A facilities technician, also known as a maintenance technician, is in charge of maintaining and repairing a building, building complex, or other similar facility, as well as any associated equipment, property, machinery, or systems. A community college or another training facility, such as a vocational school or technical college, may offer training for this position. One of a facilities technician’s main responsibilities is to act as the point of contact for any outside personnel, contractors, or vendors who provide services to any part of the facility. Facilities technicians must be able to troubleshoot mechanical equipment and understand preventive maintenance procedures, as well as have some experience in related technical fields.
While some employers may require a facilities technician to have an associate’s degree in project or facilities management, a certificate from a qualified trade, vocational, or technical school may suffice. Some facilities technicians have a high school diploma and have been trained through a formal apprenticeship program. Most have spent many years on the job honing their skills and abilities in areas such as facilities management, vendor relationships, and building maintenance. Most technicians are familiar with repair procedures and have a basic understanding of the mechanical processes involved in specific types of facilities. This job requires the ability to read and comprehend blueprints, other schematics, and technical diagrams.
Vendors, service providers, and other personnel who work on the many systems that make up any building or facility must coordinate with facilities technicians. Heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and fire safety systems are examples of these systems. A maintenance technician must act as a liaison between these service providers and the local and state government inspectors who ensure that all of these systems are operating properly and within prescribed safety parameters. A facilities technician, as the primary point of contact for all outside service and contract providers, must be able to communicate effectively and collaborate with a wide range of service providers and contractors. Monitoring and inspecting the work that these service providers do is also an important part of this job.
This job entails a lot of preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs. Some facilities technicians may also have experience with electrical, plumbing, or HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. A facilities technician may also be knowledgeable about the setup of various types of equipment. Many of a maintenance technician’s responsibilities are physically demanding, requiring them to move heavy items, climb ladders to reach equipment, and work in small, cramped spaces for long periods of time.