Description
Job Summary
The Temporary Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing routine preventive maintenance, repairs, and minor installations to ensure the hospital’s physical plant, equipment, and systems remain safe, functional, and compliant with healthcare regulations. This short-term role supports patient care by helping maintain a clean, safe, and reliable environment in a rural hospital setting. The technician often works independently or with minimal supervision and must demonstrate broad skills in general maintenance (plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC basics, grounds, etc.) along with strict adherence to infection control, safety, and regulatory standards (CMS, OSHA, local health codes).
Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform preventive maintenance inspections and scheduled servicing on building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, generators, boilers, medical gas systems (basic), fire alarms, and emergency power equipment.
- Respond promptly to work orders for repairs and troubleshooting (leaks, electrical issues, HVAC problems, door/hardware failures, painting, minor carpentry, etc.).
- Assist with minor construction, remodeling, or equipment installation projects as needed.
- Maintain hospital grounds (snow/ice removal, landscaping, parking lot upkeep) and exterior building elements.
- Follow infection prevention protocols (proper tool cleaning, PPE use, isolation area procedures).
- Conduct safety inspections, identify hazards, and recommend corrective actions.
- Operate and maintain tools, equipment, and vehicles safely; requisition supplies and parts as needed.
- Document all work performed in the maintenance management system and maintain accurate records for regulatory compliance.
- Respond to emergency calls (on-call rotation) that could impact patient care or safety.
- Collaborate with clinical staff, vendors, and other departments while minimizing disruptions in patient areas.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the hospital’s mission during the temporary assignment.
Key Competencies (Skills & Knowledge)
- Technical Skills Strong knowledge of preventive and corrective maintenance procedures; basic to intermediate proficiency in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC, and mechanical systems; ability to read blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
- Problem-Solving Quick troubleshooting and decision-making to resolve issues with minimal downtime, always prioritizing patient safety and regulatory compliance.
- Regulatory & Safety Knowledge Understanding of healthcare-specific standards (infection control, CMS requirements, life safety codes, OSHA, NFPA); commitment to safe work practices and proper PPE use.
- Communication Clear verbal and written communication with staff at all levels; professional and courteous interaction with patients, visitors, and vendors.
- Independence & Adaptability Ability to work autonomously in a rural setting with limited immediate resources; flexibility to handle varied tasks and emergencies.
- Customer Service Responsive, reliable, and focused on supporting hospital operations and patient care.
- Organizational Skills Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to read and understand English sufficiently to follow written instructions, safety rules, chemical labels, work orders, and basic diagrams.
- Ability to speak and understand conversational English for effective communication with supervisors, team members, staff, and others.
Preferred: Current BLS (Basic Life Support) for Healthcare Providers certification (AHA or equivalent), with willingness to obtain/maintain as needed for hospital compliance.
Physical Requirements This is a physically demanding role that requires the ability to perform manual labor in various environments (indoor, outdoor, confined spaces, heights, patient areas). Must be able to:
- Lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing 50–100 pounds (tools, equipment, furniture, supplies).
- Stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb ladders/stairs/scaffolding, and reach overhead for extended periods.
- Work in varying conditions, including extreme temperatures, noise, dust, and exposure to chemicals/cleaning agents.
- Demonstrate manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate tools, equipment, and controls.
- Possess visual acuity (close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception) to inspect work and read labels/schematics.
- Work flexible hours, including on-call shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed for 24/7 facility operations.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Vocational/technical training or certification in maintenance, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or a related field preferred.
- 2+ years of experience in facility maintenance, preferably in healthcare, commercial buildings, or a related setting.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (may be required for grounds/vehicle use).
- Basic computer skills for work order systems and documentation.
- Willingness to obtain relevant certifications as needed.
