Maintenance Technician

Job Description

Position Details

Dept Number/Name: 471000 - Florida Institute of Oceanography

Location: Florida Keys, Layton, FL

Salary Plan: Staff

Job Code/Title: 6466 / Maintenance Technician

Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $35,00-$45,000 (commensurate based on experience)

Position Number: 330106739


This position is 100% onsite the FIO Keys Marine Laboratory location in Layton, FL.

Organizational Summary:

The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is an institute of the University of South Florida that connects Florida's academic, public, and private partners to the marine environment through oceanographic research, education, workforce development, and applied maritime operations. As a regional marine science and technology resource, FIO provides access to research vessels, specialized marine equipment, field operations expertise, and the Keys Marine Laboratory to support discovery, student learning, environmental stewardship, and solutions to complex coastal and ocean challenges.

Through its vessels, facilities, and experienced maritime professionals, FIO enables researchers, students, agencies, and industry partners to conduct work on, in, and around the water safely and effectively. FIO supports oceanographic research while also serving as a broader platform for interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, marine technology testing, public-private collaboration, and workforce development. As part of USF, FIO strengthens the university's role as a leader in ocean science, coastal resilience, and marine innovation while serving the needs of Florida and the broader ocean community.

Position Description:

This position will report directly to the Facility Maintenance Supervisor and coordinate with KML Director based on KML schedule. The main purpose is to provide operational support for general facility maintenance including multi-trade diagnostics, repairs, minor construction and janitorial/cleaning services to all buildings of the KML facility. This job requires physical abilities such as bending, twisting, crawling, carrying tools, materials & cleaning supplies up and down stairways, vacuuming etc. in order to perform the essential functions of the position. Required ability to use PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) as this position may be exposed to toxic, caustic substances, and fumes or airborne particles. This position is sometimes required to lift more than 50 pounds.


The normal work environment is Indoor 50%; Outdoor 50%. The physical demands include standing 75-100%; walking 50-75%; kneeling 25% or less; push/pulling 25% or less; lifting 5-50lbs <25%.

Responsibilities

Facilities Maintenance Technician Duties

• Maintains buildings, grounds and provides custodial services

1. Installs, repairs, and removes equipment, signs, and fixtures.
2. Cleans light fixtures, replaces light bulbs and makes minor adjustments to switches and electrical controls.
3. Performs repair work to drywall, plaster, ceilings, windows, doors, and door hardware.

• Operates, pressure washers and special cleaning equipment to clean buildings, laboratories, equipment and platforms.
• Checks equipment or vehicles for proper fluid levels, changes filters, belts, cleans pans and coils.
• Sets up, breaks down and cleans furniture, equipment and facilities for regular and special events.
• Performs safety inspections on emergency devices.
• May perform hurricane preparation and clean up duties such as clearing roof drains, hurricane shutters, securing facility, filling and positioning sandbags, clearing debris etc as needed.
• Assist other KML staff or academic and research groups on site.

Custodial Duties

• Vacuums, sweeps and mops floors in assigned areas. Vacuums rugs and carpets.
• Collects trash and refuse in rooms, hallways, restrooms, stairwells, elevators, classrooms, etc. Transports waste and recycle bins to central area or main disposal receptacle.
• Cleans and sanitizes restrooms including vanity/sink, mirrors, walls, commodes, doors, etc. May also restock restroom supplies as needed.
• Dusts, polishes, and/or cleans furniture, mirrors, doors, vents, walls, door frames, ceilings, window ledges, etc. Also removes cob webs and may need to occasionally move small furniture (e.g., chairs).
• Strip, buff, seal and/or refinish hard surface floors as needed or requested. Shampoo and/or spot clean carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture as needed or requested.
• Perform routine maintenance or very minor repairs to custodial equipment. Notifies supervisor of maintenance repairs that need to be handled by appropriate Maintenance staff.
• May perform specialized cleaning in student housing areas such as cleaning of stoves/ovens, sinks, grills, washers and/or dryers, etc.
• Assist with setting up linens and towels for incoming groups as determined by schedule
• Collect dirty linens for transport to laundromat facility; organize and put way clean linens
• May be responsible for keeping outdoor walkways/breezeways and common entrance areas clean by sweeping them or using a leaf blower.
• Performs other custodial duties as required or deemed necessary to meet the needs of the assigned buildings or areas.

Performs other miscellaneous maintenance, grounds, and custodial duties assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

This position requires completion of an approved apprenticeship program for one or more trades; or a high school diploma and four years of related experience. Appropriate experience may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required education. Appropriate vocational / technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience. A valid Florida Driver's License is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

At least two (2) years of technical knowledge and experience with maintenance technical operations in marine operations & laboratory facilities.


This position requires completion of an approved apprenticeship program for one or more trades; or a high school diploma and one (1) year of related experience. Appropriate experience may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required education. Appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.


Special Skills or Training

• General Carpentry/Construction (e.g. Wood Decks & Stairs; Drywall; Painting-interior/exterior)
• Plumbing - basic (e.g. Residential Bath/Kitchen/Grounds)
• Electrical - basic (e.g. Lighting Fixtures, Ceiling Fans, Residential Appliances)
• Mechanical - basic (e.g. Vehicles, Vessels, Trailers)
• Custodial Services

Please provide the following documents when completing your application:

• Curriculum vitae / resume
• A copy of academic transcripts
• Contact information for three professional references (one must be your current/most recent supervisor).

The selected candidate must have a current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:


The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.