Skilled Trades Worker

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff, with enrollment exceeding 41,000 students.

Part of the Division of Student Affairs, University Housing consists of nearly 2.8 million square feet of facilities and is home to more than 9,000 students. The department employs 220 full-time staff members, 21 graduate assistants, and 565 undergraduate student workers. As a self-supporting auxiliary, University Housing operates a $59 million budget derived only from student housing fees and other non-state sources.

About the role

The primary function of this position is to perform a variety of building maintenance tasks in and around the residence halls. This person works in a community housing approximately 1,200 student residents. The position performs duties necessary to uphold communication and customer service with a variety of peers, residents, and other departmental stakeholders; performs periodic duties during weekend and holiday shifts and on-call operations to uphold the standards of care for a 24-hour, seven-day a week residential program. Must be available to work specified shift, with occasional additional shifts Saturday, Sunday, or after hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Basic Repairs (50%)
  • Performs basic carpentry tasks such as repairing doors, door frames, windows, window hardware, and furniture.
  • Performs minor/basic repairs to locks and/or door hardware.
  • Performs minor plumbing repairs such as replacing washers, unclogging drains, and replacing flush valves.
  • Performs basic electrical tasks such as repairing or replacing light fixtures, switches, and receptacles.
  • Completes work requests in a timely manner and utilizes the web-based work order system to document work.
  • Inspects and performs basic repairs to various appliances.
• Shop Operation (30%)
  • Identifies, completes, and possibly plans facilities improvement projects individually or on a team.
  • Keeps all work areas clean; removes trash and debris associated with day-to-day tasks in the immediate shop area.
  • Keeps shop area inventoried, stocked, and well organized so that supplies can be easily located by other staff members.
• On-Call, Summer Duties, and Miscellaneous Tasks (20%)
  • Participates in the required maintenance after-hours on-call program.
  • Performs summer work assignments including implementing special projects and safety inspections, and overseeing a crew of student/temporary employees during the summer.
  • Other duties consistent with the purpose and scope of this position may be assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five years of experience, vocational training at the journeyman level in one of the applicable trades, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Skills

• Safely operates and uses various tools associated with the skilled trades worker field, e.g., power and hand tools.
• Carries out work assignments with the expected degree of independence and with limited callbacks for cleanup or additional repairs.
• Effectively communicates and collaborates in a professional and consistent manner with a wide variety of individuals such as building service workers, residence hall staff, students/families, and other team members via telephone, in writing, or in person.
• Proven ability to work as a team member.
• Can effectively utilize a variety of computer applications in the completion of assigned tasks, including but not limited to OneSource, the Microsoft Office Suite, UGA email, and employee websites.

University Housing Expectations

• Commit to a University Housing-first philosophy by promoting student success and supporting University Housing, Division of Student Affairs, and University of Georgia missions and goals.
• Safeguard the physical security of University Housing facilities, protect sensitive information through adherence to cybersecurity policies and best practices, promptly report any security concerns or incidents, and promote a culture of security awareness to ensure secure on-campus residential communities.
• Embrace an entrepreneurial spirit by sharing opportunities to protect departmental resources and find cost savings.
• Be present and on time for all scheduled work, communicating proactively for unavoidable absences and adhering to policies and procedures for leave requests, as these are crucial for overall productivity, team morale, and operational efficiency.
• Provide a positive student experience by being courteous, caring, patient, flexible, and working to resolve issues or problems in a timely manner. Collaborate with team members across University Housing, as needed, and communicate issues to supervisors.
• Maintain a positive and productive environment by consistently following department, campus, and USG policies and procedures.
• Designated as Essential Personnel Pool (meaning may be asked to report to work) for the purposes of maintaining critical operations during inclement weather or other emergency situations. Employees in this role may be required to report to work when the University is closed or operating under modified conditions. The employee will be contacted by their supervisor (or designee) with instructions on when and where to report and what duties will be necessary. Communication will occur via the employee’s primary contact information on file (phone, email, or other agreed-upon method). The designation of Essential Personnel Pool will be reviewed annually during the performance evaluation period to ensure alignment with operational needs.
• Participate in departmental “all hands-on deck” events (e.g., move-in, move-out, residence hall emergencies).

Physical Demands

• Climb stairs and ladders; may work from a ladder or scaffold.
• Bend at the waist and knees.
• Work with arms and hands overhead for an extended period.
• Stand, kneel, or squat for long periods of time.
• Use, care for, and maintain hand tools and power tools.
• Lift and move items at least 50 pounds in weight, both assisted and unassisted.
• Perform work-related duties indoors with steam and humidity or hot/cold conditions and work outdoors in various seasons and weather conditions.
• Safely operate a UGA state vehicle, as necessary.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Some evening and weekend work required.

Pay

Advertised salary: $35,500

This position is benefits-eligible, full-time, and classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Retirement plan: TRS.