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.
At Cottonwood Residential, we're committed to creating an exceptional customer experience through innovation and service. As an early adopter of Self-Guided Tours, we've made apartment searching more convenient and accessible for our customers. We're looking for team members who are eager to learn, embrace new ideas, and create meaningful connections with every interaction. Join us in helping every customer feel Home at Last!