What Does a Facilities Mechanic/Technician Do?

A Facilities Mechanic/Technician is responsible for the maintenance, inspection and repair of the inside, outside and exterior areas around buildings (including the roof), as well as the various systems within the facility, including ventilating, humidifier and air conditioning, water and water treatment, heating and electrical systems.

A Facilities Mechanic checks and inspects fire safety equipment and performs grounds maintenance, in addition to the above duties. A Facilities Technician monitors and operators electrical and plumbing systems and inspects and verifies emergency power, fire suppression and sprinkler systems, in addition to the above duties.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

Knowledgeable about Building and Fire Codes, the provincial Ontario Health & Safety Act, and various Acts and Codes such as WHMIS, EPA etc.
Reading and interpreting blueprints, shop drawings, work orders and schematics as well as reading and understanding code books, operating and procedures manuals, manufacturer's specifications, log books, inspection sheets and warranties
Writing clear, concise reports and service documents manually or on computer, including health and safety or environmental reports, and preparing work orders
Selecting, maintaining and using hand and power tools
Operating lifting devices and material handling equipment safely
Checking and inspecting fire safety equipment, as well as maintaining electrical, air conditioning, plumbing, water treatment, ventilation, domestic appliance and laundry systems
Maintaining and troubleshooting roofing
Maintaining, setting up and operating arc and oxyacetylene welding equipment to plan out, organize and complete welding operations
Inspecting exterior grounds, cleaning up and maintaining ground facilities
Communicating and liaising with fellow workers, supervisors, contractors, clients, skilled trades people and company representatives

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Completion of Grade 12 with a secondary school diploma, with senior credits in Math, Science and English is recommended. Enrolment in OYAP, coop, or obtaining technical credits in Electrical or Welding would be a definite asset. You can obtain a Certificate of Apprenticeship after completing @ 6,000 hour program (a combination of on-the-job and in-school training).

You can find out more about Apprenticeship Subject Pathways at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/apprenticeship/skills/moreinfo.html

There are also post-secondary community college programs for Facilities Mechanic/Technician at Durham, St. Clair, Humber and Georgian Colleges. Check these out at Hot Links on our website.

What’s Your Future as a Facilities Mechanic/Technician?

Buildings require constant mechanical and technical maintenance, and the people who work in this field generally work full-time, with some evening, weekend or emergency work possible, both inside and outside on the grounds of the building they are maintaining. Some potential employers include:

Hospitals
School Boards
Universities
Shopping malls
Industrial facilities
Institutions/residential buildings

Wage Rate

Apprentices are paid in line with company policy but generally less than fully qualified or licensed personnel
As your skills and expertise increase, so does your wage
On average, fully qualified Facilities Maintenance Mechanics can earn $12.00-$24.00/hr and up.

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Facilities Mechanic/Technician for You?

Do you have a mechanical aptitude and enjoy using tools and learning about and applying your knowledge of different systems?	Yes No
Do you like being busy with a variety of tasks and are you self-motivated and organized enough to complete them?	Yes No
Do you have the physical stamina to work indoors or outside and for long periods on your feet?	Yes No
Are you able to bend, lift, kneel, stoop, crouch and climb ladders?	Yes No
Do you like to diagnose and find problems, then implement solutions?	Yes No
Can you read and interpret blueprints, codes, regulations, and are you able to communicate effectively and clearly with co-workers and other trades people?	Yes No
Do you take pride in persisting until the job is done safely and correctly?	Yes No