Shelter Repair and Maintenance Technician

Job Title: Shelter Repair and Maintenance Technician

 Supervisor: Shelter Operations Supervisor

 Location: Safe Harbor Shelter Sites

 Classification: Full-Time / Non-Exempt

 Schedule: 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday)

Position Summary

The Shelter Repair and Maintenance Technician support the overall upkeep and safety of Safe Harbor shelter locations by providing hands-on maintenance and minor repairs. This position ensures that shelter facilities remain clean, functional, and safe for clients and staff. Work is performed under the supervision of the Shelter Operations Supervisor, with access to a shelter work vehicle for travel between locations and job-related tasks. This role requires discretion, clear communication, and professionalism when working in active residential shelter settings.

Key Responsibilities

Perform minor repairs including patching walls, replacing light fixtures, tightening hardware, fixing leaks, and assembling furniture.

Complete basic plumbing and electrical maintenance (non-licensed tasks only).

Conduct routine tasks such as replacing air filters, light bulbs, and smoke detector batteries.

Maintain cleanliness and organization of outdoor areas and storage spaces.

Preventative maintenance

Respond to on-site repair needs as scheduled or assigned.

Document completed tasks in the maintenance log or digital system and submit updates to the Shelter Operations Supervisor for review.

Transport supplies, tools, and discarded materials between locations as needed.

Identify safety hazards and notify the Shelter Operations Supervisor of major maintenance issues requiring vendor assistance.

Use the shelter’s work vehicle for official tasks as authorized.

Respond appropriately to urgent maintenance concerns and immediately notify the Shelter Operations Supervisor of any emergency facility issues or safety risks.

Communicate professionally with supervisors and team members regarding task progress, timelines, and material/tool needs.

Review assigned maintenance requests or work orders and ensure timely resolution.

Support and model the mission and vision of Safe Harbor through professionalism, respect for others, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming shelter environment.

Complete tasks within assigned timeframes and communicate promptly if delays or barriers arise.

Demonstrate reliability in attendance and follow-through with assigned work orders.

Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients at all times. This includes avoiding detailed personal conversations, refraining from giving advice, and immediately reporting any client-related concerns to supervisory staff.

Perform other maintenance-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Prior experience in general building maintenance, repair, or handyman services.

Highschool diploma or GED required.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Strong time management and problem-solving skills.

Working knowledge of tools and equipment used in basic repair work.

Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Maintain trauma-informed conduct while on-site, avoiding personal interactions with clients unless necessary for the task, and always respecting client privacy and dignity.

Preferred Skills

Experience in a residential or nonprofit setting.

Awareness of trauma-informed environments and sensitivity to the shelter population.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed at residential shelter sites, both indoors and outdoors.

Requires physical activity including lifting (up to 50 lbs), bending, climbing ladders, and standing for extended periods.

Must be comfortable working in communal living environments with children and adults present.

This position receives regular supervision and check-ins to ensure task completion, alignment with program goals, and professional conduct in sensitive environments.

Must follow agency safety protocols, including proper handling of tools, PPE use when necessary, and maintaining boundaries in client-occupied areas.

Occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals, weather conditions, and routine noise from shared spaces.

Must be able to respond calmly and professionally when clients are present and maintain discretion at all times.