Preventive Maintenance Technician (School) – Career Overview
A Preventive Maintenance Technician (School) is responsible for performing regular maintenance tasks to prevent equipment failures and ensure the smooth operation of school facilities. This includes maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and other essential equipment. The technician focuses on identifying potential issues early and addressing them before they cause disruptions to the school's operations.
Preventive Maintenance Technicians (School) are responsible for:
● Performing regular inspections of school facilities, including HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and other critical equipment.
● Identifying potential issues before they cause equipment breakdowns, ensuring systems are functioning efficiently.
● Conducting routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning filters, lubricating equipment, checking system pressures, and replacing worn-out parts.
● Monitoring system performance, including temperature control in classrooms, ensuring that HVAC systems are maintaining proper air quality and comfort.
● Reporting issues and scheduling repairs with contractors or the maintenance department when major issues are identified.
● Ensuring compliance with safety regulations, ensuring that all systems are operating according to building codes and safety standards.
● Documenting maintenance activities, keeping accurate records of inspections, tasks performed, and system conditions.
● Coordinating with other school staff to ensure minimal disruption to school operations while performing maintenance tasks.
● Maintaining equipment inventory, ensuring that necessary tools, parts, and supplies are available for maintenance tasks.
A successful Preventive Maintenance Technician (School) should be:
● Skilled in building systems management, with knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and mechanical equipment.
● Proficient in identifying potential issues and performing maintenance to prevent system failures.
● Organized, able to manage maintenance schedules, track issues, and prioritize tasks effectively.
● Detail-oriented, ensuring that all systems are thoroughly maintained and properly inspected.
● Good communication skills, able to interact with school staff and administration to coordinate maintenance schedules and address concerns.
● Customer-service oriented, ensuring that maintenance tasks are completed with minimal disruption to students, faculty, and staff.
Most Preventive Maintenance Technicians (School) have:
● A high school diploma or GED, with additional training in building systems, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems.
● Certification in HVAC or building systems maintenance is often preferred.
● On-the-job training or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience with school facility systems.
● Safety certifications, such as OSHA, may be required for handling hazardous materials or working with high-risk systems.
Preventive Maintenance Technicians (School) work primarily in school buildings, ensuring that all mechanical and electrical systems are functioning properly. The job may involve both indoor and outdoor work, including inspections, maintenance tasks, and minor repairs. Technicians often work during non-peak hours, such as after school or on weekends, to avoid disruptions to school activities.
The demand for Preventive Maintenance Technicians (School) is steady, particularly in larger schools, school districts, and universities. With experience, technicians can move into higher-level roles such as Lead Maintenance Technician or Facilities Manager. Specializing in energy-efficient systems or sustainable building practices can provide additional career opportunities.
Source: CHATGPT