Job description Handyman/woman in the Lower Mainland–Southwest Region

Find out what work is like for a handyman/woman in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents (NOC 73201).

General building maintenance workers and building superintendents

Description

General building maintenance workers perform tasks related to the general maintenance of buildings. They execute minor repair work, maintain equipment and installations and perform preventive inspection of systems relating to building mechanics. Building superintendents employed in large establishments are responsible for the operation of the establishment and may also supervise other workers. They are employed by office and apartment building management companies, condominium corporations, educational institutions, health care facilities, recreational and shopping facilities, religious, industrial and other establishments.

Work week duration

General building maintenance workers and building superintendents usually work between 35 to 40 hours per week.
Between 35 to 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that General building maintenance workers and building superintendents have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Make adjustments and minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilating, plumbing and electrical systems, and contact tradespersons for major repairs
  • perform other routine maintenance jobs such as painting and drywall repair
  • maintain inventory of supplies and equipment and make minor purchases as required
  • respond to requests from residents for minor repairs
  • perform daily inspections on the building systems
  • provide general assistance to skilled trade persons such as mechanics, electricians, carpenters and plumbers
  • coordinate the preparation of housing units prior to the arrival of new residents
  • ensure that security and safety measures are in place in the establishment
  • may advertise vacancies, show apartments and offices to prospective tenants and collect rent
  • may process lease or rental applications, including completion of background and credit checks
  • May move heavy furniture, equipment and supplies
  • May supervise other workers.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Standing
  • Bending or twisting the body
  • Handling material manually
  • Making repetitive motions
  • Walking and running

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where General building maintenance workers and building superintendents are employed and some of their main characteristics:

  • Educational institutions
  • Religious establishments
  • Other establishments
  • Shopping facilities
  • Building management companies
  • Recreational facilities
  • Condominium corporations
  • Health care facilities
  • Industrial establishments

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • Indoors, environmentally controlled
  • Outside, exposed to weather
  • High places
  • Dangerous chemical substances
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Hazardous conditions
  • Indoors, not environmentally controlled
  • Hazardous equipment, machinery, tools
  • Sound and noise

Physical proximity from others Help - Physical proximity from others

  • Close (at arm’s length)

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 73201), and a list of similar occupations:

  • apartment building maintenance worker
  • building operator - maintenance
  • building superintendent
  • handyperson

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as General building maintenance workers and building superintendents in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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