping operations.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends for emergency call-outs or major district events.