The Maintenance Technician is responsible for providing basic maintenance services including the repair and maintenance of all College facilities and equipment, interior/exterior painting, staining and sealing orders associated with the operation, maintenance and repair of all facilities and equipment. The position provides support and services to all campus constituents and is expected to be an ambassador for the Buildings & Grounds team, ensuring a superior and positive customer experience that encourages pride in and use of campus facilities.

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values. The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply.

• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (full-time, 40 hours/week)

General Responsibilities:

• Accept, review, prioritize, and complete daily work orders using hand and power tools and related tools/machinery. Work orders are diverse in nature and may include, but are not limited to, the following: install items such as keyboard trays, door stops, hooks, and shelving; hang artwork, bulletin boards, mirrors and signage; repair or replace system filters, window screens, shades, weather stripping, caulk, grout, furniture, stair treads, broken hinges, ceiling tiles, and baseboard; assemble furniture or equipment; change locks; demolish or dispose of unneeded structures or fixtures such as cabinets or countertops; erect or dismantle structures such as stages or platforms for special events; unclog minor blockages in toilets and sinks; patch and spot-paint damaged walls; perform all aspects of interior and exterior painting using brushes, rollers and various types of spray guns; prepare paints, materials and work surfaces; remove old paint to prepare surface prior to painting; prepare, stain, and seal wood surfaces, including, but not limited to doors, tabletops, moldings, cabinets, and furniture; identify potential lead-based paint in campus facilities, test, and remove within EPA safety guidelines after approved by Supervisor; maintain proper inventory and supply level of painting materials; and deliver materials to job sites.
• Notify direct supervisor of discrepancies/problems with work orders, including any observation of hazardous materials or conditions. Report any defects in or problems with College equipment, buildings, or property.
• Accept, review, and prioritize work orders and manage orders through completion; ensure supervisor and/or internal client is apprised of delays in work.
• Operate assigned vehicles as required to assist with transport of goods to designated areas and/or to facilitate execution of job functions. Report any mechanical defects in the vehicle to the direct supervisor in a timely manner.
• Maintain proper care of tools and equipment. Report necessary equipment repair and maintenance to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Follow established safety rules and regulations including using appropriate guards and safety devices on all equipment. Maintain a safe and clean work environment. Keep informed of all material safety data sheets. Attend and successfully complete/pass College-sponsored safety classes and seminars.
• Promote a positive and congenial atmosphere and working relationship with students, employees, supervisors and other individuals that this position may come in contact with. Work effectively with other personnel to complete/coordinate designated duties.
• Use proper judgment in work assignments on a daily basis and recommend improvements in work efficiency. Effectively manage own time.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School graduate and/or GED equivalent required. Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant maintenance experience required. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience using materials, methods, machines, and the tools involved in the maintenance, and repair of houses, buildings, fixtures and other structures required. Professional painting experience required; working knowledge of tools and equipment of painting trade required; ability to pass EPA lead-based paint certification required.
• Valid/current driver’s license required and successful completion of DDC-9 driving program.
• Exceptional customer service skills; demonstrated experience interacting and developing relationships with internal customers. Demonstrated ability to multi-task, respond to requests with a sense of urgency, and complete work orders in a timely manner.
• This position requires successful completion and acceptable results of a background check as well as compliance with the College's COVID vaccination policies.

Physical, Mental and Visual Effort

The position works both indoors and outside of regular office buildings, academic/campus facilities, residential houses and the general maintenance plant building. This position requires routine medium to heavy physical exertion; typically involves lifting, standing, bending, reaching, stooping, walking, pushing, pulling and climbing stairs, step ladders and extension ladders to coordinate work. This position requires the ability to lift and carry at least 100 pounds and the ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force frequently. This position may require some overtime as well as weekend and holiday coverage.

The College

Bennington College offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, and tuition benefits including Tuition Exchange scholarships. The College also offers an on-site fitness center as well as generous time off benefits.