General Maintenance Technician

Job Description

Job Description

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

 

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The General Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing a variety of duties in repair, maintenance, and construction of college buildings and facilities. This position involves routine preventive maintenance repairs in facilities at Whitman College. This position will be assigned maintenance duties in support of other maintenance trades and Facilities Services projects as needed. The Technician regularly consults with the supervisor, the Maintenance Manager, on all matters involving the operation and maintenance of related equipment and work scheduling. Evening and weekend work may be required.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

General Maintenance Responsibilities (85%)

• Assists in the preventive maintenance program for various equipment, including but not limited to heating and ventilating equipment, plumbing, filters, belts, fountains, etc.
• Assists with maintenance projects and fills in where needed in the maintenance department.
• Assists in the maintenance of the swimming pool and the DI water system.
• Inspects, troubleshoots, and maintains various facilities systems. 
• Assembles and moves office furniture.
• Checks roofs and cleans gutters as needed. Serves as the Safety Monitor for fall protection and confined spaces.
• Changes lamps and ballasts and assists electricians as needed.
• Operates any and all maintenance vehicles and equipment. 

Planning, Scheduling & Communication (10%)

• Must work within the safety rules of Washington State and Whitman College. Actively participate in the Accident Prevention Program including attending safety meetings, first aid and safety programs.
• Utilizes Facility Services work order system and computers (e.g. email, creating reports).
• Orders supplies and equipment as needed for execution of duties. 
• Consults daily with the Maintenance Manager on projecting scheduling.

Emergency Response & Essential Duties (5%)

• Serve as essential personnel, meaning duties are essential to the operations of the College and require that the position report to campus for work even during full or partial closures, emergencies, inclement weather, etc.
• Respond to campus emergencies for repair work as needed. Required to be on-call a minimum of four weekends annually.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Actively and positively contribute to the College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access.
• Ability to work closely and congenially with faculty, students, staff, and supervisors.
• Ability to effectively communicate with others orally and in writing.
• Ability to properly maintain a swimming pool.
• Ability to climb up and down ladders and meet normal physical requirements for performing maintenance duties.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and on roofs.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, work overhead, move heavy equipment such as generators, compressors, motors, and appliances, and have the ability to work from extension ladder.
• Ability to maintain an organized work area, service vehicle, and prioritize a daily work schedule. 
• Ability to be on call, work after hours when necessary. 
• Ability to efficiently use a computer and operate a two-way radio.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of related experience OR a combination of relevant education, training and experience.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and meet one of the following criteria: be at least 18 years old with 2 years of driving experience and complete a driver improvement course OR be at least 19 with 3 years of experience
• Must successfully pass a motor vehicle report (MVR) check, pre-employment physical, and criminal background check. 
• Must possess a mobile phone for college communication.

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Past experience in maintenance practices/procedures in an organization with extended hours of operation and multiple high-traffic areas such as, higher education, K-12 schools, healthcare.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environment is primarily inside Whitman facilities, but outdoor work is also necessary, both of which may include working in high places. This position may be exposed to dirt, dust and equipment solutions. Work may require periodic use of personal protective equipment (e.g. respirators, confined space). Physical skill and sustained physical effort may be required for some of the maintenance responsibilities. Job requires moderate strength and agility and typically requires balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping and repetitive motions. Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds occurs with varied frequency.

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Benefit offerings and eligibility described reflect current offerings and may be subject to change in accordance with College policies and plan documents. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children

Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Relocation assistance for eligible employees. 

 

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin on July 7, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

August 2026