Maintenance Technician II

Rice University•Houston, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maintenance Technician II plays a key role in keeping Rice University's facilities safe, efficient, and fully operational. Working with limited oversight, this role involves installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and performing preventative maintenance on a variety of systems, including electrical, HVAC, plumbing, structural, and other mechanical equipment during alternative campus hours. The technician will inspect buildings regularly, quickly address maintenance issues, and maintain accurate records of all work performed. This role requires identifying problems, diagnosing issues, and determining the best course of action to ensure equipment and facilities continue running smoothly. Preventative maintenance is a core part of the role, helping prolong the life of our assets and avoid downtime. Day-to-day tasks may include cleaning HVAC coils and ductwork, replacing filters, maintaining machine rooms and laundry lint systems, performing manual valve maintenance, and assembling or disassembling HVAC and electrical equipment. The technician will also work closely with other maintenance, custodial, and specialty staff to support facility operations as needed. The ideal candidate has at least two years of hands-on experience in facilities maintenance or a specialty trade, such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, power generation, or manufacturing. They are comfortable working directly with equipment and systems, applying practical skills to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair facility assets. This role requires flexibility and reliability for evening shifts, with the ability to work independently and respond effectively to issues that arise during off-peak campus hours.

Requirements

No formal education required
2+ years of experience in facilities maintenance or a related trade, with practical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems, and the use of standard tools and troubleshooting equipment
Valid Texas driver’s license (or the ability to obtain within 30 days of employment), with no more than three moving violations or at-fault accidents in the past 36 months, and no DWI/DUI convictions or deferred dispositions within the past five years
Proficiency with basic repair techniques and proper use of tools and equipment, including drills, screwdrivers, wrenches, ratchets, metering devices, water pumps, vacuum pumps, multimeters, anemometers, and tablet interfaces for troubleshooting electrical circuits or assembling/disassembling machinery
Ability to read and interpret mechanical blueprints and electrical schematics relevant to assigned equipment
Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort working with technical equipment
Fundamental computer skills, including the use of maintenance management systems or digital tools
Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, and OSHA guidelines for safe work practices
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively
Attention to detail and commitment to accurate, high-quality work

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree, or a trade school degree in a related field
Journeyman qualifications or equivalent in a technical craft, such as electrician, mechanic, HVAC, plumbing, or pipefitting
Experience working effectively in a team environment
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and make sound decisions
Knowledge of electrical systems, including transfer switches, bus ducts, and motors
Ability to understand and troubleshoot sophisticated, state-of-the-art interactive systems
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with a focus on building positive relationships and delivering strong customer service
Proficiency with computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, and computerized maintenance management systems
Motivated self-starter with strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Responsibilities

Perform preventative maintenance on facility systems and equipment to ensure reliable operation and prolong asset life
Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical, electrical, and HVAC issues, determining the most effective course of action to resolve problems
Coordinate with supervisors on complex repairs, generating and managing work orders as needed
Inspect, clean, and repair machinery, equipment, tools, and work areas to maintain safety, efficiency, and cleanliness
Recommend materials and supplies to maintain appropriate inventory levels for maintenance operations
Assist other maintenance technicians with tasks as needed
Accurately enter work orders and record daily work hours using computerized systems
Support electrical system maintenance, including troubleshooting and repairing motor circuits, power circuits, associated controls, and alarm systems
Perform general facilities maintenance, including moving furnishings, cleaning HVAC coils and ductwork, replacing HVAC filters, maintaining machine rooms, servicing lint-collecting systems in laundry areas, performing manual valve maintenance, conducting equipment inspections and functional tests, and disassembling/reassembling machinery and equipment
Ensure all duties are completed safely and efficiently, following established protocols and standards
Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall operations of the facilities team