Apartment Maintenance Manager

Fairstead runs a portfolio of more than 30,000 apartments across 28 states, and the work is genuinely affordable housing, not market-rate with a mission statement attached. They develop, build, and manage under one roof, which means the maintenance operation connects directly to long-term community preservation rather than short-term asset turnover. That context matters if you're the kind of tech who cares where their work ends up.

This posting is a pipeline role. Fairstead is building out its bench of Maintenance Managers ahead of new community launches and portfolio growth, so the location isn't fixed yet. If you apply now and clear the process, you're positioned to be considered first when a site comes online. That's either appealing or it isn't, depending on your timeline.

The Service Manager title is what Fairstead calls this position internally. The core job is what you'd expect: supervise a maintenance crew, keep mechanical systems and electrical equipment running, lead on special projects, and make sure the property stays clean and safe in line with company standards. You'll handle routine work independently and pull in support for the more complex stuff. Overtime happens, usually tied to emergencies or project deadlines, and that's worth stating plainly rather than burying.

What separates a strong candidate here from an average one is the combination of trade depth and crew management. Fairstead wants someone proficient in a specific trade who can also run a team, not a generalist who's decent at everything and exceptional at nothing. If you've spent years as a tech and recently stepped into a lead role, that trajectory fits. If you've been a solo maintenance tech on a small property, the supervision piece will be the gap to address.

Qualifications

• At least three years of property maintenance experience
• Proficiency in at least one skilled trade, with broader general maintenance ability
• Solid understanding of building and mechanical trade tools, techniques, and terminology
• Knowledge of safety standards and accident prevention practices
• Experience supervising or leading maintenance staff
• Ability to implement and refine maintenance policies and procedures
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite; Yardi or RealPage experience is a plus
• Strong organizational and project management skills

Fairstead uses Yardi and RealPage across its portfolio, and comfort with work order software matters more in affordable housing than people sometimes assume. When you're managing deferred maintenance on an older asset while keeping units habitable, digital tracking of open items isn't optional.

Benefits include medical coverage through Meritain Health with a generous employer contribution, employer-paid vision and life insurance, a 401(k) with a company match (100% on the first 3%, 50% on the next 2%), 15 days of PTO, 7 sick days, 12-plus paid holidays, FSA, disability insurance, pet insurance, and employee discounts on appliances and apparel.