Maintenance technician job description template
The Maintenance Technician maintains physical assets, operational equipment, and facility infrastructure across [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. A free, ready-to-edit job description for Canadian employers: duties, qualifications, skills, working conditions and performance measures.
Use our maintenance technician interview questions with a 1 to 5 scoring guide.
Table 1: Position Identification
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Job title | Maintenance Technician |
| Reports to | [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] |
| Direct reports | None |
| Employment type | [EMPLOYMENT_TYPE] |
| Work schedule | [WORK_SCHEDULE] |
| Location | [WORK_LOCATION] |
| Overtime eligibility | [OVERTIME_ELIGIBILITY] |
| NOC code | [NOC_CODE] |
| Salary range | [SALARY_RANGE_MIN] to [SALARY_RANGE_MAX] |
| Effective date | [EFFECTIVE_DATE] |
| Last reviewed | [LAST_REVIEWED_DATE] |
1. Position Summary
The Maintenance Technician maintains physical assets, operational equipment, and facility infrastructure across [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. Reporting to [REPORTS_TO_TITLE], the incumbent executes scheduled preventative maintenance routines, diagnoses mechanical and electrical faults, and performs building repairs to minimize operational downtime. This role preserves asset reliability, maintains safe physical working conditions, and ensures facility compliance with applicable occupational health, safety, and building standards. The Maintenance Technician provides frontline technical support across daily operations, coordinating with external service providers when specialized trade work is required.
2. Key Responsibilities
2.1 Preventative Maintenance Execution (25%)
- Executes scheduled preventative maintenance routes on machinery, tools, and facility systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications and internal schedules.
- Inspects mechanical drives, pneumatic systems, hydraulic lines, motors, and fluid levels to detect early indicators of wear or failure.
- Cleans, lubricates, calibrates, and adjusts equipment components during planned maintenance windows to prevent premature equipment degradation.
- Records completed maintenance tasks, operating parameters, and component replacements in [HRIS_NAME] or the maintenance logbook within the work shift.
2.2 Mechanical and Electrical Troubleshooting (20%)
- Diagnoses operational faults on production, material handling, or facility equipment using standard diagnostic tools, multi-meters, and mechanical inspection techniques.
- Dismantles defective assemblies, identifies root causes of failure, and replaces worn or damaged mechanical, pneumatic, or basic electrical components.
- Tests repaired machinery under operational load to verify proper functioning and alignment prior to releasing equipment back to operations.
- Escalates complex electrical, structural, or specialized trade failures to [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] when repairs exceed internal technical scope or trade licensing boundaries.
2.3 Facility and Grounds Maintenance (15%)
- Conducts routine inspections of physical building assets, including doors, docks, lighting, plumbing fixtures, walls, and flooring, completing repairs as needed.
- Monitors basic Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) operation, replacing air filters, checking belt tensions, and logging temperature variances.
- Performs minor structural and carpentry tasks, including drywall patching, painting, racking assembly, and hardware replacement.
- Inspects exterior walkways, loading docks, and access routes to verify safe physical access and report environmental hazards.
2.4 Unplanned Repairs and Emergency Response (15%)
- Responds promptly to operational breakdown calls during regular working hours and scheduled on-call shifts.
- Stabilizes acute equipment and facility issues, such as fluid leaks, power interruptions, or mechanical jams, to limit operational disruptions.
- Implements temporary containment measures when permanent replacement parts are unavailable, ensuring safe interim operation.
- Documents failure causes, interim containment actions, and permanent repair requirements immediately following emergency incidents.
2.5 Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance (10%)
- Applies Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and Zero Energy State verification protocols before servicing any powered machinery or system.
- Wears and inspects [REQUIRED_PPE] continuously in designated operational zones.
- Participates in workplace safety inspections, hazard identifications, and incident investigations under the direction of [REPORTS_TO_TITLE].
- Stores, handles, and disposes of hazardous materials, lubricants, and operational chemicals in accordance with Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) requirements.
2.6 Inventory and Work Order Administration (10%)
- Logs work requests, labour hours, parts used, and technical notes in [HRIS_NAME] or designated maintenance logs for all completed tasks.
- Tracks on-hand spare parts, filters, hardware, and critical consumables, notifying [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] when quantities reach established reorder points.
- Receives, inspects, and organizes incoming maintenance materials and tools in designated storage areas.
- Maintains workshop cleanliness, tool security, and diagnostic equipment calibration standards.
2.7 Contractor Coordination and Project Support (5%)
- Escorts certified third-party trade contractors (e.g., licensed electricians, refrigeration mechanics, fire alarm technicians) on site.
- Verifies contractor adherence to company safety protocols, site sign-in rules, and hot-work permitting procedures.
- Assists with the physical installation, positioning, and commissioning of new equipment or facility layout modifications.
- Reports contractor task completion status and quality observations to [REPORTS_TO_TITLE].
3. Qualifications & Experience
Table 2: Role Qualifications and Prerequisites
| Category | Required Qualifications | Preferred Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent secondary school graduation. | Post-secondary certificate or diploma in industrial maintenance, mechanical techniques, or electro-mechanical technology. |
| Credentials & Licences | Standard First Aid / CPR certification or willingness to obtain within [PROBATION_PERIOD]. | Recognized trade qualification or apprenticeship progress in a relevant trade (e.g., Industrial Mechanic/Millwright, Electrician); aerial work platform certification; forklift operator licence. |
| Experience | Minimum 2 years of hands-on maintenance experience in a light industrial, commercial, warehouse, or manufacturing facility setting. | 3 to 5 years of multidisciplinary facility and machine maintenance experience in a small to mid-sized operating facility. |
| Technical Skills | Demonstrated competency in mechanical assembly, basic low-voltage electrical diagnostics, pneumatics, and general hand/power tool operation. | Ability to read mechanical drawings, basic electrical schematics, and plumbing layouts; experience with basic welding or fabrication. |
| Systems & Tools | Practical ability to document tasks in a computerized maintenance management system, spreadsheet, or [HRIS_NAME]. | Experience setting up preventative maintenance schedules in an automated maintenance management platform. |
| Language & Communication | Professional working proficiency in English (verbal and written) to read technical manuals, safety data sheets, and log work orders. | Bilingual proficiency in English and French where required by local operations. |
4. Competencies
Table 3: Core Role Competencies
| Competency | Definition | Behavioural Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Diagnostic Ability | Identifies root causes of equipment and facility malfunctions systematically rather than treating surface symptoms. | • Follows step-by-step diagnostic procedures. • Isolates electrical versus mechanical failure modes using diagnostic tools. • Identifies recurring failure patterns on specific machinery. |
| Safety Focus | Prioritizes physical safety, hazard containment, and regulatory standards above operational convenience. | • Applies Lockout/Tagout protocols without exception. • Reports unsafe physical conditions or near-misses immediately. • Verifies that all machine guards and safety interlocks operate before releasing equipment. |
| Problem Solving & Practical Execution | Resolves day-to-day facility obstacles efficiently using practical, resource-conscious methods. | • Selects appropriate tools and replacement hardware for the task. • Implements sound interim fixes when parts are backordered. • Escalates unresolvable technical issues promptly to avoid prolonged downtime. |
| Work Organization & Time Management | Manages multiple work orders, urgent calls, and preventative maintenance tasks without losing task integrity. | • Organizes daily tasks by operational priority and safety severity. • Completes required work order documentation on time. • Prepares tools and parts before initiating machine shutdowns. |
| Communication & Interpersonal Skills | Communicates technical information, equipment statuses, and safety requirements clearly to non-technical staff. | • Explains equipment downtime estimates clearly to machine operators. • Interacts professionally with external trade vendors. • Delivers clear shift-handover notes on open repairs. |
5. Working Conditions & Performance Measures
5.1 Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions
This position profile defines baseline physical and cognitive demands to support operational assignment, health and safety management, and accommodation assessments under applicable human rights legislation.
Table 4: Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions
| Demand | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting and Carrying | Frequent | Lifting, carrying, and positioning tools, machine parts, and materials weighing up to [MAX_LIFT_WEIGHT_KG] unassisted; team lifting or mechanical assistance used for heavier items. |
| Standing and Walking | Continuous | Standing and walking on concrete facility floors throughout the scheduled shift while inspecting equipment and performing repairs. |
| Body Positioning & Mobility | Frequent | Bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching overhead, and crawling into confined machine enclosures or awkward spaces to access components. |
| Climbing & Working at Heights | Occasional | Climbing ladders, stairwells, and working from elevated platforms or scissor lifts to service overhead lighting, piping, or HVAC units. |
| Manual Dexterity | Continuous | Fine motor control and hand-eye coordination for handling small fasteners, wiring terminals, diagnostic probes, and precision hand tools. |
| Environmental Exposure | Frequent | Working in environments with variable ambient temperatures (hot mechanical rooms, cold storage, exterior yard areas), dust, and lubricant odours. |
| Noise Levels | Frequent | Exposure to moderate to high noise levels from operating production machinery, compressors, and power tools; hearing protection required in designated zones. |
| Personal Protective Equipment | Continuous | Mandatory use of [REQUIRED_PPE], including CSA-approved safety footwear, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, and cut-resistant gloves. |
| Shift Work and Overtime | Occasional | Availability for scheduled shifts, scheduled weekend preventative maintenance windows, and rotating emergency on-call support as operational needs require. |
5.2 Performance Measures
Table 5: Key Performance Indicators
| Measure | Definition | Target | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preventative Maintenance Adherence | Percentage of scheduled preventative maintenance work orders completed within the assigned target window. | ≥ 90% completion rate | Monthly |
| Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) | Average duration from emergency work order dispatch to equipment return-to-service for standard mechanical failures. | Within [N_BUSINESS_DAYS] or shift standard | Monthly |
| Work Order Data Integrity | Accuracy and completeness of labour hours, materials logged, and fault root-cause notes recorded in [HRIS_NAME]. | 100% of closed work orders fully documented | Bi-weekly |
| Safety & Compliance Audit Score | Zero uncorrected safety deficiencies within the workshop and 100% compliance with LOTO and WHMIS protocols during internal safety audits. | Zero critical safety violations | Quarterly |
| Workshop & Tool Inventory Control | Maintenance shop organization, tool accountability, and stock level tracking for critical spares. | Discrepancies resolved within 5 business days of audit | Semi-annually |
6. Career Path
Table 6: Career Progression Pathways
| Pathway Stage | Typical Prior Roles | Typical Next Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Feeder Roles | • General Labourer / Production Operator • Facilities Maintenance Helper • Trades Apprentice (Level 1–2) • Warehouse Associate |
N/A |
| Advancement Roles | N/A | • Senior Maintenance Technician • Maintenance Team Lead / Maintenance Supervisor • Facilities Coordinator / Facility Manager • Certified Journeyperson Tradesperson (via apprenticeship sponsorship) |
7. Document Acknowledgement
This job description details the primary accountabilities, qualifications, and operational expectations of the Maintenance Technician role. It does not constitute an exhaustive inventory of all daily tasks. [ORGANIZATION_NAME] reserves the right to amend work assignments, operational duties, and reporting lines with reasonable notice to meet operational requirements.
Incumbent Acknowledgement
I confirm that I have received, read, and understood the accountabilities, physical demands, and performance expectations outlined in this job description.
Employee Name: ____________________________________________________
Employee Signature: _______________________________________________
Date (DD-MMM-YYYY): _______________________________________________
Manager Authorization
I confirm that this job description represents an accurate profile of the responsibilities and operational requirements assigned to this position.
Manager Name: _____________________________________________________
Manager Title: [REPORTS_TO_TITLE]
Manager Signature: _______________________________________________
Date (DD-MMM-YYYY): _______________________________________________
What to fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Who provides it | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] | Direct supervisor job title (e.g., Operations Manager, Plant Manager, Maintenance Supervisor) | Hiring Manager / Owner | Yes |
| [EMPLOYMENT_TYPE] | Nature of employment (e.g., Full-Time Permanent, Part-Time Permanent, Term Contract) | Hiring Manager / HR | Yes |
| [WORK_SCHEDULE] | Standard shift schedule (e.g., Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Rotating Day/Night Shifts) | Hiring Manager / Operations | Yes |
| [WORK_LOCATION] | Physical work address, plant number, or facility name | Hiring Manager / HR | Yes |
| [OVERTIME_ELIGIBILITY] | Overtime status under [PROVINCE] employment standards (e.g., Eligible, or Not eligible under a managerial or other exclusion) | HR / Owner | Yes |
| [NOC_CODE] | National Occupational Classification code (e.g., NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics, or NOC 73201 – General building maintenance workers; verify against NOC 2021) | HR / Recruiter | Yes |
| [SALARY_RANGE_MIN] | Minimum annual salary or hourly rate for this pay grade | HR / Owner | Yes |
| [SALARY_RANGE_MAX] | Maximum annual salary or hourly rate for this pay grade | HR / Owner | Yes |
| [EFFECTIVE_DATE] | Date this job description takes effect (DD-MMM-YYYY) | HR / Operations | Yes |
| [LAST_REVIEWED_DATE] | Date this position profile was last reviewed or revised (DD-MMM-YYYY) | HR / Operations | Yes |
| [ORGANIZATION_NAME] | Operating business name of the employer | HR / Administrator | Yes |
| [PROBATION_PERIOD] | Length of probationary period (e.g., 3 months, 90 calendar days) | HR / Owner | Yes |
| [MAX_LIFT_WEIGHT_KG] | Defensible maximum unassisted lifting weight in kilograms (e.g., 23 kg / 50 lbs) | Operations / Safety | Yes |
| [REQUIRED_PPE] | Mandatory personal protective equipment for the facility (e.g., CSA Grade 1 footwear, safety glasses, high-visibility apparel) | Safety / Operations | Yes |
| [HRIS_NAME] | Name of the HRIS, CMMS, or ticketing application used (e.g., Maintenance Care, Fiix, BambooHR, internal logbook) | Operations / IT | Yes |
| [N_BUSINESS_DAYS] | Target turnaround timeframe in business days or hours for standard work order resolution | Operations / Hiring Manager | Yes |
Official sources
Government and professional sources this template was checked against.
- Government of Canada — Inclusive Workplace
- National Occupational Classification
- Canadian Human Rights Commission — Duty to Accommodate
- CPHR Canada
This template is general information for Canadian employers, not legal advice. Employment standards, human rights and privacy rules differ by province. Check them before you use it.
Questions
What does a maintenance technician do?
The Maintenance Technician maintains physical assets, operational equipment, and facility infrastructure across [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. Reporting to [REPORTS_TO_TITLE], the incumbent executes scheduled preventative maintenance routines, diagnoses mechanical and electrical faults, and performs building repairs to minimize operational downtime. This role preserves asset reliability, maintains safe physical working conditions, and ensures facility compliance with applicable occupational health, safety, and building standards. The Maintenance Technician provides frontline technical support across daily operations, coordinating with external service providers when specialized trade work is required.
What should a maintenance technician job description include?
A short summary of the role, the main duties with a rough share of time, required and preferred qualifications, the skills you'll assess, working conditions and physical demands, and how performance is measured. State the pay range and who the person reports to. This template covers all of it; fill in the highlighted blanks and remove anything that doesn't apply.
Can I use this template for free?
Yes. Download it as a Word file, copy the text, or print it. Staffkin can also turn it into a prescreen and interview guide for the same role.
Hiring a maintenance technician? Do the rest in one place
Staffkin keeps this job description with the job, sends candidates a prescreen, gives you a scored interview guide and runs reference checks. Free for your first job.
Start free