What is a Facilities Worker Job?
Facilities worker jobs refer to the positions that are responsible for maintaining and repairing buildings, equipment, and facilities. This job encompasses a wide range of duties that are crucial to the smooth operation of any facility, such as cleaning, landscaping, plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC maintenance. Facilities workers are an essential part of any organization, as they ensure that all facilities are safe, functional, and well-maintained to create a comfortable and productive environment.
What Usually Do in This Position?
Facilities workers are responsible for a wide range of tasks related to the upkeep of a facility. Some of the common duties include cleaning, repairing, and maintaining buildings, equipment, and facilities. This job requires a lot of physical labor and requires workers to use a variety of tools and equipment. The tasks that facilities workers perform may vary depending on the type of facility they work for, but generally, their work includes:
- Performing routine maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, repairing plumbing, and fixing broken equipment.
- Cleaning and sanitizing the facility, including restrooms, offices, and common areas.
- Landscaping and groundskeeping, including mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and maintaining outdoor spaces.
- Responding to emergency situations such as power outages, floods, and other building-related issues.
- Operating and maintaining various types of equipment such as HVAC systems, generators, and power tools.
Top 5 Skills for Position
Facilities worker jobs require a wide range of skills and expertise. Here are the top five skills that are essential for this position:
1. Technical skills: Facilities workers need to have a good understanding of how buildings and equipment work, and they should be comfortable using a variety of tools and equipment.
2. Communication skills: Facilities workers must be able to communicate effectively with other team members, supervisors, and clients to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently.
3. Problem-solving skills: Facilities workers must be able to identify and troubleshoot problems quickly to minimize downtime and prevent further damage.
4. Time management skills: Facilities workers need to be able to manage their time effectively to ensure that all tasks are completed on time and within budget.
5. Physical fitness: Facilities workers need to be physically fit and able to perform the physical tasks required of the job, such as lifting heavy equipment and working in confined spaces.
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become a facilities worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may prefer candidates with vocational or technical training in fields such as HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work. On-the-job training is also common for this position, as facilities workers learn new skills and gain experience through hands-on work.
Average Salary
The average salary for a facilities worker in the United States is around $40,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of facility you work for. Facilities workers who have specialized skills or certifications may also earn higher salaries.
Roles and Types
There are many different roles and types of facilities worker jobs available, depending on the type of facility you work for. Some of the most common roles include:
- Maintenance technician: Responsible for performing routine maintenance tasks and repairs on buildings and equipment.
- Custodian: Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the facility, including restrooms, offices, and common areas.
- Groundskeeper: Responsible for maintaining outdoor spaces such as lawns, gardens, and parking lots.
- HVAC technician: Responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
Facilities worker jobs are in demand across the United States, but some locations have a higher concentration of these positions than others. Some of the most popular locations for facilities worker jobs include:
- New York City, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Atlanta, GA
- Miami, FL
- Washington, DC
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
What are the Typical Tools
Facilities workers use a variety of tools and equipment to perform their job duties. Some of the typical tools and equipment used in this position include:
- Power tools such as drills, saws, and sanders
- Hand tools such as wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers
- Cleaning supplies such as mops, brooms, and vacuums
- Landscaping tools such as lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers
- Safety equipment such as hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses
- Diagnostic tools such as multimeters and pressure gauges
In Conclusion
Facilities worker jobs are essential to the smooth operation of any facility, from schools and hospitals to office buildings and factories. This position requires a wide range of skills and expertise, including technical skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, time management skills, and physical fitness. With on-the-job training and experience, facilities workers can advance their careers and earn higher salaries.