General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. They paint, repair flooring, and work on plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning and heating systems.
General maintenance and repair workers typically do the following:
- Maintain and repair machines
- Fix or replace faulty electrical switches and outlets
- Inspect and diagnose problems
- Perform routine preventive maintenance
- Assemble and set up machinery or equipment
- Plan repair work using blueprints
- Do general cleaning and upkeep of properties
- Order supplies from catalogs and storerooms
- Meet with clients to estimate repairs and costs
- Keep detailed records of their work
General maintenance and repair workers are hired for maintenance and repair tasks that are not complex enough to need the specialized training of a licensed tradesperson, such as a plumber or electrician.
These workers are also responsible for recognizing when a job is above their skill level and requires the expertise of an electrician; a carpenter; a heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic or installer; or a plumber, pipefitter, or steamfitter.