Apartment Maintenance Technician

Fairstead operates a portfolio of more than 30,000 apartments across 28 states, and the work that keeps those units occupied and those residents housed happens at the property level, one work order at a time. This Maintenance Technician role in Newark is a direct contributor to that mission. Fairstead builds and manages affordable housing, and the physical condition of each unit directly affects occupancy, resident retention, and NOI. A well-run maintenance program keeps turns tight, punch lists short, and emergency calls manageable. That's the operational reality this role lives in every day.

Day to day, you're moving between scheduled preventative maintenance, unit inspections, and responding to resident service requests. Make-readies are a core part of the rhythm: cleaning and prepping vacated units so the next resident can move in without delay. Deferred turns cost money and drag down occupancy. You'll also check electrical systems for code compliance, test safety devices monthly, and keep a working inventory of tools and supplies so nothing slows you down mid-job.

On-call rotation is part of the role. After-hours emergencies happen in multifamily, and Fairstead expects a prompt response when they do. That's a real commitment worth acknowledging upfront.

Strong candidates come in with hands-on experience across general maintenance trades, a working knowledge of electrical systems, and an HVAC certification or equivalent. The ability to lift 70 pounds and stay on your feet for extended periods is a physical requirement of the work, not a formality. What separates a good technician from a great one at a property like this is attention to detail during inspections and the discipline to follow preventative maintenance schedules before problems compound into capex issues.

What Fairstead is looking for

• Prior experience as a maintenance technician or in a comparable service role
• Mechanical aptitude for minor repairs across plumbing, electrical, and general fixtures
• HVAC, CMRP, or equivalent certification (preferred)
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Physical ability to lift up to 70 pounds and stand for extended periods
• Availability for on-call rotation and after-hours emergency response

Compensation runs $24 to $26 per hour depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include medical coverage through Meritain Health with a generous employer contribution, employer-paid vision and life insurance, a 401(k) with company match (100% on the first 3%, 50% on the next 2%), 15 days of PTO, 7 sick days, and 12 or more paid holidays. Flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and pet insurance round out the package.

Fairstead takes a tech-forward approach to affordable housing operations, which means technicians here work within systems built around data and efficiency. If you're used to paper logs and informal processes, expect a more structured environment with digital tools supporting maintenance tracking and resident communication.