Who we are

Why Rensselaer?  Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Job Summary

The Repairer performs basic repair and maintenance assignments on facilities and equipment using a variety of trades such as, but not limited to, carpentry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, painting, and masonry. Also works as a part of a team to complete larger scale renovations. This position participates in on-call rotation for off-hour repairs in academic and residential buildings.

**Senior Repairer: Performs both basic and complex repairs and maintenance on facilities and equipment; fabricates and reworks parts for obsolete equipment; works on larger scale projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year experience in construction, facilities maintenance or related field
• Valid US driver’s license

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

** Senior Repairer: Requires four (4) years of experience.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic construction trades including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and metal work
• Ability to read, write, and perform simple use of arithmetic
• Ability to follow instructions and perform with minimal direct supervision
• Ability to use all hand tools and operate all basic power tools and equipment
• Ability to work in a team environment and perform basic tasks independently
• Must have the ability to use a personal computer (Outlook and job specific software)
• Excellent customer service skills

Job Duties

• Independently plan and perform basic and complex repairs in a variety of areas including carpentry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, painting, masonry, minor glass repairs, minor metal work and related maintenance areas. Fabricate and rework parts for equipment that is no longer available or are obsolete. 
• Perform scheduled preventative maintenance (PM) on a wide range of equipment and facilities in assigned areas, such as, but not limited to filter changes, battery changes, safety shower inspections, extinguisher inspections, door hardware, and fan coil cleaning. 
• Set up and perform complex repair and maintenance assignments according to work orders and instructions; record the maintenance information for entry into CMMS. Provide a requisition for needed supplies and maintenance materials. May transport materials to and from job site. 
• Troubleshoot basic and complex emergencies in HVAC, plumbing and electrical areas; complete repairs or call in appropriate trade shop personnel for assistance with larger repairs; follow-up to ensure identified needs are addressed. 
• Repair or replace appliances including stoves, refrigerators, water heaters and air conditioners. Winterize windows and window a/c’s as required. Refurbish kitchens and baths including carpeting, tile, and minor electrical and minor plumbing. 
• Provide set up services for campus events and functions such as, but not limited to, student orientation, day care and commencement.
• Maintain security of vacant housing property. (i.e. board up, shut down utilities, etc. This could require being part of a crew to complete larger scale projects. 
• May load and unload trucks, move furniture, clean out apartments or offices, remove litter and discarded materials. Set up and take down furniture as required by room use transitions. 
• Repair and maintain shop equipment; maintain equipment, supplies and work area in a neat and orderly condition; return equipment, tools and materials to the proper storage area. 
• Report problems, including work coordination, technical issues, communications, tools/equipment/keys and work schedule to supervisor. Report maintenance issue to FIXX to ensure work orders are generated for work items that are outside of job responsibilities that require repairs by other shops/departments. 
• Install and repair campus signage as assigned. 

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a Rensselaer vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range for Repairer: $21.00 - $22.50

Expected hiring range for Senior Repairer: $23.25 - $26.00

In order to be considered for a Senior Repairer level position, you must demonstrate a strong ability to perform complex and independent tasks with minimal supervision. This includes showing proficiency in a variety of trade skills, such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repairs. You should also have a track record of effectively planning and executing maintenance projects, collaborating with team members, and taking initiative to troubleshoot and resolve challenging issues. Additionally, showcasing leadership capabilities, a commitment to continuous improvement, and exceptional communication skills are essential to succeed at the Senior level. Your experience should reflect a deep understanding of your field, along with the capacity to mentor and guide junior team members, ensuring that all projects are completed efficiently and to high standards.  Also requires a minimum of four (4) years of experience.

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).