Maintenance Technician (Stone Gate)

Stone Gate Apartments in Spring Lake, NC is a residential community that needs a technician who can handle the full range of day-to-day maintenance work without a lot of hand-holding. Van Metre has been doing this since 1955, and their properties reflect that institutional attention to upkeep and curb appeal.

What the Work Actually Looks Like

You'll report to both the Service Manager and Property Manager, which is standard for this kind of role. Most of your week will be a mix of resident service requests, make-ready work on vacant units, preventative maintenance rounds, and property walks to stay ahead of anything that could become a liability. Turns are part of the job. So is the punch list work that comes with them. You'll be expected to track what you do, manage your own inventory, and flag concerns up the chain before they become bigger problems.

After-hours coverage rotates. This position is on call once every six weeks for a full week to handle emergency calls. That's a lighter on-call burden than many communities run, but it's real, and you should go in with eyes open about it. Weekend work is part of the regular schedule.

What You Bring

• 1 to 2 years of hands-on maintenance experience, or documented trade training
• Working knowledge of appliance repair, electrical, and plumbing
• Basic HVAC understanding; Universal CFC Certification is preferred
• Familiarity with current OSHA and building safety standards
• Your own basic tools and a valid driver's license

The technicians who stand out in this type of role aren't necessarily the ones with the longest list of certifications. They're the ones who communicate clearly with residents, close out requests without creating callbacks, and notice the slow leak or the worn breaker before a 2 a.m. call becomes a flooded unit.

Compensation and Career Path

Pay runs $20 to $22 per hour depending on experience, and there's an annual bonus potential of $5,000, paid out quarterly. The benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company-matched 401(k), paid certifications, tuition reimbursement, and a $900 annual wellness reimbursement. Van Metre also offers a rental discount for employees, which matters if you're considering the Spring Lake area.

For a technician who builds a track record at Van Metre, the natural next step is Service Manager. Companies like Van Metre that manage and develop their own assets tend to promote from within on the maintenance side, particularly when someone has shown they can own a property's systems and train newer staff. Getting your EPA Universal Certification and expanding your HVAC skills while in this role positions you well for that move.