Maintenance Apprentice - Connecticut Heights

Under the general direction of the Service Manager/Director, the Service Apprentice will learn fundamentals related to property maintenance such as interior repairs, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, basic plumbing, basic appliances, and basic electric. During the 14-week training period, the Service Apprentice will be introduced to Equity Residential techniques and concepts through on the job training and classroom courses. Upon completion of the program, the Service Apprentice will be evaluated for job readiness as a Service Technician. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Classroom Training

• Learns various fundamental tasks such as understanding team dynamics and becoming familiarized with community/portfolio. 
• Learns essential day to day operational functions, such as company policies, timekeeping, employee safety, accessing online information through Equity's intranet, email, and other various tasks as assigned.
• Completes e-learning training modules and instructor led training in a timely-manner as instructed by training staff.
• Applies classroom knowledge to the workplace and upholds the company policies to ensure a positive and safe work environment for all team members.

On the Job Training 

• Partners with assigned service team members to learn how to effectively and efficiently resolve resident service requests. Receives training to become familiar with general processes and technical concepts, related to the preparation of all market-ready apartments, which may include, but is not limited to, the following:
  • Interior repairs:  Makes cosmetic repairs to finish carpentry, window coverings and wall coverings. 
  • Plumbing:  Clears clogs, repairs plumbing fixtures and attach/shut off water supply line
  • Appliances:  Checks for operation and installs new appliances as needed
  • Electrical: Replaces electrical components and other basic electrical tasks
  • HVAC - Checks for normal operation and performs preventative maintenance
• Observes, learns, and understands a wide range of maintenance skills and processes while under the instruction of skilled technical staff.
• Learns to operate light equipment to perform basic repairs as instructed by a skilled technical staff.
• Demonstrates these skills and processes as the training period progresses by working independently or with a team to perform tasks as instructed.
• Performs maintenance tasks as instructed by training staff to gain hands-on experience and demonstrate proficiency. 
• Learns computer software applications relevant to service team members, including MRI, ERNIE and Google Apps. 

Miscellaneous

• Communicates with team, asking for clarification and additional instruction as needed.
• Actively participates in training exercises and completes tasks in a timely fashion. 
• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times.  Consistently maintains a professional, courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public.  
• Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB COMPETENCIES

Demonstrating proficiency in these competencies is critical to being effective in the role:

Action Orientation: Takes initiative and seizes opportunities, acting on them appropriately; enjoys working hard and embraces challenges.

Accountability: Delivers on commitments and agreements, demonstrates dependability, takes responsibility for mistakes and missed deadlines.

Customer Focus: Treats team members and customers courteously.

Integrity and Trust: Gains the trust of others by taking responsibility for his/her own actions and being honest, possesses the internal fortitude to consistently behave in honorable ways, respects confidentiality, takes a stance based on principles and values despite personal or professional risk, challenges others who are not being truthful or acting with integrity, and does not misrepresent him/herself for personal gain. Does the right thing. 

Attention to Detail: Thoroughly accomplishes tasks with concern for the fine points in a timely manner, consistent with business expectations.

Communication: Verbal and written communications are clear, effective and appropriate; exceptional listener even under stressful situations.

Flexibility: Remains resilient, responds quickly to change, and eagerly considers new approaches and is open to and supports new ideas, perspectives, structures, strategies or positions.

The Company may revise this job description from time to time as business needs require.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all the functions of the job, nor limit the Company's right to assign other functions to an employee in this position.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

JOB QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent must be able to work any shift, Sunday - Saturday to support the company's business needs. He/she must be able to effectively communicate. The incumbent should demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills and have excellent follow through.  

Knowledge/Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required. Adaptability, willingness to learn, multi-tasking and sound decision making abilities are required and essential to the success of this role.  Computer proficiency is strongly desired.

Machines, Tools and Equipment, Software:

Hand tools normally used in construction, maintenance and landscaping.  Power tools including circular saw, power drill, bench grinder, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, power floor cleaner, carpet shampoo machine, paint sprayer, power drain cleaner, chain saw, key machine, and all chemicals associated with maintenance and landscaping essential job functions.  Motorized vehicles.  Computer w/ Internet and e-mail capabilities.

Licenses/Certification:

Valid driver's license and good driving record along with auto insurance may be required.

Other Requirements:

As an Equity Residential team member, you represent Equity.  While you are on the job, Equity Residential expects you to wear clothing and accessories that are appropriate in a professional business environment.  If a uniform is required at the property, you are expected to wear it.  Refer to Equity Grooming Standards and Dress Code Guidelines for additional information.

PHYSICAL AND VISUAL ACTIVITIES:

Ability to perform numerous physical activities that require considerable use of your hands, arms and legs and moving your whole body, including prolonged or repeated standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and lifting of materials.  Frequent lifting, grasping, and carrying materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.  Proficient hand/eye dexterity is essential to install, position or assemble objects.  Must be able to communicate well enough to receive instructions and provide information to others.  Must be able to work inside and outside in all types of weather.

The above describe the physical and visual activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the essential functions of this job.  "Commonly associated" is not intended to mean always or only.  Reasonable accommodation will be provided as required by law to enable otherwise qualified employees with a known disability to perform the essential functions of the job.