Trade Shop Apprentice

Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department:

Part of the Division of Student Affairs, University Housing consists of nearly 2.8 million square feet of facilities and is home to more than 9,000 students. The department employs 220 full-time staff members, 21 graduate assistants and 565 undergraduate student workers. As a self-supporting auxiliary, University Housing operates a $59 million budget derived only from student housing fees and other non-state sources. In support of its mission to provide comfortable, affordable and secure housing options where the academic success and personal growth of residents are encouraged and supported, University Housing engages staff members in competency-based training and students in curriculum-based engagement focused on community building, interpersonal skills, social awareness and responsibility, and well-being.

College/Unit/Department website: housing.uga.edu

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: M-F, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Some evening and weekend work required

Advertised Salary: $40,000

Posting Date: 08/26/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 10/12/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: We are unable to offer a work visa sponsorship for this position. You must be authorized to work in the U.S. to apply.

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title: Trades Worker I

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications: Two years of experience, vocational training in one of the applicable trades, or any equivalent combination of training and experience

Position Summary: Reporting to the Technical Trades Manager, the Trade Shop Apprentice supports the maintenance, repair, and improvement of University Housing facilities while developing practical skills across multiple skilled trades. Working alongside and under the guidance of HVAC/Refrigeration Mechanics, Electricians, Masons, Painters, and other experienced trades professionals, the apprentice gains hands-on experience and progressively develops the knowledge and technical proficiency needed to perform assigned work with greater independence.

This position works in a community housing approximately 9,000 student residents. This position provides a high-level of customer service with a variety of peers, residents and other departmental stakeholders. To uphold the standard of care for a 24-hour, seven-day a week residential program, this position performs periodic duties during weekends and holidays, and it participates in on-call operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Ability to safely operate and use various tools associated with the skilled trades worker field, e.g. power and hand tools.
• Ability to carry out work assignments with the expected degree of independence and with limited callbacks for cleanup or additional repairs.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively, professionally, and consistently with a wide variety of individuals such as building service workers, residence hall staff, students/families and other team members via telephone, in writing, or in person.
• Proven ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to effectively utilize a variety of computer applications in the completion of assigned tasks, including but not limited to OneSource, the Microsoft Office Suite, UGA email and employee websites.
• Required to earn their EPA 608 Certification within a year of starting this position.
• Effective communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability and availability to work the specified shift, with occasional additional shifts Saturday, Sunday, and after hours as needed.

UNIVERSITY HOUSING EXPECTATIONS:

• Commit to a University Housing-first philosophy by promoting student success and supporting University Housing, Division of Student Affairs and University of Georgia missions and goals.
• Safeguard the physical security of University Housing facilities, protect sensitive information through adherence to cybersecurity polices and best practices, promptly report any security concerns or incidents, and promote a culture of security awareness to ensure secure on-campus residential communities.
• Embrace an entrepreneurial spirit by sharing opportunities to protect departmental resources and find cost savings.
• Be present and on time for all scheduled work, communicating proactively for unavoidable absences and adhering to policies and procedures for leave requests, as these are crucial for overall productivity, team morale and operational efficiency.
• Provide a positive student experience by being courteous, caring, patient, flexible and working to resolve issues or problems in a timely manner. Collaborate with team members across University Housing, as needed, and communicate issues to supervisors.
• Maintain a positive and productive environment by consistently following department, campus and USG policies and procedures.
• Designated as Essential Personnel Pool (meaning may be asked to report to work) for the purposes of maintaining critical operations during inclement weather or other emergency situations. Employees in this role may be required to report to work when the University is closed or operating under modified conditions. The employee will be contacted by their supervisor (or designee) with instructions on when and where to report and what duties will be necessary. Communication will occur via the employee’s primary contact information on file (phone, email, or other agreed-upon method). The designation of Essential Personnel Pool will be reviewed annually during the performance evaluation period to ensure alignment with operational needs.
• Participate in departmental “all hands-on deck” events (e.g., move-in, move-out, residence hall emergencies).

Physical Demands:

• Climb stairs and ladders; may work from a ladder or scaffold.
• Bend at the waist and knees.
• Work with arms and hands overhead for an extended period.
• Stand, kneel, or squat for long periods of time.
• Use, care for and maintain hand tools and power tools.
• Lift and move items at least 50 pounds in weight, both assisted and unassisted.
• Perform work related duties indoors with steam and humidity or hot/cold conditions and work outdoors in various seasons and weather conditions.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No

Does this position require a P-Card? : No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? : No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): Yes

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Basic Repairs

• Install or repair thermostats, capacitors, fan motors, actuators, contactors, belts, condensate pumps, filters, replace piping.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks on all types of HVAC and electrical equipment.
• Install or repair new circuits of varying voltages, outlets, switches, and light fixtures.
• Clean and prep surfaces for painting, including sanding and patching holes.
• Paint rooms and apartments using a brush and roller.
• Complete work requests in a timely manner and utilize the web-based work order system to document work.

Percentage of time: 70

Shop Operations

• Identify, complete, and possibly plan facilities improvement projects individually or with a team.
• Keep all work areas clean. Remove trash and debris associated with day-to-day tasks in the immediate shop area.
• Keep shop area inventoried, stocked, and well organized so that supplies can be easily located by other staff members.

Percentage of time: 20

On-Call, Summer Duties, and Miscellaneous Tasks

• Participate in the required maintenance after hour’s on-call program.
• Perform summer work assignments including implementing special projects and safety inspections and scheduling preventative maintenance.
• Other duties consistent with the purpose and scope of this position may be assigned.

Percentage of time: 10

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: Carrie Chitwood

Recruitment Contact Email: cachitwo@uga.edu