Technical Specialist I (Facilities Services) at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 525562

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Facilities Services

Union: AFSCME

Categories: Facilities/Grounds

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Maintains, repairs, installs, and inspects all types of building equipment; acts as troubleshooter and performs preventative maintenance; performs related work as required. May exercise functional supervision over an individual or a small number of employees engaged in maintenance, repairs, installations, and inspections.

Essential Functions

• Plans, lays out, and participates according to department policies and procedures in the work of carpenters, painters, masons, and other tradesmen engaged in upkeep maintenance and repair of department structures.


• Plans, lays out, and participates in compliance with existing standards and codes in the upkeep, maintenance and repair of Campus Center and appurtenance, such as installation and maintenance of waste disposal systems, including drains, and tanks; installation and repair of hot water heating units, domestic water supply systems, general maintenance of refrigeration units, electric motors and appliances, water pumps and air compressors, repair of cement, brick, plaster, and tile work, design and construction of concrete housings and bases for equipment, maintenance and repair of slate, tile and metal.


• Assists in the repair of furniture, furnishings, partitions, structures, doors, and cabinets of the Campus Center, using common repair and construction techniques and equipment.


• Operates equipment used in the repair and maintenance work, such as automatic pipe threading machine, drill press, power saw, and other similar equipment according to established procedures and in compliance with all applicable codes.


• Assists in the care and upkeep of maintenance equipment according to manufacturer's specifications to keep the equipment operating efficiently.


• Requisitions materials and equipment using department forms and procedures to acquire needed supplies and equipment.


• Maintains maintenance and repair records according to department guidelines.


• May functionally supervise Maintenance Workers and renders technical advice as necessary.


• Call in work orders to the Physical Plant and follow up on them.


• Operates power lifts, pallet jacks and forklifts.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• At least three (3) years of full time or equivalent part time experience in building maintenance, repair and/or construction, or in a building construction trade.


• Possession and maintenance of a current and valid Class D Driver's License.


• Working knowledge of various building maintenance trades, including the care and operation of tools and equipment used in such trades.


• Working knowledge of the installation, maintenance, repair, calibrating, troubleshooting, and rebuilding of commercial food service equipment.


• Working knowledge of the maintenance, repair, calibrating, and troubleshooting of commercial laundry equipment.


• Working knowledge of the maintenance, repair, calibrating, and troubleshooting of commercial custodial equipment.


• Knowledge of various types of metalworking with the ability to weld with gas, electric, MIG and TIG and operate a plasma cutting machine.


• Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in building maintenance and repair work.


• Knowledge of the standard preventative maintenance procedures followed in connection with building structures.


• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.


• Working knowledge of the repair of furniture and the construction of cabinets.


• Ability to keep records and requisition materials and equipment.


• Ability to use, operate, and maintain pipe-threading machine, drill press, power saw, welding equipment, and other tools and equipment used in maintenance work.


• Ability to deal effectively with others.


• Ability to plan, organize, and functionally supervise the work of other employees.


• Stamina to work in inclement weather and under adverse conditions.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Additional Details

• This position is designated as essential personnel.


• Receives supervision from a Technical Specialist II or other employee of higher grade who assigns work and reviews performance.

Work Schedule

• Tues-Sat 10:30am-6:30pm.


• Will include evenings, weekends & may include holidays.

Salary Information

AFSCME Non-Exempt Grade 14.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Nov 20 2024 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Feb 20 2025 Eastern Standard Time