Mechanic, Door and Hardware

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

11-18-2026

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

Mechanic, Door and Hardware 

ABOUT US 

 

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students! 

 

DESCRIPTION 

 

This is skilled trade work involving the installation, adjustment, maintenance, and minor repair of commercial doors, door frames, locks, and associated hardware throughout the school system. Employees in this classification perform routine and moderately complex door and hardware tasks under general supervision. Work is reviewed for quality, completeness, and adherence to established standards. 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

 

A combination of education and experience may be considered. 

 

Education: 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent. 

 

Experience: 

• Three (3) years of experience in commercial door and hardware work including lock servicing, re-keying, and installation/repair of metal, wood, and fire-rated doors. 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

 

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

 

Education: 

• Training Certification from Best Lock Institute and Medico Keymaster X4 patented key systems.  

• Training Certification from Sentry Safes and Gardall Safes. 

 

Experience: 

• Experience working in an educational or government setting.  

• Familiarity with basic electronics and powered door operator systems.  

• Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel). 

 

Certifications: 

• Certification from American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM).   

 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

 

• Install, adjust, and maintain commercial doors and door hardware including mortise locks, cylinder locks, deadbolts, door closers, hinges, strikes, weatherstripping, glazing, and related components.   

• Conduct preventative maintenance inspections of doors and hardware, reporting damage or deficiencies and make repairs to ensure safety and security.   

• Perform routine re-keying and pinning of cores for locks in accordance with existing keying systems and schedules. Maintain accurate records of keying changes and hardware work.   

• Assist in troubleshooting and repairing automatic door openers and basic electrified door hardware under the direction of senior technicians or contractors.   

• Respond to emergency calls related to door or hardware failures to restore secure access.   

 

Employee Safety 

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job. 

 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

 

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.  

 

• Knowledge of tools, equipment, and standard practices in the door and hardware trade.  

• Ability to install, maintain, and repair common commercial locks, closers, hinges, doorsweeps, weatherstripping, and related door hardware.  

• Basic knowledge of keying systems and the ability to re-key cores.  

• Ability to read and interpret basic construction drawings and hardware schedules  

• Ability to safely operate hand and power tools.  

• Ability to work independently and follow written and verbal instructions.  

• Ability to work with administration in schools on security issues, key issues, and door access issues.  

• Ability to work well in a team environment, handling multiple assignments, and meeting deadlines.  

• Ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.  

• Demonstrated excellent customer service skills.  

• Demonstrated excellent time management skills.  

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, climb, and use arm and hand movements.  

• Ability to carry tools and to handle materials and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds. 

• Ability to work at heights on aerial lifts, scaffolding, stepladders and/or extensions ladders.  

• Ability to crawl in, under, over, or through equipment.  

• Ability to work in confined spaces and manholes. 

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

 

Working Environment 

• Work may be performed indoors or outdoors in varying weather conditions and may involve exposure to dust, noise, odors, debris, confined spaces, and active construction or maintenance areas. 

• Work involves the use of hand and power tools and may include exposure to sharp edges, heavy doors and hardware, moving mechanical components, elevated work areas, and construction-related hazards. 

• Required protective equipment may include safety glasses or goggles, work gloves, hearing protection, safety footwear, hard hats, high-visibility clothing, dust masks or respirators, and fall-protection equipment, as appropriate for the task. 

 

Physical Requirements 

• Work requires lifting, carrying, positioning, and installing doors, frames, and hardware weighing 50 pounds or more. Duties may also require climbing ladders, standing for extended periods, bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling. 

 

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education. 

 

Licensure  

• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.  

 

Working Hours 

• This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement. Maintenance employees are issued a school system cell phone to receive calls from their supervisor and respond to emergency events as needed. 

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

 

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  
 
SELECTION CRITERIA 

 

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.  

 

Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process. 

 

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION 

 

Compensation 

This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade VII on the Audio Visual / Grounds / Maintenance / Warehouse salary scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.   

 

Retirement 

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.  

 

Benefits 

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit. 

 

Pre-Employment Requirements 

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. 

 

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing. 

 

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship. 

 

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Philip Wentt (philip_wentt@hcss.org) OR humanresources@hcpss.org. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org.

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability,  sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.