Facilities Maintenance Technician, Newark - Uncommon Schools North Star Academy

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing, public charter schools providing an outstanding K-12 education in historically under-resourced communities. We have proudly built schools that reflect our student population, with more than 60% of our teachers and staff across our network identifying as a person of color. Uncommon currently manages 53 schools serving 20,000 students in five cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. We are proud that Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at five times the rate of their peers nationally. We achieve this by offering strong academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional learning that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

The Facilities Maintenance Technician (FMT) reports to the onsite Facilities Manager (FM) and serves a critical role ensuring that our schools’ mechanical systems and building envelopes function properly and are in good repair. The FMT should have a broad base of technical knowledge, encompassing HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, and an ability to think critically and troubleshoot technical problems. The FMT will perform preventive and routine maintenance as well as day to day repairs on plumbing, boiler, HVAC, pumps, and electrical systems, as well as perform carpentry and other repairs in order to maintain our facilities as clean, attractive, and healthy environments for learning and work.

The FMT will serve numerous school facilities in the region, and will be expected to be onsite five days a week, from 6am to 3pm, and available at all times in emergencies. The FMT needs to be physically able to complete all assignments, including lifting materials and equipment, moving heavy items, stretching to reach difficult to access areas, climbing ladders, and the like.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct regular inspections of building systems including electrical, plumbing, HVAC
• Diagnose mechanical and electrical malfunctions and make recommendations for repair
• Perform plumbing repairs including but not limited to replacing flush-o-meters, metering cartridges, water fountain filters, sink faucets, and the like
• Undertake minor electrical repairs, including low-voltage PA, LAN cabling, change light fixtures, switches, outlets, and ballasts 
• Repair and install doors, door closers, and locks 
• Prepare and paint walls and woodwork; perform other types of refinishing
• Build, repair, and install counters, cabinets, benches, partitions, floors, doors, and trim
• Conduct spot repairs of VCT flooring and rubber treads 
• Perform regularly scheduled maintenance on building systems
• Provide estimates of materials required
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with school personnel and vendors
• Identify situations that require escalation or elevation to supervisor or manager for guidance or to request additional support
• Perform general maintenance and repair tasks as needed, under direction of on-site facilities manager
• Ensure that work sites and conditions are safe
• Perform assignments to ensure all schools can safely open and function
• Respond to emergency situations and perform vital repairs or act as a point person during a facility emergency regardless of the day or hour
• Work collaboratively with other school employees during emergency operations
• Consistently use the work order system, ensuring that all work performed onsite is documented correctly and updated in a timely manner; ensure work orders are completed and detailed accurately
• Track, document, and maintain all PM inspections and reports for each site
• Maintain an adequate supply of parts used for repairs, and request needed supplies through the established procedures
• Be available to oversee snow removal vendors
• Ensure safe-keeping of company property, and report immediately to managers any damage or vandalism to facilities or theft of equipment 
• Display a cooperative and pleasant demeanor, particularly when in the presence of staff, students, and community visitors
• Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties 
• Serve as a role model for students and staff by demonstrating a positive attitudes appropriate attire and grooming, and a dedicated work ethic
• Participate in in-service and workshop programs and meetings as required
• Display ethical and professional behavior in working with students, parents, school personnel, and outside agencies associated with the school
• Adhere to federal statutes and regulations, New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Uncommon Schools policies and procedures, and contractual obligations
• Perform any duties and responsibilities that are within the scope of employment as assigned by managers and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 5 years of experience; 3-4 years of directly related experience preferred
• Have a valid driver’s license and possess a personal vehicle for travel across school sites
• Exhibit working knowledge of:
  • low pressure steam boilers, one and two pipe steam systems, condensate return lines, condensate return pumps
  • chillers, 2- and 4-pipe chilled water HVAC systems, and chilled water pumps
  • cooling tower operations, cooling tower water circulation pumps, and make-up water controls
  • electrical systems including three phase, single phase, and low voltage
  • elevator operations and safety requirements
  • water treatment laws and practices for boilers, chillers, and cooling towers 
  • commercial plumbing systems including  storm, waste water, sanitary wastewater, hot potable water recirculation systems, cold water supply, and potable water booster pumps
  • roofing, masonry, building envelope components and waterproofing
  • have high-level skills using hand and power tools

Our people are what makes us Uncommon.  We believe our compensation philosophy and benefits should reflect our values—equity, transparency, and clarity—to enhance our ability to attract and retain talent and reward their expertise.  Our staff receive best-in-class training, coaching, and support to develop and operate mission-driven schools that provide a high-quality education to our students and families.

Compensation for this position: This is an hourly role. The total annual compensation will be between $64,000-$67,800, depending on overtime. The starting pay will depend on a variety of factors that may include but are not limited to experience, education, training, certification, and location. Because we value staff staying in their roles over time, we do not currently cap salary ranges.

Benefits: We offer comprehensive, flexible, and competitive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.