Maintenance Worker

ULSTER COUNTY S P C A•City of Kingston, NY

4d•$20 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Ulster County SPCA is seeking a reliable, skilled, and versatile Maintenance Worker to oversee the physical care, repair, and safety of our shelter facility and grounds. This position plays a critical role in keeping our infrastructure safe, efficient, and welcoming for staff, volunteers, visitors, and—most importantly—the animals in our care. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a strong background in general trades who can handle everything from plumbing emergencies to seasonal grounds keeping. This is a part-time position at 30 hours weekly.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED required; a related technical or trade school degree is preferred.
Minimum of 3–5 years of proven experience in general commercial or residential property maintenance, construction, or a related trade, including basic familiarity with electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, HVAC, and roofing.
Experience working within a veterinary clinic, boarding kennel, or animal shelter environment is a major plus.
Solid knowledge of basic plumbing, carpentry, painting, and electrical systems.
Proficiency operating a variety of hand tools, power tools, lawn mowers, and snow removal equipment.
Knowledge of and adherence to OSHA safety requirements.
Must be a self-starter with an outgoing personality, strong conflict resolution skills, and high stress tolerance.
Requires frequent professional and positive interaction with department managers, staff, volunteers, and the public.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize work, and meet deadlines under pressure.
Must be able to stand, walk, bend, crouch, and climb ladders for extended periods.
Must be able to regularly lift and move up to 50 lbs.
Ability to work comfortably and safely around animals of varying temperaments, and in an environment with regular exposure to animal dander, cleaning chemicals, noise, and outdoor weather extremes.
Valid, current NYS Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
3 years of Maintenance experience (Required)
drivers license (Required)

Nice To Haves

a related technical or trade school degree is preferred.
Experience working within a veterinary clinic, boarding kennel, or animal shelter environment is a major plus.

Responsibilities

Clean and maintain public areas including the lobby, restrooms, breakroom, vestibule, and staff offices daily.
Perform routine preventive maintenance and general repairs across the entire facility (kennels, catteries, clinic, offices, and public spaces) in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
Address minor electrical, plumbing, carpentry, roofing and HVAC troubleshooting tasks swiftly to minimize operational downtime.
Patch and paint walls, repair drywall/caulk, fix doors/locks, and provide for basic installations and special facility projects.
Maintain facility systems to ensure strict alignment with federal, state, and local safety mandates, including OSHA and the NYS Standards of Care Act.
Conduct weekly and monthly basic maintenance inspections and minor fleet mechanical repairs (e.g., fluid levels, tire inflation) and cleaning.
Maintain the exterior grounds, including lawn mowing, weed whacking, landscaping, brush clearing, debris removal and overall exterior appearance.
Manage winter operations, including timely snow plowing, shoveling, and salting of walkways, parking areas, and animal exercise yards to ensure safe access.
Maintain accountability for and perform routine maintenance and cleaning on all tools and machinery (oil changes, spark plug replacements, fluid checks).
Conduct regular inspections of the building’s mechanical systems, structural integrity, and perimeter fencing.
Monitor industrial shelter equipment, including commercial washers and dryers, performing basic maintenance as needed.
Coordinate through the Office Manager with external licensed contractors (HVAC technicians, electricians, roofers) when specialized commercial repairs are required.
Keep all storage areas, garages, sheds, and maintenance rooms neat, safe, and organized.
Ensure all walkways, exits, and fire lanes remain completely clear and compliant with safety codes.
Assist with heavy lifting, logistical setups for major shelter events, and unpacking or organizing heavy pallets of donated food and supplies.
Must be available to assist during inclement weather for emergent needs (e.g., emergency maintenance, snow removal).