Maintenance Technician I at Lake St. James Apartments

About Cottonwood Residential

Cottonwood Residential is a forward-thinking, fully integrated real estate company focused on the multifamily sector. We combine deep expertise in asset and property management with a commitment to operational excellence across a growing national portfolio. We don’t just manage communities - we elevate them.

About the Role

The Maintenance Technician I is an entry-level maintenance professional responsible for supporting the day-to-day repair and upkeep of the community. This role performs basic maintenance tasks in occupied and vacant apartment homes while ensuring the overall cleanliness and functionality of the property. Working under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, this position is ideal for someone looking to grow their career in property maintenance. Success in this role comes from a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering timely, high-quality service to residents.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Repairs

• Complete maintenance requests for occupied and vacant apartment homes, including basic repairs in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and general maintenance
• Diagnose and troubleshoot maintenance issues, escalating more complex repairs to the Maintenance Supervisor as needed
• Perform routine maintenance on appliances, fixtures, and building systems
• Assist with HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical components at an entry level
• Support make-ready processes to prepare apartment homes for new residents

Property Upkeep & Support

• Walk the community regularly to maintain cleanliness and remove debris from grounds and common areas
• Maintain interior spaces such as hallways, amenities, and office areas to ensure a clean and safe environment
• Use tools such as blowers or sweepers to keep sidewalks, parking areas, and walkways clear
• Distribute resident communications such as notices and newsletters as needed
• Assist with general property upkeep and additional maintenance tasks as assigned

Customer Service & Team Collaboration

• Interact professionally and courteously with residents, vendors, and team members
• Respond to maintenance requests in a timely manner, ensuring a positive resident experience
• Communicate effectively with the Maintenance Supervisor regarding work progress and support needs
• Contribute to a team-oriented environment focused on resident satisfaction and operational excellence

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures, including OSHA, Fair Housing, ADA, and other applicable regulations
• Use appropriate safety equipment when performing maintenance tasks
• Read and follow safety labels, operating manuals, and company guidelines
• Maintain awareness of utility shut-offs, safety systems, and emergency procedures
• Ensure all work areas are clean, organized, and safe

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
• 0–1+ years of experience in residential maintenance or a related field
• Basic knowledge of maintenance and repair tasks, including plumbing, electrical, appliances, and carpentry
• EPA certification or HVAC troubleshooting experience is a plus
• CPO certification or pool maintenance experience is a plus
• Willingness to learn and develop technical skills across multiple trades
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Professional attitude with a customer service mindset
• Ability to read, write, speak English to communicate with residents and vendors, to process Company paperwork, and to interpret safety and operating manuals and procedures  
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, vendors, and team members
• Ability to provide basic tools needed for residential maintenance work, including HVAC gauges if EPA certified
• Availability to work standard community hours, including evenings and weekends
• Availability to participate in an on-call rotation and provide after-hours emergency services with the support of the Maintenance Supervisor

Physical Requirements 

• Regularly required to stand
• Ability to climb stairs, walk, and balance is frequently needed
• Sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl is frequently needed
• Push or pull to move equipment, appliances, open and close doors, etc.
• Climb ladders to perform routine maintenance/repairs
• Grasping/gripping/turning to operate tools, equipment, and/or the phone frequently needed 
• Ability to taste or smell is frequently needed
• Reaching above the shoulders frequently needed
• Finger dexterity to operate tools frequently needed
• Lifting and/or moving up to 75 lbs. regularly needed. Occasionally, over 75 lbs. is needed. Rarely will over 150 lbs. be needed. Weights over 50 lbs. should be accomplished with assistance from one or more persons 
• Constant need for vision in small detail, beyond arm’s reach, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus 
• Constant need for talking and hearing to communicate with residents and associates

Why Cottonwood Residential?

We don’t just manage properties - we elevate them. At Cottonwood Residential, you’ll join a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence. You’ll work alongside a team that is passionate about delivering exceptional living experiences while supporting your professional growth. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package and opportunities to grow within a dynamic, expanding organization.

Cottonwood Residential is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicant Communication & AI Disclosure

Cottonwood Residential uses AI-assisted technology and authorized recruiting partners to support our hiring process. By applying, you acknowledge that you may communicate with AI-powered systems during scheduling, candidate outreach, or preliminary interviews, and that interviews may be recorded, transcribed, and summarized for evaluation by our hiring team.

By applying, you consent to receiving communications regarding your application by phone, text message, email, or other electronic means. Hiring decisions are solely made by Cottonwood Residential.