What does a building maintenance technician do?

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. They also conduct routine checks, assist clients with technical faults, and ensure that the equipment works safely for certain operations. A maintenance engineer must have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry to address technical malfunctions immediately.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a building maintenance technician are more likely to require skills like "troubleshoot," "roofing," "fire protection," and "dollies." On the other hand, a job as a maintenance engineer requires skills like "guest rooms," "boilers," "patients," and "safety standards." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Maintenance workers are employees assigned to oversee the equipment, furniture, and fixtures in the office. They ensure that these items work correctly by doing routine check-ups, identifying any problems, anticipating challenges, sourcing for spare parts, and repairing problems. They also ensure that all the equipment, furniture, and fixtures are clean and always ready for use. They should be familiar with all the official instructions and procedures to ensure that they can adequately care for these items. They may also handle the installation of any new equipment.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that building maintenance technician responsibilities requires skills like "ladders," "dexterity," "equipment maintenance," and "roofing." But a maintenance worker might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "general maintenance," "safety procedures," "flower beds," and "asphalt."

A maintenance helper performs basic support tasks to assist maintenance technicians in installing and repairing machines and equipment. Their responsibilities typically include gathering and handing tools, changing fixtures such as light bulbs and faucets, preparing workspaces, and cleaning work areas and equipment. They may also liaise with vendors or suppliers, build positive relationships with clients, and handle calls and correspondence. Moreover, maintenance helper must utilize their experiences to learn more complex tasks and gain industry insight.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from building maintenance technician resumes include skills like "customer service," "dexterity," "roofing," and "fire protection," whereas a maintenance helper is more likely to list skills in "preventive maintenance," "a/c," "routine maintenance," and "safety procedures. "

Maintenance operators are skilled technicians who use a variety of small equipment and tools to perform and assist in the maintenance activities of a business establishment. These operators are required to assist the equipment manager in preparing preventative maintenance procedures so that they can increase productivity and reduce downtime of equipment. They must enforce safety rules and regulations and ensure that staff members are following them to prevent accidents in the facility. Maintenance operators must also train maintenance employees in performing proper preventative maintenance.