Maintenance Technician I

Maintenance Technician I

Under the direction of the Facilities Manager and Director of Facilities-Operations, the Maintenance Technician is responsible for delivering hands-on mechanical repairs, routine trade work, and preventive maintenance across campus facilities. Working both independently and as part of a team, this role ensures our buildings, systems, and outdoor spaces remain safe, operational, and welcoming for the community.

Core Trade Repairs & Maintenance

• Electrical: Repair and replace light fixtures, wall switches, outlets, bulbs/tubes, ballasts, and sockets using proper hand and power tools.
• Plumbing & HVAC: Perform routine repairs on sinks, faucets, showers, drains, and pipe leaks. Replace flushometers, clean and replace HVAC filters, lay/repair irrigation lines, and perform seasonal system winterization.
• Carpentry & Locksmithing: Repair furniture, hang doors, fit locks/handles, and replace flooring, carpet tiles, and ceiling tiles.
• Painting & Masonry: Prepare surfaces and apply paint, stains, and varnishes with brushes, rollers, or sprayers. Patch, finish, and repair cement, pavers, and damaged masonry.

Operations & Facility Support

• Manage, log, and complete daily tasks and work orders promptly using the digital Work Order Management System.
• Conduct routine inspections of assigned buildings and grounds to identify maintenance needs.
• Sanitize and disinfect high-traffic areas throughout the day.
• Assist with event setup and breakdowns, classroom configurations, and heavy furniture or equipment moves.

Compliance & Administrative Support

• Escort external vendors and city agency inspectors (e.g., FDNY, Buildings Dept., HVAC contractors) as requested.
• Attend department meetings, training sessions, and campus events.
• Respond to emergency maintenance calls and cover open shifts when needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience: 23 years of direct facility or building maintenance experience.
• Trade Knowledge: Demonstrated skill in basic carpentry, painting, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and general locksmithing.
• Technical Skills: Comfortable using smartphones, email, basic Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), and digital Work Order Management systems.
• Certifications: Preferred: FDNY Certificate of Fitness (S-12, S-13, and/or S-95). Must be willing to undergo cross-training and obtain certifications as required by the department.

Physical Requirements or Working Conditions

• Location: 340 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010 (with travel across campus buildings required).
• Schedule Requirements: Standard schedule is 35 hours per week (Wednesday - Sunday, 4:00 pm to 12:00 am, including weekends). Schedule varies based on departmental needs, campus events, holidays, evenings, weekends, and 24/7 emergency response.
• Training Schedule: Must be able to work an initial 90-day probationary schedule of MondayFriday, 8:00 AM 4:00 PM for onboarding, safety training, and core competency development.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (tools, materials, boxes); push, pull, reach, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and stand/walk for extended periods.
• Environment: Exposure to various outdoor weather conditions year-round.
• Flexibility: Adaptable to schedule or location changes; available for overtime during campus events, peak operational needs, or emergencies.

Application Instructions

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in the position and how your qualifications meet the stated requirements.
• Rsum - Include relevant experience and key responsibilities.

Working at SVA

The School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprising over 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 41,000 alumni from 128 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. All are encouraged to apply.