Top 12 General Maintenance Technician Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, standing out as a general maintenance technician requires showcasing a set of versatile and highly sought-after skills on your resume. Highlighting these top skills not only demonstrates your proficiency and adaptability in various maintenance tasks but also positions you as a valuable asset to potential employers in a wide range of industries.

General Maintenance Technician Skills

1. HVAC Systems
2. Plumbing Repairs
3. Electrical Troubleshooting
4. Carpentry Techniques
5. Welding Skills
6. Locksmithing Basics
7. Painting Methods
8. Drywall Installation
9. Equipment Calibration
10. Safety Protocols
11. Preventive Maintenance
12. Building Automation

1. HVAC Systems

HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) are systems designed to maintain indoor air quality and thermal comfort by controlling temperature, humidity, and air purity in buildings and vehicles. For a General Maintenance Technician, understanding, maintaining, and repairing these systems involves ensuring efficient operation, troubleshooting malfunctions, and performing regular preventive maintenance.

Why It's Important

HVAC systems are crucial for controlling indoor climate (temperature, humidity, air quality) ensuring comfort, safety, and preservation of building integrity and contents, which is essential for a General Maintenance Technician to maintain optimal operational efficiency and occupant satisfaction.

How to Improve HVAC Systems Skills

Improving HVAC systems involves several straightforward strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency, performance, and longevity. Here are some key steps a General Maintenance Technician can take:

1. Regular Maintenance: Perform routine checks and maintenance, including replacing filters, cleaning ducts, and inspecting system components for wear and damage. Energy Star offers a detailed maintenance checklist.

2. Seal and Insulate Ducts: Ensure that air ducts are properly sealed and insulated to minimize energy loss. The U.S. Department of Energy provides guidelines on duct sealing.

3. Install Programmable Thermostats: Use programmable or smart thermostats to optimize heating and cooling schedules, improving comfort and reducing energy use. Consumer Reports has a guide on installation.

4. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Units: If the HVAC system is old, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. Look for units with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for air conditioners.

5. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Maintain good indoor air quality by ensuring the system provides adequate ventilation. ASHRAE Standards 62.1 & 62.2 detail ventilation requirements for commercial and residential buildings.

6. Regularly Check and Calibrate Controls: Ensure that system controls are functioning correctly and are calibrated for optimum performance. This can include checking thermostats and sensor settings.

By following these steps, a General Maintenance Technician can significantly improve the efficiency, performance, and lifespan of HVAC systems.

How to Display HVAC Systems Skills on Your Resume

2. Plumbing Repairs

Plumbing repairs involve fixing leaks, unclogging pipes, replacing worn or damaged fixtures, and ensuring the proper functioning of a property's water and drainage systems, as part of a General Maintenance Technician's duties.

Why It's Important

Plumbing repairs are crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of a building's water and waste systems, preventing water damage, mold growth, and ensuring a safe, healthy environment for occupants.

How to Improve Plumbing Repairs Skills

Improving plumbing repairs as a General Maintenance Technician involves enhancing skills, staying updated with modern techniques, and using the right tools. Here are concise tips:

1. Educate Yourself: Continuously learn about new plumbing technologies and methods. Online platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses on plumbing basics and advancements.

2. Use Quality Tools: Invest in high-quality, durable tools. Familiarize yourself with the latest plumbing tools and their uses. Websites like The Home Depot provide a wide range of plumbing tools.

3. Practice Preventive Maintenance: Regularly check plumbing systems to prevent major issues. Understanding preventive measures can save time and resources in the long run.

4. Follow Plumbing Codes: Stay informed about local plumbing codes to ensure compliance in all repairs. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) website is a good resource for code standards.

5. Network with Professionals: Join forums or local groups like those found on LinkedIn to exchange knowledge and experiences with other technicians.

6. Safety First: Always prioritize safety by using the appropriate protective gear and following safety procedures.

By focusing on continuous learning, using the right tools for the job, and adhering to safety and standards, you can significantly improve your plumbing repair skills as a General Maintenance Technician.

How to Display Plumbing Repairs Skills on Your Resume

3. Electrical Troubleshooting

Electrical troubleshooting is the process of diagnosing and resolving issues within electrical systems or circuits, typically involving the identification of malfunctions, faults, or improper operations. For a General Maintenance Technician, this means systematically examining and testing the electrical components and wiring using tools like multimeters, to find and fix problems ensuring the proper functioning of electrical equipment and systems.

Why It's Important

Electrical troubleshooting is crucial for a General Maintenance Technician as it enables them to quickly identify, diagnose, and repair faults in electrical systems, ensuring smooth operation, minimizing downtime, and enhancing safety in facilities.

How to Improve Electrical Troubleshooting Skills

Improving electrical troubleshooting skills for a General Maintenance Technician involves a mix of foundational knowledge, practical experience, and continuous learning. Here are concise steps with resources to guide you:

1. Understand Basic Electrical Concepts: Grasp the basics of electricity, including voltage, current, resistance, and how circuits work. All About Circuits offers an excellent starting point.

2. Learn to Read Electrical Schematics: Being able to interpret wiring diagrams and schematics is crucial. SparkFun provides a straightforward guide.

3. Use the Right Tools: Familiarize yourself with multimeters, clamp meters, and insulation resistance testers. Fluke has resources on how to effectively use these tools.

4. Practice Safety: Always prioritize safety by understanding and applying proper lockout/tagout procedures. OSHA offers guidelines on this.

5. Develop a Systematic Approach: Learn to troubleshoot methodically, starting from the simplest (e.g., checking for power supply) to the more complex issues. This Mike Holt article breaks down a strategic approach.

6. Engage in Hands-On Practice: Apply your skills on actual equipment or through simulations. Interplay Learning offers virtual electrical troubleshooting training.

7. Stay Updated and Continue Learning: Electrical standards and technologies evolve. Websites like IEEE provide resources and updates on the latest in electrical engineering and maintenance.

By following these steps and leveraging these resources, you can significantly improve your electrical troubleshooting skills.

How to Display Electrical Troubleshooting Skills on Your Resume

4. Carpentry Techniques

Carpentry techniques encompass the skilled use of tools and materials to measure, cut, shape, and assemble wood and other materials for the construction and repair of structures and fixtures. These techniques include measuring and marking, sawing, chiseling, planing, joinery (like dovetailing or mortise and tenon), and finishing, tailored to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic appeal in maintenance tasks.

Why It's Important

Carpentry techniques are crucial for a General Maintenance Technician as they provide the foundational skills for constructing, repairing, and maintaining structural frameworks and fixtures, ensuring buildings and facilities are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. These techniques enable efficient and effective problem-solving for a broad range of maintenance tasks.

How to Improve Carpentry Techniques Skills

Improving carpentry techniques as a General Maintenance Technician involves refining your skillset, understanding the materials, and applying best practices for precision and safety. Here are concise tips with relevant resources:

1. Master Measurement and Marking: Accuracy is key in carpentry. Familiarize yourself with using rulers, tape measures, and marking tools correctly. FineWoodworking offers great tips and techniques.

2. Understand Wood Properties: Different projects require different types of wood. Learn about wood grain, hardness, and how environmental conditions affect wood. Wood Magazine has a comprehensive guide on wood species.

3. Use the Right Tools: Knowing which tool to use and how to use it safely and effectively is crucial. Keep your tools well-maintained. Family Handyman lists essential carpentry tools and their uses.

4. Practice Cutting and Shaping: Whether it's sawing, chiseling, or sanding, practice makes perfect. Start with simple projects to enhance your skills. Instructables offers a range of projects with step-by-step instructions.

5. Joinery Techniques: Strong joints are the backbone of good carpentry. Learn various techniques and when to use them. Popular Woodworking covers different joinery techniques.

6. Finishing Touches: Proper sanding, staining, and finishing can greatly enhance your project. Learn the basics of finishing wood. The Wood Whisperer provides tutorials on these techniques.

7. Stay Updated: Carpentry techniques and tools evolve. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the field. ThisIsCarpentry is a good resource for news and tutorials.

8. Safety First: Always prioritize safety by wearing appropriate gear and following best practices. OSHA provides guidelines on woodworking safety.

Incorporating these resources and tips into your routine can significantly improve your carpentry skills as a General Maintenance Technician.

How to Display Carpentry Techniques Skills on Your Resume

5. Welding Skills

Welding skills involve the ability to join metal parts together using various techniques and tools, ensuring strong and durable connections. For a General Maintenance Technician, this skill is crucial for repairing, fabricating, and maintaining metal structures and components across various systems and machinery.

Why It's Important

Welding skills are crucial for a General Maintenance Technician as they enable the repair and fabrication of metal parts and structures, ensuring equipment and facilities remain operational and safe. This versatility enhances problem-solving capabilities and reduces the need for external services, saving time and resources.

How to Improve Welding Skills Skills

Improving welding skills, especially for a General Maintenance Technician, requires a combination of practice, knowledge acquisition, and feedback. Here are concise steps to follow:

1. Understand the Basics: Grasp the fundamentals of welding processes, safety, and equipment. The American Welding Society provides resources and courses for beginners and professionals.

2. Practice Regularly: Hands-on practice is crucial. Set aside time each week to practice different techniques and materials. Focus on steady hand movements and consistent speeds.

3. Learn from Others: Join forums or groups like WeldingWeb to exchange tips and advice with fellow welders.

4. Take Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses on welding fundamentals and advanced techniques.

5. Seek Feedback: If possible, work alongside experienced welders or mentors who can provide constructive feedback on your technique.

6. Stay Updated: Welding technologies and techniques evolve. Subscribe to industry magazines like Welding Journal to stay informed.

7. Safety First: Always prioritize safety by following proper procedures and using appropriate protective gear. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines on welding safety.

Remember, improvement comes with time and dedication. Keep challenging yourself with new projects and materials.

How to Display Welding Skills Skills on Your Resume

6. Locksmithing Basics

Locksmithing basics for a General Maintenance Technician involve understanding the mechanisms and operation of various types of locks (such as padlocks, deadbolts, and electronic locks), the skills to install, repair, and rekey locks, and the ability to troubleshoot common lock problems. This knowledge enables technicians to ensure the security and functionality of locks in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Why It's Important

Locksmithing basics are important for a General Maintenance Technician because they provide the essential skills needed to repair, replace, and install locks and security systems, ensuring secure and functional entryways for buildings and rooms. This enhances overall safety and security management within their duties.

How to Improve Locksmithing Basics Skills

To improve locksmithing basics as a General Maintenance Technician, focus on developing the following skills and knowledge areas:

1. Understand Lock Mechanisms: Familiarize yourself with the workings of various lock types, including pin tumbler locks, lever locks, and electronic locks. Master Locksmiths Association provides insights into different lock types.

2. Key Duplication and Cutting: Learn the techniques for key cutting, including using manual and automatic machines. Resources like Locksmith Ledger offer tutorials and tips.

3. Lock Picking: Acquire basic lock picking skills for unlocking without keys. Practice with a transparent training lock. Websites like Art of Lock Picking offer guides and tips.

4. Installation and Repair: Gain experience in installing new locks and repairing or rekeying existing ones. This Old House offers a beginner-friendly guide on lock installation.

5. Security Systems: Expand your knowledge to include electronic and smart lock systems. Security Magazine keeps you updated on the latest in security technology.

6. Practice and Continuous Learning: Regular practice and staying updated with the latest locksmithing tools and techniques are crucial. Join forums like Locksmith Community to exchange knowledge and experiences.

Remember, hands-on experience combined with continuous learning is key to improving your locksmithing skills.

How to Display Locksmithing Basics Skills on Your Resume

7. Painting Methods

Painting methods for a General Maintenance Technician involve selecting appropriate paints and tools, preparing surfaces by cleaning and priming, applying paint using brushes, rollers, or sprayers for even coverage, and following safety protocols to ensure a professional and durable finish.

Why It's Important

Painting methods are important for a General Maintenance Technician because they ensure efficient application, durability, and aesthetic appeal of the paintwork, while also preventing waste and ensuring safety. Proper techniques can significantly extend the lifespan of the surfaces and enhance the overall maintenance of the facility.

How to Improve Painting Methods Skills

Improving painting methods for a General Maintenance Technician involves enhancing efficiency, quality, and safety. Here are concise tips with relevant resources:

1. Preparation is Key: Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and smooth. Use proper masking techniques for clean edges. Preparation Techniques.

2. Choosing the Right Tools: Select the appropriate brushes, rollers, or sprayers for the paint type and surface. Tool Selection Guide.

3. Mastering Techniques: Learn different brush and roller techniques for even coverage and to avoid drips. Painting Techniques.

4. Understanding Paint Types: Know the differences between water-based and oil-based paints for proper application and cleanup. Paint Types Explained.

5. Safety First: Always use protective gear and ensure good ventilation when painting, especially in confined spaces. Safety Tips.

6. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with new materials, tools, and techniques by following reputable sources and participating in workshops. Online Learning Resource.

Improving your painting methods not only enhances the quality of your work but also boosts your efficiency and safety on the job.

How to Display Painting Methods Skills on Your Resume

8. Drywall Installation

Drywall installation involves measuring, cutting, and attaching drywall panels to walls and ceilings in buildings to create smooth surfaces for painting or wallpapering. This process includes securing the panels to the structural framework with screws or nails, taping and covering seams and joints with joint compound, and sanding the surface for a seamless finish. For a General Maintenance Technician, it typically encompasses preparing surfaces, installing, finishing, and repairing drywall.

Why It's Important

Drywall installation is crucial for a General Maintenance Technician as it provides an efficient, cost-effective method for constructing smooth, paint-ready interior walls and ceilings, enhancing structural integrity, and ensuring thermal insulation and fire resistance in buildings. This skill is essential for repairing, renovating, and finishing rooms, making it a fundamental aspect of property maintenance and improvement.

How to Improve Drywall Installation Skills

Improving drywall installation as a General Maintenance Technician involves focusing on precision, proper tools, and techniques. Here's a concise guide:

1. Measure Accurately: Ensure your measurements are precise before cutting. Use a T-square for straight cuts.

2. Use the Right Tools: Invest in quality tools like a good utility knife, drywall saw, and T-square. A drywall screw gun speeds up installation.

3. Minimize Seams: Plan layout to use the largest pieces possible, reducing seams. This guide offers layout tips.

4. Proper Fastening: Use the correct screws and secure them at the recommended spacing. Overdriving screws can weaken the hold. This article provides insights on choosing and using drywall screws.

5. Smooth Joint Compound: Apply joint compound smoothly and patiently. It may require several coats. Sanding between coats ensures a smooth finish. Here's a tutorial.

6. Use Drywall Tape: For joints, apply drywall tape before the joint compound. It prevents cracks. Learn to tape like a pro.

7. Proper Sanding: Sand for a smooth finish without overdoing it. Use a sanding guide to avoid common mistakes.

8. Keep Learning: Continuously update your skills with new techniques and tools. Online platforms like YouTube offer countless tutorials from professionals.

Remember, practice and patience are key. Every project is an opportunity to refine your skills.

How to Display Drywall Installation Skills on Your Resume

9. Equipment Calibration

Equipment calibration is the process of adjusting and verifying the accuracy and performance of tools and instruments according to defined standards, ensuring they operate as expected and produce reliable results. For a General Maintenance Technician, it involves routine checks and adjustments to maintain the precision of equipment used in various maintenance tasks.

Why It's Important

Equipment calibration is crucial for a General Maintenance Technician as it ensures accuracy, reliability, and consistency in the performance of tools and machines, preventing errors, enhancing safety, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

How to Improve Equipment Calibration Skills

Improving equipment calibration involves a systematic approach to ensure measurement accuracy and reliability. Here are concise steps tailored for a General Maintenance Technician:

1. Understand Equipment Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the equipment's manual for specific calibration needs and frequencies. NIST provides guidelines on calibration standards.

2. Training: Receive proper training on calibration techniques. Online resources like ISA offer courses in calibration and instrumentation.

3. Use Proper Tools and Standards: Ensure you have the correct calibration tools and that they are themselves calibrated. Suppliers like Fluke provide a wide range of calibration instruments.

4. Follow Procedures: Adhere strictly to the manufacturer's calibration procedures or those outlined in your company's quality management system.

5. Record and Analyze Data: Document calibration results meticulously. Use software like GAGEpack for managing calibration records and schedules.

6. Maintain Calibration Schedules: Implement a regular calibration schedule to avoid overdue calibrations. Calendar apps or maintenance management software like Fiix can help track schedules.

7. Regular Reviews: Regularly review calibration processes and equipment performance to identify areas for improvement.

8. Corrective Actions: Take immediate corrective action if equipment fails calibration. Document the process as per ISO standards guidance (ISO).

9. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest in calibration practices and technologies through forums and publications like Cal Lab Magazine.

10. External Calibration Services: For complex equipment, consider using accredited external calibration services. Directories like A2LA can help find accredited labs.

By following these steps, a General Maintenance Technician can significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of equipment calibration.

How to Display Equipment Calibration Skills on Your Resume

10. Safety Protocols

Safety protocols for a General Maintenance Technician are guidelines and procedures designed to prevent accidents and injuries by ensuring the proper use of tools, adherence to safety regulations, and implementation of protective measures during maintenance tasks.

Why It's Important

Safety protocols are crucial for a General Maintenance Technician to prevent accidents, ensure a safe working environment, minimize risks of injury, and comply with legal and industry standards, ultimately safeguarding both the technician and the facility.

How to Improve Safety Protocols Skills

Improving safety protocols for a General Maintenance Technician involves a multi-step approach focusing on training, equipment, and ongoing assessment. Follow these concise steps:

1. Enhanced Training: Implement comprehensive safety training programs that include both theoretical knowledge and practical exercises. This should cover hazard recognition, equipment handling, and emergency procedures.

2. Regular Equipment Checks: Ensure all tools and equipment undergo regular maintenance and safety checks. Defective equipment should be reported and replaced or repaired promptly.

3. Update Safety Manuals: Keep safety manuals and protocols up to date with the latest industry standards and regulatory requirements. Ensure easy access for all technicians.

4. Incident Reporting System: Establish an efficient and anonymous incident reporting system. This encourages reporting of near misses and safety concerns, which can be used to prevent actual accidents.

5. Safety Meetings: Hold regular safety meetings to discuss any updates on safety protocols, share recent incidents or near misses, and gather feedback from technicians on potential safety improvements.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide proper PPE and enforce its use, ensuring it's appropriate for the tasks being performed.

7. Continuous Improvement: Adopt a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and updating safety protocols, based on new safety information, technological advancements, and feedback from staff.

By following these steps, you can create a safer working environment for General Maintenance Technicians, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall workplace safety.

How to Display Safety Protocols Skills on Your Resume

11. Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance refers to routine maintenance tasks and inspections performed to prevent equipment failure and ensure systems operate efficiently, minimizing the need for emergency repairs and reducing downtime.

Why It's Important

Preventive maintenance is crucial for a General Maintenance Technician as it ensures equipment operates efficiently, reduces unexpected breakdowns, prolongs asset lifespan, and saves costs on major repairs, ultimately maintaining a safe and productive environment.

How to Improve Preventive Maintenance Skills

To improve preventive maintenance as a General Maintenance Technician, focus on the following strategies:

1. Schedule Regular Inspections: Establish a routine schedule for inspecting equipment and facilities to identify and address potential issues early on. FacilitiesNet offers insights on effective scheduling.

2. Implement a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS): Utilize CMMS software to automate maintenance tasks, track performance, and manage work orders efficiently. Fiix Software provides a guide on CMMS implementation.

3. Adopt Predictive Maintenance Techniques: Incorporate technologies like vibration analysis, infrared thermography, and ultrasound testing to predict equipment failures before they occur. Plant Engineering discusses various predictive maintenance technologies.

4. Train and Educate Staff: Ensure that all maintenance staff are adequately trained on the latest maintenance practices and technologies. Reliable Plant offers advice on training maintenance technicians.

5. Regularly Review and Improve Maintenance Processes: Continually assess the effectiveness of your preventive maintenance program and make adjustments as necessary. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership provides resources for process improvement.

By focusing on these key areas, you can enhance the effectiveness of your preventive maintenance efforts and minimize downtime and repair costs.

How to Display Preventive Maintenance Skills on Your Resume

12. Building Automation

Building Automation is a centralized system that controls and monitors the building's heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and other systems to enhance occupants' comfort, improve energy efficiency, and reduce operational costs. For a General Maintenance Technician, it involves overseeing, troubleshooting, and maintaining these automated systems to ensure they function optimally.

Why It's Important

Building Automation is crucial as it enhances operational efficiency, reduces energy consumption and costs, improves the comfort and safety of occupants, and simplifies maintenance tasks for technicians by providing centralized control and monitoring of building systems.

How to Improve Building Automation Skills

Improving building automation as a General Maintenance Technician involves enhancing system efficiency, reliability, and user experience through the following steps:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update your knowledge on the latest technologies and trends in building automation. Websites like AutomatedBuildings.com offer valuable insights and updates.

2. System Integration: Focus on integrating various building systems (lighting, HVAC, security) for seamless operation. Tools and guides from ASHRAE can provide best practices for integration.

3. Preventive Maintenance: Implement a scheduled maintenance plan for all automation systems to prevent failures. FacilitiesNet offers resources on maintenance strategies.

4. Energy Efficiency: Optimize systems for energy savings without compromising comfort. The U.S. Department of Energy has resources on energy-efficient technologies.

5. User Training: Train staff and users on the system's features and proper operation to ensure efficient use. ControlTrends often discusses new technologies and training opportunities.

6. Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback mechanism for users to report issues or suggest improvements, ensuring the system meets the occupants' needs.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance the performance and user satisfaction of building automation systems.

How to Display Building Automation Skills on Your Resume