Night Handyman

Published: 6/14/2022

Real Estate

Job Description

The night handyperson /emergency maintenance technician is responsible for responding promptly to after-hours emergency maintenance calls and addressing urgent building maintenance issues at a residential cooperative property. This position requires strong boiler operation and troubleshooting expertise, as well as proven plumbing skills, to ensure the safety, comfort, and proper operation of the building's mechanical and plumbing systems.

The ideal candidate is dependable, hands-on, capable or working independently during overnight hours, and able to assess problems quickly, perform necessary repairs, and determine when a licensed contractor or outside vendor is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Boiler and Heating Systems

Monitor, operate, and troubleshoot the building’s boiler and heating systems.
Respond to no-heat, insufficient-heat, boiler shutdown, and other heating-related emergencies.
Identify and address common boiler operational issues within the employee’s training, qualifications, and authorized scope of work.
Monitor heating system performance and report recurring issues or equipment malfunctions to management.
Respond to hot water interruptions and other mechanical system emergencies.
Maintain familiarity with boiler room procedures, safety protocols, and emergency shutdown procedures.

2. Plumbing and Water Emergencies

Respond to plumbing emergencies, including leaks, burst pipes, clogged drains, overflowing toilets, and water intrusion.
Perform basic and intermediate plumbing repairs, including replacing fixtures, clearing drains, repairing minor leaks, and addressing common plumbing failures.
Locate and shut off appropriate water supply valves when necessary to limit property damage.
Assess flooding and water-related emergencies and take immediate steps to contain the situation.
Determine when specialized plumbing services or a licensed plumber are necessary.

3. After-Hours Emergency Response

Respond promptly to emergency calls from residents, building staff, management, or designated emergency contacts.
Investigate reported maintenance issues and take appropriate corrective action.
Address urgent issues involving heating, hot water, plumbing, leaks, electrical concerns, doors, locks, and other building conditions within the employee’s qualifications.
Secure affected areas and take reasonable measures to protect residents, building systems, and property.
Contact management and emergency vendors when an issue exceeds the employee’s authority, training, or ability to safely resolve it.
Escalate fire, gas odor, suspected carbon monoxide, electrical hazards, and other life-safety emergencies to the appropriate emergency services and follow established procedures.

4. General Building Maintenance

Perform minor repairs to common areas, doors, locks, hardware, and building fixtures.
Address urgent maintenance issues in hallways, basements, mechanical rooms, laundry rooms, and other common areas.
Assist with emergency cleanup and water mitigation when necessary and safe.
Maintain clean, orderly, and secure mechanical rooms and work areas.
Use building tools and equipment properly and safely.

5. Communication and Reporting

Maintain an accurate written record of emergency calls, reported conditions, actions taken, repairs performed, and outstanding issues.
Notify the Property Manager or Superintendent of significant emergencies, recurring problems, property damage, and repairs requiring follow-up.
Provide clear and professional communication with residents and building staff.
Document situations that require outside contractors, replacement parts, or additional maintenance.

Qualifications and Requirements

Demonstrated boiler operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting experience is required.
Strong plumbing knowledge and hands-on repair experience are required.
Previous experience maintaining residential apartment buildings, co-ops, condominiums, or similar properties is strongly preferred.
Ability to independently diagnose and respond to common heating, hot water, and plumbing emergencies.
Familiarity with building mechanical systems, water shutoff valves, pumps, and basic building maintenance equipment.
Ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and prioritize emergencies during overnight hours.
Dependable, punctual, responsible, and available to respond throughout the assigned shift.
Ability to communicate effectively with residents, management, vendors, and emergency personnel.
Ability to maintain accurate maintenance and incident reports.
Relevant boiler operating certificates, licenses, or other required credentials must be maintained where applicable to the equipment, duties, and jurisdiction.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, bend, kneel, and perform routine maintenance tasks.
Ability to access basements, boiler rooms, mechanical areas, and other building service spaces.
Ability to lift and carry maintenance tools and materials within safe working limits.
Ability to work in varying building conditions while following applicable safety procedures.

Work Expectations

The Night Handyman is expected to provide reliable after-hours coverage, respond promptly to emergency calls, exercise good judgment, and take appropriate action to minimize disruption to residents and prevent further property damage.

This position is intended to address immediate emergencies and routine maintenance needs during the night shift. Major repairs, specialized mechanical work, and tasks requiring licensed contractors must be referred to the appropriate qualified professional and reported to management.

The successful candidate must be comfortable working independently, with boiler expertise and plumbing proficiency serving as the two primary requirements for this position.