How to hire a building maintenance mechanic

How to hire a building maintenance mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step building maintenance mechanic hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a building maintenance mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new building maintenance mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a building maintenance mechanic do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the building maintenance mechanic you need to hire. Certain building maintenance mechanic roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a building maintenance mechanic to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a building maintenance mechanic that fits the bill.

   This list shows salaries for various types of building maintenance mechanics.

   Type of Building Maintenance Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Building Maintenance Mechanic	General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. They paint, repair flooring, and work on plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning and heating systems.	$13-24
   Mechanic	Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components... Show more	$16-30
   Maintenance Engineer	A maintenance engineer is responsible for the maintenance of industrial machinery and inspects equipment defects for immediate troubleshooting or replacement as needed. Maintenance engineers install and upgrade system components to improve system optimization and perform diagnostic systems to locate any adjustments... Show more	$13-35

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Plumbing
   • HVAC
   • Hand Tools
   • Ladders
   • Customer Service
   • Cleanliness
   • Snow Removal
   • General Upkeep
   • Boilers
   • Grounds Maintenance
   • Mechanical Equipment
   • Windows
   • Building Maintenance
   • Electrical Equipment

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Perform routine preventative maintenance and repairs to ensure that HVAC and mechanical equipment are operating according design specifications.
   • Accommodate minor upkeep complications including electrical, structural, plumbing, and equipment repair or replacement for residential facility.
   • Coordinate work activities of personnel through CMMS along with contractors and vendors.
   • Perform landscaping duties such as mowing lawns, raking leaves and trimming hedges and surrounding greens.
   • Repair and maintain over 62 chain, cable, and rack and pinion soot blowers with air and electric motors.
   • Care for outside plants and vegetation and sprinkler setups, mowing lawns and running errands to pick up what club need.

   More building maintenance mechanic duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the building maintenance mechanic job description is a good way to get more applicants. A building maintenance mechanic salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a building maintenance mechanic in Idaho may be lower than in Massachusetts, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level building maintenance mechanic. Additionally, a building maintenance mechanic with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average building maintenance mechanic salary

   $38,609yearly

   $18.56 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level building maintenance mechanic salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 22, 2025

   Average building maintenance mechanic salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Massachusetts	$51,963	$25
   2	California	$49,371	$24
   3	District of Columbia	$44,803	$22
   4	Washington	$44,135	$21
   5	New York	$42,413	$20
   6	Minnesota	$42,349	$20
   7	Pennsylvania	$40,401	$19
   8	North Dakota	$40,282	$19
   9	Colorado	$40,003	$19
   10	Utah	$39,207	$19
   11	Illinois	$39,162	$19
   12	Ohio	$39,152	$19
   13	Iowa	$38,827	$19
   14	Kentucky	$37,358	$18
   15	Indiana	$36,652	$18
   16	Texas	$36,466	$18
   17	Virginia	$35,274	$17
   18	Tennessee	$34,838	$17
   19	Georgia	$34,597	$17
   20	Oklahoma	$34,593	$17

   Average building maintenance mechanic salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Emory University	$53,235	$25.59	4
   2	Washington State University	$52,592	$25.28
   3	Tesoro	$50,353	$24.21	7
   4	Nestlé	$48,180	$23.16	73
   5	VisionCorp Rep	$48,159	$23.15	5
   6	United Natural Foods	$45,989	$22.11	7
   7	UPS	$45,767	$22.00	102
   8	Thermo Fisher Scientific	$45,156	$21.71	22
   9	Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES	$44,622	$21.45
   10	EMCOR Group	$44,298	$21.30	155
   11	Flowers Foods	$43,941	$21.13	19
   12	Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority	$43,625	$20.97
   13	Ada County	$42,969	$20.66
   14	The AES	$42,753	$20.55	3
   15	Emerald Downs	$42,653	$20.51
   16	MiraCosta College	$42,318	$20.35
   17	Woodway Treadmills	$42,308	$20.34	2
   18	US Foods	$42,296	$20.33	210
   19	KeHE	$42,228	$20.30	4
   20	Spee-Dee Delivery	$42,097	$20.24	2

4. Writing a building maintenance mechanic job description

   A building maintenance mechanic job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a building maintenance mechanic job description:

   Building maintenance mechanic job description example

   Must have the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and work independently without supervision. Must be able to work outdoors, during inclement weather conditions; day or night.Monitors equipment operation and utility services to the Hospital complex primarily works shift coverage including weekends and holidays. Responds to ?call-outs? when requested. Makes minor repairs when necessary to mechanical, plumbing, electrical, electronic and H.V.A.C. systems. Assist Mechanic II and other Trades Personnel in completing major repair work.
   Why Nationwide Children's Hospital?
   
   The moment you walk through our doors, you feel it. When you meet our patient families, you believe it. And when you talk with anyone who works here, you want to be part of it. Welcome to Nationwide Children's Hospital, Where Passion Meets Purpose.
   
   Here, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are integrated into our core values and practices. We are passionate about building, sustaining and evolving an inclusive and equitable environment. We are seeking individuals who live these values and want to share their experiences and efforts in support of our collective mission.
   
   We're 14,000 strong. And it takes every one of us to improve the lives of the kids we care for, and the kids around the world we'll never meet. Kids who live healthier, fuller lives because of the knowledge we share. We know it takes a Collaborative Culture to deliver on our promise to provide the very best, innovative care and to foster new discoveries, made possible by the most groundbreaking research. Anywhere.
   
   Ask anyone with a Nationwide Children's badge what they do for a living. They'll tell you it's More Than a Job. It's a calling. It's a chance to use and grow your talent to make an impact that truly matters. Because here, we exist simply to help children everywhere.
   
   Nationwide Children's Hospital. A Place to Be Proud.
   
   Responsibilities
   
   1. Inspects and monitors all critical equipment used for direct patient care utility support (i.e. medical gases, emergency power distribution, H.V.A.C. equipment, etc.)2. Performs miscellaneous work request / repairs for various departments (i.e. electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and customer service orientated task).3. Monitors the fire alarm / sprinkler system and assist the Security Department when requested during an alarm condition. Demonstrates the ability to interpret alarms at the console/panel, reset system when instructed. Know areas served by fire pumps and valve locations and effects on HVAC systems and elevators.4. Monitors and adjusts systems controlled by the Building Automation System.5. Performs minor plumbing tasks: faucet and flush valve repairs. Operating drain cleaning equipment (i.e. snake, plunger, auger). Demonstrates knowledge of areas served by DCW pump stations, how to use Valve Tag Book, and system cross-connect procedures. 6. Performs minor electrical / electronic repairs: replacing light bulbs, ballast, receptacles, switches; changing out and re-setting audio/visual equipment (T.V. and DVD players). Demonstrates knowledge of location of electrical breaker panels and breaker re-set procedures.7. Maintains proper lighting levels in patient rooms and all public areas. Completes code compliant exit light testing.8. Performs minor HVAC tasks: Adjust/replace t-stats, heating valves, re-set chillers and associated equipment, command points in the Building Automation System, re-set manual safety switches.9. Prepare supply requisitions and material list and completes necessary work documentation (i.e. Purchase Orders and Work Orders).10. Audits and maintains inventory control of items (i.e. fastening hardware, air filters etc. to maintain adequate supplies).11. Can work independently and assist other trades personnel (Plumbers, Electricians, Electronic Techs, HVAC Tech, and Mechanic II) in completing work/tasks as assigned to include: operating large drain cleaning equipment, installing piping and fittings of various sizes by soldering, threading, or pro-press methods, repairing light fixtures at various heights, installing conduit and wiring to various systems, installation and troubleshooting of the Building Automation System, cooling tower maintenance and chemical treatment testing, and Code Compliant testing. Demonstrate general mechanical knowledge by repair of small appliances and exhaust fans.12. Perform duties of a Shift Mechanic.13. Perform duties of a Building Mechanic.14. Works various scheduled shifts in order to complete Code Compliant Testing, system repairs, special projects, and Shift Mechanic duties.15. Perform minor carpentry tasks: Replace ceiling tile, adjust door hardware.16. Performs operational testing and documentation to comply with JCAHO, NFPA, ODH, and any other monitoring organization to meet Local, State and National regulatory requirements.17. Maintain all mechanical rooms: Keep area and equipment clean and painted, keeps shop area clean and neat providing a safe environment.18. Maintains a State of Ohio Drivers? license, can operate Hospital vehicles per Insurance Carriers requirements. 19. Follows all departmental safety procedures. Maintains all Assigned Personal Safety Equipment in good working condition and is always available for use when needed.20. Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned.
   
   Qualifications
   
   KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREDHigh School graduate, two (2) years related experience in one or more skilled crafts Valid driver?s license required MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSStanding Constantly Listening, Viewing, Talking FrequentlyWalking FrequentlyClimbing FrequentlyLifting 35-40 pounds FrequentlyLifting 70 pounds OccasionallyLifting 150 pounds NeverBending, Stooping OccasionallyPushing, Pulling, Reaching Occasionally The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the individual so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right building maintenance mechanic for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with building maintenance mechanics they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit building maintenance mechanics who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your building maintenance mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit building maintenance mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit building maintenance mechanics, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new building maintenance mechanic

   Once you have selected a candidate for the building maintenance mechanic position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new building maintenance mechanic. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a building maintenance mechanic?