Apartment Maintenance Technician

Fairstead operates at a scale that most affordable housing owners don't reach: 30,000-plus units across 28 states, with development, construction, and property management all running under one roof. At the site level in Columbia, Maryland, that integration means the maintenance team is held to a professional standard that matches what you'd expect at a market-rate operation. This Service Manager role sits at the center of that.

What the Work Looks Like Day to Day

The title says Service Manager, and that's accurate. This is a working supervisor position. You'll carry tools and you'll also direct people. On a given day that might mean pulling an HVAC diagnosis in the morning, reviewing a punch list from a turn unit midday, and coaching a tech through a repair they haven't done solo before in the afternoon. Fairstead uses Yardi and RealPage on the operational side, so comfort with work order software matters, even if you're not running reports all day.

Core responsibilities include:

• Supervising maintenance staff and taking point on special projects
• Performing skilled repairs across mechanical, electrical, and general building systems
• Maintaining the property's physical condition in line with Fairstead's safety standards
• Working independently on routine work, escalating or pulling in help on more complex jobs
• Occasional overtime for emergencies or project-driven needs

The company is explicit that they want someone with depth in at least one trade, not a generalist who knows a little about everything. Three years of property maintenance experience is the floor. If you've got a background in HVAC, electrical, or plumbing with solid general skills layered on top, that's the profile that tends to fit well here.

The Affordable Housing Context

Working for an affordable housing operator means the resident population often has fewer alternatives when something breaks. That's not a minor detail. The maintenance function carries real weight here, and a Service Manager who understands that tends to run a tighter, more responsive operation than one who treats it like any other multifamily gig. Fairstead's tech-forward approach also means you'll likely encounter digital work order systems and data tracking tools that some smaller operators haven't adopted yet. That's a skill that transfers well if you eventually move toward a portfolio-level or regional maintenance role.

Compensation and Benefits

The pay range for this position runs $23 to $25 per hour, depending on experience and location factors. Benefits include employer-contributed medical coverage through Meritain Health, employer-paid vision and life insurance, a 401(k) with a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 3% and 50% match on the next 2%, 15 PTO days, 7 sick days, and 12 or more paid holidays. Flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and pet insurance round out the package.

Fairstead is an equal opportunity employer and considers diversity in background and experience a genuine operational asset, not just a policy statement.