Maintenance Technician

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION 

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) is the nation's largest organization dedicated to helping unhoused  LGBTQ+ young people. AFC provides safe, affirming housing and supportive services to help unhoused LGBTQ+ youth thrive and become independent.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of Ali Forney Center sites, including residential, administrative, clinical, and mixed-use sites. This role ensures that all facilities are safe, clean, and functioning properly, providing a comfortable and supportive environment for clients and staff. The Maintenance Technician will perform repairs, routine maintenance tasks, and respond to maintenance requests.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Preventive Maintenance & Repairs

• Perform routine preventive maintenance and repairs on assigned facilities
  • Plumbing repairs (e.g., unclogging drains, fixing leaks).
  • Electrical repairs (e.g., replacing light bulbs, resetting breakers).
  • HVAC maintenance (e.g., cleaning filters, checking thermostats, troubleshooting pilot lights).
  • General carpentry and painting.
  • Assembling furniture and equipment.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests and work orders while ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
• Troubleshoot maintenance issues and determine when licensed contractors or specialized vendors are required.
• Coordinate with outside contractors to ensure repairs are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with AFC standards.

Facility & Grounds Maintenance

• Maintain assigned facilities in a clean, safe, functional, and welcoming condition.
• Perform routine inspections to identify maintenance needs and address potential safety hazards.
• Assist with trash removal, recycling, and general grounds maintenance.
• Support snow and ice removal activities to ensure safe access to AFC facilities.
• Ensure all assigned sites consistently meet agency standards for cleanliness, safety, and operational readiness.

Inventory & Asset Management

• Maintain inventory of maintenance tools, equipment, and repair supplies.
• Monitor inventory levels and request materials as needed to support ongoing operations.
• Coordinate the pickup, transportation, and distribution of agency equipment, supplies, furniture, and in-kind donations.
• Maintain organized, clean, and secure storage areas.

Communication & Documentation

• Communicate professionally and effectively with staff, residents, vendors, and the Operations Manager.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance requests, inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Report facility concerns, equipment failures, safety hazards, and repair recommendations promptly.
• Respond to facility-related requests in a timely, courteous, and customer-focused manner.
• Participate in required staff meetings, supervision sessions, and agency meetings.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Conduct monthly inspections and functional testing of fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, alarms, emergency lighting, and related life-safety systems.
• Ensure compliance with New York State fire and building codes, OSHA standards, funding source requirements, and AFC policies and procedures.
• Report unsafe conditions immediately and assist in maintaining a safe environment for staff, residents, and visitors.
• Complete all required safety, compliance, and professional development training.

Site Coverage & Emergency Response

• Travel between assigned AFC locations to provide maintenance support as needed May include Brooklyn, Manhattan and Astoria, Queens.

• Flexibility to prioritize and reroute to different site locations as needed in response to emergencies.

• Ensure sites are kept to the highest standards.Assist with emergency preparedness and facility response during weather events or other emergencies.

• Maintain all assigned facilities to the highest standards of safety, functionality, appearance, and operational excellence

• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple maintenance requests.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

SCHEDULING AND LOCATION: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Manhattan

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Trade school certification or vocational training in a maintenance-related field or 1- 2 years of experience in building maintenance or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
• Ability to perform minor repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks including bending, climbing ladders, standing, and working in varying weather conditions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working in nonprofit, residential, shelter, healthcare, or social services environments.
• Experience with building maintenance in multiple locations.
• OSHA 10/30, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or other maintenance-related certifications.
• Strong commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and social justice

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks including bending, climbing ladders, standing, and working in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work in a fast paced 24/7 environment
• Coverage sites may change do emergency
• Travel between different sites across New York City. A monthly MetroCard will be issued by the agency for public transportation.

CORE & ROLE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

AFC Core Competencies - Mission alignment and commitment to affirming, youth-centered practice - Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ youth populations - Trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to service delivery and collaboration - Clear communication, professionalism, and accountability - Adaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environments

Role-Related Competencies  - Technical Knowledge & Troubleshooting - Safety & Regulatory Compliance - Preventive Maintenance - Customer Service & Communication - Problem Solving - Time Management & Organization - Accountability & Reliability - Teamwork & Collaboration - Adaptability & Flexibility - Attention to Detail