Senior Maintenance Mechanic

Requisition #
2026-21677

Date Posted
1 day ago(4/7/2026 1:25 PM)

Department: Forrestal Maintenance

Category: Building Trades and Technicians

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

The Senior Maintenance Mechanic is a multi-trade position performing work tasks including, but not limited to electrical, HVAC, plumbing, pipefitting, painting, and carpentry work. The incumbent performs maintenance, repairs, alterations, and some construction work on building components and utility systems in the buildings on the Forrestal Campus with a minimum amount of supervision. The Senior Mechanics must follow University safety rules and regulations at all times.

Responsibilities

With minimal supervision, the incumbent shall perform the following duties and responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Safely and effectively performs journey-level maintenance to a wide range of building systems and components, including but not limited to tasks in the HVAC, plumbing, pipefitting, electrical, painting, carpentry, and mechanical disciplines. In emergency and urgent situations, takes immediate steps to contain the problem and restore system to good working order.
• Works independently off written and electronic work orders from the University Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), accepting responsibility for work assignments. Fully document records of maintenance activity in the CMMS (Maximo).
• Ensures proper care in the safe use and maintenance of equipment and tools necessary to perform all assigned tasks. Follows department safety standards.
• Reads, understands, and interprets construction and equipment related documents, such as drawings, equipment manuals, and procedures.
• Adheres to the department’s safety policy and procedures.
• Communicates in a clear, courteous, and effective manner (verbally and in writing) to co-workers, campus customers, customer service center, staff, and management.
• Assist other trades personnel with complex project work.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including overtime, after hours, special events, and emergency call back work. During emergencies, the Senior Mechanic is classified as a Core Essential Employee.
• Assists in maintaining water treatment in cooling towers, boilers and closed loop systems.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties satisfactorily. The qualifications and skills listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for the Senior Maintenance Mechanic position.

• Possess a High School diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Must have a minimum of three years journey level trades experience and possess the ability to perform as a journey level mechanic in one of the following core technical trades: HVAC, Plumbing, Pipefitting or Electrical. In the trade in which the mechanic is journey level, the mechanic shall be capable of performing the full technical range of the trade work.
• Completion of vocational/technical education or equivalency in education and experience, resulting in journey level skill status in one of the core technical trades (listed in qualification #2).
• Possess understanding and capability to perform all essential duties in a safe and efficient, and responsible manner.
• Possess strong trouble shooting capability and the ability to analyze equipment performance issues in areas such as laboratories and research facilities.
• In the trades in which the mechanic is not at the journey level, the mechanic shall have the ability to perform trade tasks including but not limited to the following:
  • In the electrical trade the mechanic should have the ability to install lighting circuits, light fixtures (incandescent, fluorescent and LED), install receptacle circuits, install or replace electrical breakers in panels, trouble shoot motors and motor controls, and be capable of thoroughly understanding building electrical distribution systems.
  • In the plumbing and pipefitting trade the mechanic should have the ability to replace existing toilets, sinks, faucet sets and drainage piping, unclog toilets using plungers and motorized drain cleaners, install copper piping up to 4 inches in diameter using soft and silver solder, install threaded steel pipe up to three inches in diameter, install steam and condensate piping up to 2 inches in diameter complete with steam traps, strainers and valves, install PVC pipe and di-mineralized non-metal chemical drain lines, install and maintain eyewashes, emergency showers and water fountains, install and repair backflow preventers and flushometers.
  • In the carpentry and hardware trade the mechanic should have the ability to install acoustical hung ceilings, install stud walls, gypsum dry wall and spackling/painting, install doors and door hardware, install door and window trim, and install vinyl floor tile.
  • In the HVAC trade the mechanic should have the ability to troubleshoot and repair air handling systems, fan coil units/motors, and unit heaters; replace filters, belts, seals, bearings and sheaves, repair and replace air compressors and pumps, and install and repair fin tube radiation.
• Possess the ability to understand technical drawings and equipment service manuals.
• Must have excellent ability and interpersonal skills to work both independently and with other trades personnel and customers.
• As a core essential employee, the incumbent must be available for after hours and emergency call back work, which may involve the carrying of a cell phone.
• Must communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Must have the ability to study, comprehend, and effectively utilize campus and departmental technology and computerized software systems.
• Must have a valid, permanent driver’s license and be able to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced skills in maintenance of HVAC equipment including but not limited to refrigeration systems, hydronic and steam heating, humidification systems, boilers and boiler controls and cooling towers.
• Backflow testing certification or the ability to obtain a certification within one year of employment.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• stand or walk 2 - 4 hours at one time, up to 6 -8 hours per day;
• sit for less than 2 hours during an 8-hour day;
• operates motor vehicles or heavy equipment (e.g., forklift, high reach, cherry picker) occasionally (less than 33% of the workday)
• lift or carry up to 80 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the workday);
• lift up to 80 pounds to waist height and up to 35 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead:
• frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34 – 66% of the workday);
• occasionally push or pull with forces up to 80 pull, squat, kneel, knee stand, dig, use jack hammer or chipping tools, lie down, or lift overhead (less than 33% of the work day);
• frequently push or pull with forces up to 35 pounds, bend, climb ladders or stairs, or reach overhead (34 – 66% of the work day);
• work outdoors in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions;
• possess ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours
40.00

Eligible for Overtime
Yes

Benefits Eligible
Yes

Probationary Period
90 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
Yes

Physical Capacity Exam Required
Yes

Valid Driver's License Required
Yes

Salary Range
$75,000 to $86,000