Maintenance Technician - West Loop

It's 10 a.m. on a Tuesday and the punch list already has six items: a resident reported low water pressure in 4B, the lobby trash needs a run, and a vendor is arriving at noon to rod a sewer line you scheduled last week. That's a normal start to this role.

The Work Itself

Reside Living manages roughly 3,000 apartments across Chicago, and this position supports one of their West Loop properties. You'll report directly to the Building Engineer and carry out the hands-on maintenance work that keeps the building operating and residents satisfied. That means completing service requests within agreed SLAs, performing janitorial and grounds work when needed, and assisting with apartment turns between residents. Seasonal responsibilities are real here: Chicago winters require snow removal equipment operation, and you'll be expected to handle that without being told twice.

Preventative maintenance is a core part of the schedule. You'll coordinate HVAC filter replacements, sewer line rodding, and other recurring tasks before they become emergencies. When water infiltration or mold appears, you treat it with urgency and escalate appropriately. You'll also coordinate vendor and contractor access, working alongside project management staff on larger capital work.

The schedule runs Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with on-call availability for after-hours emergencies. This is a full-time hourly position at $25.00 per hour. A $50 monthly phone stipend is included, since you'll use a mobile app to document completed work orders and inspections.

What This Role Requires and What It Builds

Coming in, you need between two and five years of maintenance experience in a residential, hospitality, or institutional setting. Mechanical aptitude across plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and hot water systems is preferred, and EPA certification is required (or must be obtained within 90 days). You'll need to be comfortable with hand and power tools, measuring devices, and mechanical equipment like pumps, compressors, and augers. A valid driver's license is preferred.

Strong candidates distinguish themselves through two things that don't appear on any tool list: communication and follow-through. You're interfacing with residents daily, coordinating with vendors, and keeping the Building Engineer informed. The technicians who advance in this kind of role are the ones who close the loop without being asked.

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• EPA certification required or obtained within 90 days of hire
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and mobile work order systems
• Ability to be on your feet 66 to 100 percent of the time; full physical demands apply
• OSHA safety compliance required, including appropriate PPE for each task
• Personal smartphone (iOS or Android) required; $50/month stipend provided

For a technician looking to grow, this role offers a clear path. Working directly under a Building Engineer gives you exposure to building systems at a scale that builds the diagnostic thinking you need to eventually move into an engineer or facilities manager role. Reside Living's expanding Chicago portfolio means internal mobility is a realistic outcome for performers who demonstrate reliability and technical range.