Maintenance Technician
Housekeeping & Maintenance
1-3 years
Boilers Engineer license preferred by some employers
$22-$26/hr
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Overview
Job Description
Maintenance technicians keep the essential systems of a senior living community operating safely and reliably. Responsibilities include diagnosing and repairing issues with plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other building systems, responding to work orders, performing preventive maintenance, and maintaining equipment inventory.
Many communities structure this role across levels — Maintenance Technician I, II, and III — with increasing responsibility and pay as you build skills and experience. A Technician I might focus on general repairs and work orders, while a Technician III may take on complex system diagnostics, lead projects, and mentor newer staff.
This built-in progression makes maintenance technician one of the clearest advancement paths in the housekeeping and maintenance pathway. Your work directly supports resident safety and comfort. A functioning heating system in winter, a reliable call system, a well-maintained elevator — these are not small things for the people who depend on them every day.
Education Requirements
No formal degree is required for most maintenance technician roles. Some employers prefer a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant trade experience or certifications — such as a Boilers Engineer license through the MN Department of Labor & Industry — are valued by many employers and can support advancement into higher technician levels.
Resources
A Day In This Role
A typical day starts with reviewing open work orders — a leaky faucet in one resident room, a door that won’t latch in another, a scheduled HVAC filter change. You move through the building systematically, handling repairs, logging completed work, and flagging anything that needs follow-up. Urgent issues get prioritized immediately. You might end the day doing a walkthrough with the Facilities Director or attending a brief safety check meeting. The work is hands-on, varied, and essential.
Advancement Opportunities: Where this role can take you
Cross-Pathway Note: Maintenance technicians who develop strong operational knowledge sometimes move into broader leadership roles in aging services administration. Facilities expertise is highly valued by administrators and executive directors who depend on their buildings running well.