Maintenance Technician

Skills at the Center of This Role

At The Rosie, a 202-unit mixed-use community in Chicago, the maintenance technician role runs on a specific set of skills every single day: HVAC troubleshooting, make-ready execution, work order prioritization, and the kind of resident-facing professionalism that keeps renewal rates from slipping. If those four things describe your wheelhouse, read on.

The schedule is Wednesday through Sunday, with after-hours emergency response required. That's a real commitment worth acknowledging upfront. Chicago winters are unforgiving, and heating calls at 11pm are part of this job. Candidates who've already done that rotation at a Greystar, Waterton, Village Green, or similar operator know the rhythm. If you haven't, expect an adjustment period.

What the Work Actually Looks Like

Your day starts with a work order queue. You're triaging, sequencing, and closing tickets efficiently because unresolved orders age fast and residents notice. Between orders, you're turning vacant units, walking your punch list, and making sure each one hits FLATS standards before the next resident moves in. A well-executed make-ready is both a customer service moment and a direct driver of occupancy, and at 202 units, the volume keeps you moving.

Beyond units, you're responsible for the physical condition of the whole asset: grounds, common areas, life safety systems, and seasonal upkeep. When outside contractors come on site, you'll coordinate their work under direction from the Maintenance Supervisor or Property Manager. City and state inspections are part of the job, and Chicago's inspection requirements are detailed, so your documentation habits matter.

The physical demands are real. Expect a full day on your feet, lifting up to 100 pounds, working in all weather, and getting into tight spaces. A strong safety mindset isn't a soft skill here, it's operational necessity given exposure to electrical systems, mechanical parts, and airborne hazards.

What Sets Strong Candidates Apart

At minimum, the role requires one year of residential maintenance experience and solid HVAC knowledge. HVAC certification helps. But what actually separates a strong candidate here is the combination of technical skill and resident-facing communication. Technicians who can explain what they fixed, when they'll be back if parts are pending, and how to prevent the issue going forward keep resident satisfaction scores where they need to be. That interpersonal layer matters at lifestyle-oriented communities like FLATS, where the resident experience is part of the product.

• At least 1 year of residential maintenance experience with HVAC knowledge
• HVAC certification (preferred)
• Proven troubleshooting ability across general building systems
• Comfort with work order software or basic Microsoft Office
• Strong time management and attention to detail on punch lists and make-readies
• High school diploma or equivalent; ability to read work orders and safety instructions in English

This role pays $26.00 per hour, nonexempt, on a semi-monthly pay cycle. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays.

FLATS, operated by Collective Residential, builds communities around a distinct lifestyle identity. For a maintenance technician, that means the physical product has to back up the brand. Your work is visible to residents every day, and that accountability is what makes the role interesting if you take pride in a well-run building.