As a patient at a hospital or a visitor to a shopping mall, you're probably not thinking about all the different tasks that must be performed to keep the building in top condition. However, facilities maintenance jobs are vital to the success of an organization. Even though the people in these positions work behind the scenes, they make it possible for operations to run smoothly on a daily basis.
The most basic facilities maintenance jobs are the custodial positions. These people are responsible for keeping their assigned buildings clean and orderly. Each day, they perform tasks such as cleaning restrooms, vacuuming floors, and disposing of trash or recyclable materials. Special projects such as waxing and washing windows are typically performed as needed. If the facility hosts workshops, banquets, or other events, the custodial staff may also be responsible for setting up the rooms for these activities.
Depending upon the facility, groundskeepers may be considered part of the building maintenance crew. These people are responsible for mowing lawns and removing snow as needed. Planting and maintaining flowers, trees, and bushes may also be considered part of this position.
Plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and mechanics are often needed for facilities maintenance jobs. Because they must be available to fix various equipment throughout the building whenever the need arises, these facilities maintenance jobs often involve working very erratic hours. Working nights, weekends, and holidays is fairly common, although most companies pay a premium for these shifts.
Larger organizations, such as colleges and universities or companies with more than one location, typically have an administrative branch that coordinates various facilities maintenance efforts. This includes creating employee schedules, processing work orders, and ordering the necessary supplies for special projects. People in these facilities maintenance jobs may also be responsible for making sure the workers follow all applicable safety regulations relating to working with hazardous materials.
The process for obtaining a facilities maintenance job depends on what type of position you are most interested in. While custodial and groundskeeper positions typically only require a high school education and related on-the-job experience, vocational training at a community college or completion of an apprenticeship program is generally needed for a job as a plumber, carpenter, electrician, or mechanic. In some cases, special certifications for dealing with hazardous materials or operating commercial vehicles may also be necessary. Administrative workers usually need to have an associate's or a bachelor's degree in business, unless the company promotes from within to fill these positions.
