Building Maintenance Technician

About the job

The Building Maintenance Technician is part of the Vanderbilt University Maintenance & Operations (VUMO) and is a key individual responsible for the ongoing maintenance and repair of a building or area. Building Maintenance Technicians need to have a good knowledge of building skills, including HVAC, plumbing, drywall installation, painting, and general building repair. The position reports directly to a Zone Manager. This is a great opportunity for candidates with a mechanical background or aptitude looking to gain experience in a wide range of facilities and trades skills, and who wants to expand their experience as a craftsman or technician.

About the Work Unit:

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate, Facilities, and Development at Vanderbilt University is committed to upholding the University's vision by excelling in management, strategic initiatives, and operational success. The unit embodies the core values and mission of the university, working closely with key stakeholders to address complex issues that span across the University and its affiliates as well as coordinating with the Board of Trustees on complex and cross-institutional issues. Each member of the team is crucial in executing the strategic initiatives and advancing the university through strategic partnerships to strategically managing growth, optimizing campus resources and ensuring that infrastructure supports Vanderbilt’s evolving academic and research needs and its vision to become the world’s best-run university.

VUMO is part of the Facilities Department which reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor & Chief Facilities Officer. VUMO provides maintenance, cleaning, and other ancillary services for six million square feet of academic, laboratory, administrative, residential, and recreational space, as well as power generation and thermal utilities for both Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The Grounds team cares for 330 acres including a registered arboretum and SEC athletic fields. VUMO’s annual budget exceeds $100 million and includes over 500 employees.

Facilities is part of the Vanderbilt University Real Estate, Facilities, and Development organization which works collaboratively to build, maintain, manage and operate campus infrastructure in a sustainable and cost-efficient manner to support the overarching academic mission and goals of the university.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Change filter in dorm room unit

• Check chilled water pressure in building

• Check Steam pressure at PRV station in building

• Check run status on air handling unit

• Check alarm on VFD

• Investigate water leaks

• Change air filters in AHU

• Grease pump/motor bearings

• Check a steam trap for proper operation

• Check/prime AC drain trap

• Assist HAR Tech in pulling motors on equipment

• Assist Tech with condensate pump system repairs

• Clean AHU coils/air intakes

• Change out thermostats

• Check discharge air temps on HVAC equipment

• Clean and organize work areas, including mechanical/electrical rooms’ parts storage areas

• Plunge sink and toilet (snaking)

• Replace shower curtain rods

• Tighten toilet seat

• Replace wax ring on toilet and reset toilet

• Rebuild flush valve

• Use small sewer machine

• Change batteries in auto flush valves

• Use pro-press to install piping and valves

• Change out fire extinguishers (including record keeping)

• Test fire extinguishers (including record keeping)

• Clean out drains

• Caulk sinks and vanities

• Change out toilet tank float/flush assemblies

• Change out water stop valves

• Help w/winterization at Stadium

• Help w/installation of shutoff valves on water mains to each floor of buildings

• Help plumber w/various plumbing/piping repairs

• Assist plumber w/repair or replacement of water heaters

• Minor piping repairs to fix leaks

• Replace ceiling tile

• Replace rubber base

• Replace carpet and carpet squares

• Hang pictures/bulletin/dry erase/chalk boards

• Cut and install small drywall pieces/mud

• Patch holes and nail holes

• Help carpenter lay ceramic floor tile and grout

• Respond to roof leak calls and locate leak

• Change out/install door sweeps

• Install/replace door stops

• Repair tracks on sliding doors

• Minor dorm furniture repairs

• Assist carpenter w/assembling trash cans/benches & setting them

• Repair brackets for wall shelving

• Replace lamps and ballasts in any fixture

• Replace/upgrade fixtures

• Replace receptacles and switches

• Reset small amperage circuit breakers

• Proper handling/disposal of lamps and ballasts

• Organize bulb supply and spent bulb storage locations

• Use Volt-Ohm Meter to check voltage/current

• If trained, use man lift/boom lift/scissor lift and single man lift/bucket truck for various repairs

• String lights and drop cords in tents for special events

• Assemble scaffolding/adjustable ladders to work on various lighting repairs

• Assist electrician on conduit runs/wire pulls

• Hand banners on street light poles

• Set up and monitor personal work order query

• Process daily work order time sheet

• Operate vehicle/golf cart and perform operator level maintenance

• Cleaning Windows

• Grinding Concrete

• Pressure Washing

• Ballard Rotation – Going around checking to make sure they are up or down.

• Pick up outside furniture to bring back to the shop for the carpenter to fix.

• Other duties related to classification

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Zone Manager.

Education and Certifications:

• High School Graduate or GED is required

• Valid Driver License is required; must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records

Experience and Skills:

• Ability to work safely around equipment

• Strong communication skills

• Able to stand, stoop, crawl, work on elevated surfaces and be in awkward positions for extended periods of time.

• Push, pull, lift and carry at least 50 pounds.

• Able to work in various weather conditions

• High work ethic

• Ability to effectively communicate and follow written and oral instructions is Preferred

• Ability to: change light bulbs, ballasts, fixtures, switches/plates, HVAC filters, thermostats, hang pictures, tighten screws on hardware, lubricate hinges and closures.

• Touch up paint as needed.

• Simple plumbing repairs.

• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment.

About Us

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 10009033
• Job Category: Facilities
• Posting Date: 2026-10-19
• Job Schedule: Full time