Maintenance
Maintenance engineering encompasses a variety of roles across different sectors and industries, each specializing in the upkeep and optimization of various types of equipment and systems. Here are some of the key types of maintenance engineering roles performed today:
General Maintenance Roles
General maintenance roles are roles concerned with ensuring the functionality, safety, and efficiency of facilities, equipment, and machinery. As the description implies, those involved in general maintenance will perform generalised maintenance functions that may typically span over a large spectrum of areas. For that very reason, general maintenance roles can be both skilled and unskilled in their orientation, and an overview of the generalised maintenance roles found within the profession today has been outlined below
General Maintenance Technician: Performs routine maintenance tasks, inspections, and repairs on equipment and facilities
General Maintenance Technician duties
May be required to perform scheduled preventive maintenance tasks. This can take the form of things like lubrications, alignments and calibrations, component replacements, and other system checks
Troubleshoots and repairs systems, equipment, and facilities as required
Responds to emergency situations and may be required to perform emergency repairs as required
May be required to install new equipment, machinery, or components as required
May be required to work alongside contractors such as painters, decorators, handypersons, construction workers, and other specialists
Conducts routine inspections of buildings, equipment, systems, or machinery, depending on the specific nature of the maintenance role in question
Observes all relevant safety compliance. May be required to undertake relevant safety courses depending on the nature of the role and industry in question
Is required to maintain proper inventory management, keeping track of supplies and spare parts
Maintains accurate records of all maintenance activities
Salary £27,699 – £32,339, depending on the employer and years of experience
Maintenance Supervisor: Supervises staff, compiles maintenance schedules, and ensures maintenance work is completed to standard
Maintenance Supervisor Duties
Is responsible for compiling maintenance schedules
Liaises with management personnel to understand the scope of maintenance work required, and to understand the best times to schedule maintenance activities around operational requirements
Supervises staff, ensuring maintenance schedules are adhered to, and checks maintenance work to ensure it is done to expected standards in line with all regulatory and safety requirements
Oversees and coordinates maintenance projects. Duties may extend to allocating personnel, equipment, and materials to various ongoing maintenance projects as required
Conducts performance reviews, providing guidance and feedback to maintenance staff
May be required to provide or facilitate training sessions, delivering training and support to maintenance staff, and integrating new members into the team
May be required to undertake relevant safety courses depending on the nature of the role and industry in question
May be required to liaise with outside contractors such as painters, decorators, handypersons, construction workers, or other more specialized professionals
May plan and oversee upgrades or modifications to systems and equipment
Performs inspections and audits
Performs inventory control in the form of managing maintenance supplies, including supply allocations and ensuring adequate inventory levels
Is responsible for maintaining accurate records of all maintenance work performed. Including managing and maintaining budgets, tracking expenses, and identifying cost-saving opportunities
May be required to perform maintenance work as part of routine duties in their capacity as a supervisor
Salary £36,120 – £43,009 depending on the employer and years of experience
Maintenance Manager: Maintenance Managers are responsible for the managerial oversight of a maintenance department
Maintenance Manager Duties
Manages the maintenance department, including the budgeting, planning, and implementation of maintenance programs
Is responsible for developing maintenance strategies, in forms such as preventive, condition-based, etc…in line with the organisation’s objectives and prerogatives. These are implemented with the goal of minimizing production downtime and extending the service life of machinery, equipment, and vehicles
Develops strategies for effective asset management, including lifecycle management and asset replacement. This not only includes the implementation of specific maintenance strategies in the form of preventive, condition-based maintenance etc…but also where appropriate, the introduction of new technologies and methods that can improve maintenance processes and efficiency too
Builds a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and optimizing maintenance strategies
Is responsible for the macro-level planning and scheduling of maintenance activities
Conducts performance reviews, sets maintenance targets, and provides feedback to maintenance teams and supervisory personnel
Is responsible for the oversight and implementation of training programs to improve the skills and efficiency of maintenance personnel. Is also responsible for ensuring they are properly trained as far as any regulatory requirements are concerned
May be required to undertake relevant safety courses depending on the nature of the role and industry in question
Leads and supports maintenance supervisors and maintenance personnel
Oversees maintenance projects, including the implementation of specific maintenance strategies, predictive maintenance, condition-based maintenance, etc…as well as equipment installations, upgrades, and repairs
Is responsible for conducting safety audits, ensuring the correct equipment and training is provided to maintenance personnel, as well as ensuring safe working conditions for them too
Is responsible for generating up-to-date reports on maintenance activities and performance, including key metrics such as downtime, costs, and compliance targets
Ensures that all maintenance activities comply with industry regulations
Develops and manages the maintenance department’s budget, monitoring maintenance expenses, and implementing cost-saving measures where possible
Negotiates contracts and manages relationships with vendors, contractors, suppliers, and service providers
Is responsible for communicating with stakeholders and upper-level management, providing them with updates on maintenance activities and project statuses
Is responsible for ensuring close coordination with other departments when it comes to conducting maintenance activities, with a view to minimizing downtime, maximizing safety, and optimizing maintenance performance
May be required to provide technical support and assistance to maintenance teams
May be required to undertake relevant safety courses depending on the nature of the role and industry in question
May be required to work alongside and/or supervise contractors such as painters, decorators, handypersons, construction workers, or other more specialized professionals
Is responsible for keeping and maintaining records of all maintenance activities and inspections
Salary £36,945 – £44,892 depending on the employer and years of experience
Facilities Maintenance Technician: Oversees the maintenance of building facilities and infrastructure. Duties include maintaining HVAC systems, plumbing, lighting, and other building services
Facilities Maintenance Technician duties
Performs routine maintenance tasks such as painting, carpentry, and plumbing
Inspects, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
Maintains building systems such as elevators, fire alarms, and security systems
May troubleshoot and repair electrical issues. Replacing light bulbs, fixtures, and switches as needed
May maintain and repair plumbing systems such as toilets, sinks, faucets, and pipes as required
May perform preventive maintenance in the form of regular inspections and servicing
Some maintenance facilities roles may require landscaping duties such as mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and general landscaping maintenance
Observes all relevant safety guidelines and performs duties in line with all relevant compliance
May be required to undertake additional safety or training courses, keeping their skills up to date, the nature of which is dependent on the role and industry in question
May be required to work alongside and/or supervise contractors such as painters, decorators, handypersons, construction workers, or other more specialized professionals
Is responsible for keeping and maintaining records of all maintenance activities and inspections
Salary £25,940 – £34,118 depending on the employer and years of experience
Mechanical Maintenance Roles
Mechanical maintenance involves the design, repair, and maintenance of essential machinery and equipment. Those who perform in dedicated mechanical maintenance roles can expect to have responsibilities that include servicing, repairing, and optimizing mechanical equipment such as engines, turbines, conveyors, HVAC systems, and more
Mechanical Maintenance engineer:
Conducts regular inspections of machinery and mechanical systems
Mechanical Maintenance duties
Performs scheduled preventive maintenance tasks such as lubrication, alignments and realignments, replacement of worn-out components, and machine cleaning
Inspects machinery for leaks, pressure issues, and proper operation
Diagnoses mechanical problems, performs overhauls, and may be required to rebuild machinery or equipment as required
Is responsible for repairing or replacing defective parts such as bearings, belts, gears, seals, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, etc
Calibrates and tests, disassembles, reassembles, and inspects machinery as required
May also install and commission new machinery and mechanical systems depending on the role and level of expertise involved in the particular maintenance role in question
May be required to perform upgrades and modifications, or even fabricate and install custom parts or assemblies as required
Observes all relevant safety compliance and regulatory codes
Collaborates with other maintenance technicians and professionals from other vocations, including management personnel as required
May be required to undertake additional safety or training courses, keeping their skills up to date, the nature of which being dependent on the role and industry in question
May be required to be on-call to respond to emergency situations depending on the nature of the role and industry in question
Is responsible for keeping and maintaining records of all maintenance activities and inspections
Salary £37,551 – £46,348 depending on the employer and years of experience
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Maintenance technician: Hydraulic and Pneumatic maintenance technicians are concerned with maintaining equipment and apparatus that involves hydraulic and pneumatic systems
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Maintenance technician duties
Assembles and maintains hydraulic systems
Performs scheduled preventive maintenance tasks such as lubrication, alignments and realignments, replacement of worn-out components, and machine cleaning
Inspects machinery for leaks, fluid levels, fluid cleanliness, pressure issues, and proper operation
Is responsible for repairing or replacing defective hydraulic or pneumatic parts
Diagnoses mechanical problems, performs overhauls, and may be required to rebuild hydraulic or pneumatic components as required
Calibrates and tests, disassembles, reassembles, and inspects hydraulic and pneumatic components as required
May be required to install and commission hydraulic and pneumatic systems depending on the level of expertise involved in the role
May also be required to perform upgrades and modifications, or even fabricate and install custom parts or assemblies as required
Observes all relevant safety compliance
Collaborates with maintenance technicians and professionals from other vocations, as well as with management personnel as required
May be required to undertake additional safety or training courses to keep their skills up to date, the nature of which being dependent on the industry in question
Will locate and identify faults within hydraulic and pneumatic systems
Will test hydraulic and pneumatic systems for performance and accuracy
May be required to be on-call to respond to emergency situations depending on the nature of the role and industry
Is responsible for keeping and maintaining records of all maintenance activities and inspections
Salary £28,311 – £39,887 depending on the employer and years of experience
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Maintenance: Concerns maintaining and servicing the HVAC systems that provide the heating, cooling, and ventilation to buildings and industrial facilities
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Maintenance duties
Inspects and monitors HAVC systems for things like airflow, temperature, and pressure
Performs scheduled preventive maintenance tasks such as such as lubrication, filter changing, and coil cleaning
Repairs and replaces components such as motors, compressors, fans, thermostats, and control systems as necessary
Checks and refills refrigerant levels as necessary
Uses diagnostic equipment to locate problems with HVAC systems
Tests HVAC systems to ensure they are operating efficiently and safely
Performs energy efficiency improvements to HVAC systems in the form of things like the installation of programmable thermostats and optimization of system settings
Performs air and water balancing
Calibrates thermostats, sensors, control systems, and also adjusts dampers, valves, and controls for optimal performance efficiently
Installs new HVAC systems
Will be required to undertake safety and training courses, and will observe the relevant safety and compliance during the installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems
Duties may also include engaging with building residents, facility workers, and management personnel to explain and reassure them on HVAC system functionality. This may also include providing recommendations for system improvements and energy-saving measures
Collaborates with maintenance technicians and professionals from other vocations, as well as with management personnel as required
May be required to be on-call to respond to emergency situations depending on the industry and nature of the role in question
Is responsible for keeping and maintaining accurate records of all maintenance activities and inspections
Salary £37,592 – £44,210 depending on the employer and years of experience
Electrical Maintenance Roles
Electrical maintenance involves the routine servicing, repair, and inspection of electrical systems and equipment to ensure they operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. As such, electrical maintenance encompasses a wide variety of roles, whose duties may range to everything from basic tasks and assignments, to more complex troubleshooting and preventive maintenance measures
Aerospace Maintenance Engineer: Maintains and repairs aircraft systems and components
Aerospace Maintenance Engineer duties
Is responsible for maintaining aircraft and their related systems, parts, and components
Conducts scheduled maintenance, preventive maintenance, and servicing
Performs repairs, diagnosis, and troubleshooting. Is also responsible for maintaining accurate recordkeeping and reporting on all maintenance activities
Observes all relevant safety compliance and regulatory codes
May be required to undertake additional safety or training courses to keep their skills up to date, the nature of which being dependent on the role and industry in question
Works closely with aerospace engineers, technicians, pilots, and other professionals involved in aerospace operations to effectively coordinate maintenance activities
Salary £35,692 – £44,005 depending on the employer and years of experience
Automotive maintenance technician: While an automotive maintenance technician is not the same as a mechanic, there are similarities in the duties they perform. An automotive mechanic normally focuses on preventive maintenance and the routine servicing of vehicles, whereas a mechanic tends to deal with the diagnosis and overhaul of vehicles, involving themselves with both minor and major repairs. As such, an automotive maintenance technician tends to focus on performing routine maintenance and minor repairs to ensure that vehicles run smoothly and efficiently. Here are the typical duties of an automotive maintenance technician
Automotive Maintenance Technician duties
Performs routine maintenance in the form of oil changes, tire rotations, balancing, and pressure checking. Replaces oil filters, air filters, fuel filters, belts, hoses, headlights, taillights, interior lights, and batteries as needed
Performs battery tests and inspections on things such as brake pads, rotors, and callipers
Tops off vehicle fluids like brake fluid, coolant fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid
Uses diagnostic tools to perform diagnostics on vehicles to identify issues
Replaces parts such as shock absorbers, struts, ball joints, steering components, exhaust systems, mufflers, exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, etc…
Utilises communication skills in the form of clear and straightforward jargon when discussing vehicle condition with customers
Keeps work area clean and well organised
May be required to undertake additional safety or training courses to keep their skills current and up to date
May collaborate with other maintenance technicians, and will be required to utilise effective communication skills when providing servicing and repair recommendations
Is responsible for writing up accurate reports on maintenance activities and inspections
Salary £29,482 – £39,720 depending on the employer and years of experience
Electrical Maintenance Technician: Is responsible for the maintenance and repair of electrical systems and equipment
Electrical Maintenance Technician duties
Conducts regular inspections of electrical systems
Performs scheduled preventive maintenance tasks such as securing electrical connections and components
Uses sophisticated equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and infrared thermometers to diagnose and test electrical systems and equipment
Is responsible for repairing or replacing electrical components like faulty wiring, circuit breakers, fuses, relays, switches, etc…
Installs new electrical systems, equipment, and components, integrating them based on the correct codes and guidelines
Calibrates, disassembles, reassembles, and performs upgrades and modifications on electrical systems according to the relevant electrical codes and guidelines
May be required to undertake additional safety or training courses to keep their skills up to date, the nature of which being dependent on the role and industry in question
May be required to be on-call to respond to emergency situations depending on the nature of the role and industry
Collaborates with other maintenance technicians and professionals from other vocations, as well as with management personnel as required
Is responsible for keeping and maintaining records of all maintenance activities and inspections
Observes all relevant safety compliance and regulatory codes
Salary £27,942 – £42,395 depending on the employer and years of experience
Instrumentation and Control Maintenance technician: Instrumentation and control maintenance technicians are concerned with the calibration, maintenance, and repair of the instrumentation and control systems used throughout key industrial processes
Instrumentation and Control Maintenance technician duties
Assembles, installs, and maintains instrumentation systems
Performs scheduled preventive maintenance tasks such as alignments and realignments of parts and components, as well as lubrication, cleaning, and the replacement of worn-out components
Inspects machinery for leaks, pressure issues, and proper operation
Is responsible for repairing or replacing defective parts such as bearings, belts, gears, seals, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, etc
Diagnoses mechanical problems and identifies faults within instrumentation and control panels. Performs overhauls, and may be required to rebuild machinery and equipment as required
Calibrates, tests, disassembles, reassembles, and inspects machinery instrumentation as required
May be required to install and commission new machinery and mechanical systems depending on the level of expertise involved in the maintenance role itself
May also be required to undertake additional safety or training courses to keep their skills and knowledge up to date
Collaborates with maintenance technicians and professionals from other vocations, as well as with management personnel as required
May also be required to perform system upgrades and modifications, or even fabricate and install custom parts or assemblies as required
May be required to be on-call to respond to emergency situations depending on the nature of the role and industry
Is responsible for keeping and maintaining records of all maintenance activities and inspections
Observes all relevant safety compliance
Salary £33,839 – £51,092 depending on the employer, industry, and years of experience
Marine Maintenance Technician: Is responsible for maintaining and repairing various types of marine equipment such as ships, engines, offshore marine structures, navigation systems, power systems, propulsion systems, integrated bridge systems, and electronics, etc… Such roles may require extended periods working away from home either offshore or on seafaring vessels
Marine Maintenance Technician duties
Conducts regular inspections of systems, vessels, and equipment to ensure their safe and efficient function
Checks for wear, damage, and corrosion, and will perform oil changes, filter replacements, and lubrication on moving parts
May be required to develop and follow a preventive maintenance schedule to ensure regular servicing of all necessary systems and components
Is responsible for replacing parts and repairing the equipment and systems on seafaring vessels and offshore platforms. These include the power systems, navigation systems, propulsion systems, integrated bridge systems, and other onboard electronics
Duties also include hull maintenance and maintenance on other structural components abroad vessels and offshore platforms. It also includes maintenance on the hydraulic and pneumatic systems used in various maritime equipment such as winches, steering systems, stabilizers, hoses, cylinders, and valves that are maintained to prevent leaks and wear. It also includes the plumbing systems, pumps, valves, and piping. As well as other essential things like life rafts and life jackets, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, etc…
May diagnose machinery and systems using sophisticated tools and diagnostic equipment
May test systems, machinery, and equipment to ensure its operating safely and at optimal efficiency
May also be responsible for, or assist in, the upgrading or overhauling of systems aboard seafaring vessels or offshore platforms
Collaborates with other onboard personnel when performing their duties
Will be required to undertake relevant safety and training courses, and will observe the relevant safety and compliance procedures during the installation, repair, and maintenance of onboard marine systems
Is responsible for keeping and maintaining accurate records of all maintenance activities and inspections
Salary £26,482 – £37,594 depending on the employer, industry, and years of experience
Predictive Maintenance Technician: Predictive maintenance technicians use sophisticated equipment, tools, and sensors that enable them to gather data on equipment and system performance. This then allows them to make predictive assessments about how and when equipment and system failures might occur. This is done with the long-term goal view of implementing proactive maintenance measures to minimize downtime and extend asset service life of equipment, machinery, vehicles, and systems, improving overall efficiency and safety in the process
Predictive maintenance technician duties
Uses sophisticated tools and sensors that allow them to collect and analyse data on equipment performance. Measures metrics such as vibration, temperature, and sound, allowing them to analyse the electrical parameters of predicted machine performance
Conducts regular inspections of systems and equipment. Performs follow-ups in the form of diagnostics to confirm predictive analysis findings
Installs and calibrates sensors and other equipment, allowing for the collection of data on machinery and systems
Analyses and interprets data to predict issues and put in place maintenance solutions in the form of predictive maintenance and preventive replacement-based solutions
Will use specialized software and algorithms to generate predictive maintenance reports based on collected data
Develops maintenance schedules based on the results of predictive analysis information. Updates and prioritizes maintenance activities based on this too
Cleans, Calibrates, and maintains predictive maintenance tools and sensors
Observes all relevant safety compliance
Collaborates with other maintenance technicians and professionals from other vocations, as well as with management personnel as required
May be required to undertake additional safety or training courses to keep their skills up to date, the nature of which being dependent on the specific nature of the role and industry in question
Is responsible for keeping and maintaining records of all maintenance activities and inspections, and may also be required to prepare presentations and present findings to management and maintenance personnel
Salary £33,587 – £54,990 depending on the employer, industry, and years of experience
Preventive maintenance technician: Conducts routine maintenance tasks on equipment and systems with a view to proactively preventing breakdowns, extending service life, maximizing safety, and minimizing downtime
Preventive maintenance technician duties
Is required to adhere to a strict maintenance schedule revolving around maintenance tasks of systems and equipment performed at set times
Is responsible for identifying signs of wear, damage, or other issues that could lead to potential issues or breakdown of systems and equipment
Will replace worn or damaged parts before they fail
Observes all relevant guidelines and performs duties in line with the relevant safety compliance
May be required to undertake additional safety or training courses to keep their skills up to date, the nature of which is dependent on the role and industry in question
May be required to work alongside and/or supervise contractors such as painters, decorators, handypersons, construction workers, or other more specialized professionals
Is responsible for keeping and maintaining records of all maintenance activities and inspections
Salary £25,493 – £39,911 depending on the employer, industry, and years of experience
Railway Maintenance Engineer – Overhead Line Technician: Is directly responsible for the maintenance and repair of overhead apparatus on railway lines, and as such, helps to enable the safe and efficient operation of trains along the railway network
Railway Maintenance Engineer duties
Regularly inspects OLE cables, checking tensioning and alignment, and adjusting these where necessary
Performs tests to assess the condition and performance of overhead line components
Accesses OLE apparatus using gantries and other specialised equipment
Maintains, repairs, and replaces OLE components as required
Diagnoses electrical and mechanical problems with overhead line equipment
Modifies, installs, or upgrades components in rail line systems as required
May be required to respond quickly to emergency service disruptions and implement contingency plans or temporary repairs to minimize service interruptions
Maintains accurate records of inspections, maintenance activities, repairs, and tests
Is familiar with all safety and regulatory requirements regarding electrical work and working at heights and will follow these accordingly
Salary £22,573 – £43,588, depending on the employer and years of experience
Railway Maintenance Engineering Signalling technician: Is responsible for the maintenance, inspection, and repair of signalling equipment along railway lines. In this capacity, they ensure the reliable operation of trains by helping to control and direct their safe and efficient movement along the rail network
Railway Maintenance Engineering Signalling Technician duties
Conducts regular inspections of signalling equipment such as the crossing gates, interlockings, signals, switches, and track circuits
Uses specialised equipment and software to analyse signalling data and to test and diagnose equipment
Performs general maintenance like cleaning and lubricating components
Diagnoses electrical and mechanical problems with signalling equipment
Configures and updates software, firmware, and databases as required
Is responsible for checking and maintaining the Automatic Warning Systems (AWS) and Train Protection Warning Systems (TPWS)
Is responsible for familiarizing themselves with the routes for train services so they know when to switch the rails to divert and change trains onto different tracks
Continuously improves by updating their knowledge through training courses, keeping themselves updated on the latest specialised tools and equipment
Maintains accurate records of all inspections, maintenance activities, repairs, and tests
Is familiar with all safety and regulatory requirements regarding electrical work and working at heights and follows these accordingly
Salary £31,683 – £44,977, depending on the employer and years of experience
Railway Maintenance Engineering Telecoms Technician: (Also sometimes referred to as Railway Telecom Technicians or Railway Communication Technicians). Is responsible for maintaining and repairing the equipment used in telecommunications systems in railway operations. In this capacity, amongst other things, they help to ensure successful communication is maintained between trains and the control centres that oversee their movement along the railway system itself
Railway Maintenance Engineering Telecoms Technician duties
Is responsible for performing routine tests and maintenance on the rail computer and telephone network which includes the cab secure radio system, customer information systems, CCTV, public address systems, telephone systems (such as the ones found at level crossings), as well as any and all other rail network communication modes
Installs, programs, and configures telecommunications equipment such as antennas, radios, switches, routers, switches, telephony systems, and communication networks, etc
Uses specialized equipment, diagnostic tools, and software to test and optimize telecommunications equipment, assessing performance and verifying signal quality
Diagnoses and repairs faults and identifies performance issues
Protects telecommunications systems from cyber threats and unauthorized access by implementing and maintaining security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and access control systems
Is responsible for building and maintaining fibre optic Infrastructure by installing, splicing, and testing the fibre optic cables used along railway networks
Salary £26,394 – £51,993, depending on the employer and years of experience
Railway Systems Engineer: Plays an integral part in designing and implementing the railway tracks, stations, and terminals that comprise the railway network itself. Their duties include maintaining, repairing, and optimizing this network, thereby ensuring the reliable operation of trains and services along the entirety of the network itself
Railway Systems Engineering duties
Designs and oversees the construction of railway tracks, railway stations, and railway terminals
Is responsible for the design and implementation of signalling systems and train control systems, including the installation of signalling systems, track circuits, interlockings, and communications equipment along railway lines
Uses sophisticated computer design software to help them perform their duties more effectively
Manages railway electrification systems, and performs safety and risk management assessments
Salary £27,591 – £48,882, depending on the employer and years of experience
Railway Maintenance Track Engineering Technician: Is responsible for ensuring safe transit along the railway network. Their duties revolve around constructing, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing the rail tracks that make up the transportation system as a whole
Railway Maintenance Track Engineering Technician duties
Inspects rail tracks, sleepers, ballast, switches, and crossings, and makes repairs as required. Is also responsible for ensuring that railway tracks are properly aligned
Uses techniques such as welding and grinding to repair rail tracks, and installs essential components like sleepers and fasteners as required
Maintains safe and feasible track conditions by clearing foliage and ensuring tracks are obstacle free
Performs tamping, levelling, and other routine maintenance tasks as required
Performs repairs and modifications on existing tracks and railway infrastructure using specialized welding equipment
Assists with site surveys
Assists with the construction and installation of new railway tracks, track bedding, sidings, turnouts, and crossovers. etc
Operates track maintenance equipment such as track tampers, ballast regulators, and track inspection vehicles, as well as other specialised equipment to assist in track maintenance as required
Maintains accurate records of all inspections, maintenance activities, repairs, and tests, etc
Salary £29,312 – £46,995, depending on the employer and years of experience
Reliability Maintenance: Involves maintenance concerned with the upkeep and repair of essential pieces of equipment and machinery
Reliability Maintenance technician duties
Is responsible for developing preventive maintenance schedules for equipment, machinery, and systems
Helps maintain optimal performance of systems, machinery, and equipment by conducting regular inspections, adjustments, and calibrations
Will use predictive maintenance techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and ultrasonic testing to monitor equipment health
Utilizes specialised diagnostic tools to help identify root causes of failures
Will analyse and interpret data to predict issues and put in place maintenance solutions in the form of predictive and preventive replacement-based strategies
Diagnoses and repairs mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues in equipment, systems, and machinery
May be required to coordinate with other departments when it comes to conducting maintenance activities
May be required to provide technical support and assistance to other types of maintenance based personnel
Observes all relevant safety guidelines and performs duties in line with the relevant compliance
May be required to undertake additional safety or training courses to keep their skills up to date, the nature of which is dependent on the role and the industry in question
Is responsible for keeping and maintaining records of all maintenance activities and inspections
Salary £34,338 – £45,821 depending on the employer, industry, and years of experience
Facility and Property Maintenance Roles
Facility and property maintenance is concerned with ensuring that buildings, grounds, and their related infrastructure are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. This type of maintenance is required for residential, commercial, and industrial properties, and revolves around a few core roles and functions which have been outlined below
Building Maintenance Technician: Is responsible for performing general maintenance tasks in commercial and residential buildings, ensuring their continued upkeep
Building Maintenance Technician duties
Will perform preventive and routine maintenance tasks. This may take the form of things like general building repairs, furniture repairs, and exterior building maintenance, amongst other things
Troubleshoots and repairs systems, equipment, and facilities as required
Duties may not only include the inspection and monitoring of HVAC systems, but also the testing and repair of these systems as well when required
Depending on the role, duties may also include the regular inspection and repair of electrical systems in buildings like faulty wiring, circuit breakers, fuses, relays, switches, etc…
May be required to perform plumbing maintenance duties depending on the role. This would be in the form of things like inspecting and repairing plumbing systems, fixing leaks, clearing clogs, and replacing worn or damaged plumbing fixtures and other plumbing nomenclature
Responds to emergency situations and may be required to perform emergency repairs as required
May be required to work alongside contractors and other specialists as required
May be required to perform inventory management duties. In this capacity they will keep accurate records of supplies and parts, ordering new ones as required
Conducts routine inspections
Observes all relevant safety compliance and may be required to undertake relevant safety courses depending on the nature of the role and industry in question
Maintains accurate records of all maintenance activities
Salary £28,312 – £39,800 depending on the employer, industry, and years of experience
Custodial staff (sometimes referred to as cleaners or janitors): Are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of buildings and industrial facilities
Custodial staff duties
Cleans buildings and facilities, performing duties such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, wiping down surfaces, cleaning mirrors, emptying trash cans, refilling dispensers, etc…
Cleans windows and glass areas
Disinfects high-contact surface areas like doorknobs, light switches, and handrails
Uses the most appropriate cleaning agents and tools for the type of cleaning required
Responds to cleaning-related requests such as spills, leaks, and other urgent cleaning needs
May also be responsible for cleaning outdoor areas such as sidewalks, entryways, and parking lots
Logs all completed cleaning tasks
Salary £19,567 – £42,654 depending on the employer, industry, and years of experience
Custodial Supervisor: Oversees custodial staff, ensuring that buildings and facilities are cleaned and maintained to standard
Custodial Supervisor duties
Supervises and manages the day-to-day operations of the custodial cleaning team coordinates with departments, management tiers, and facilities supervisors, to devise appropriate duties and cleaning rotas. Will also arrange for special cleaning tasks or amend rotas to accommodate for events as required. Deals with administrative tasks, and will maintain accurate records of rotas, cleaning schedules, staff attendances, supply inventories, etc. Will also ensure the proper handling and storage of all cleaning supplies and equipment
Looks after the training, professional development, and wellbeing of the custodial team. Will also address any concerns and problems, implementing corrective action where required
Is responsible for fostering a positive and productive workplace environment for the custodial team
Develops policies and procedures and is directly responsible for the hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation of custodial staff. Inspects work and ensures custodial assignments are completed on schedule and to standard
Ensures that cleaning equipment is well maintained and in good working order, and will arrange for repairs or replacements of such equipment as and when is necessary
May prepare reports on custodial activities, presenting them to facility management as and when required
Will plan and oversee special cleaning projects including deep cleaning, and will coordinate with contractors for specialized cleaning services such as carpet cleaning and window washing when necessary
Will address complaints, concerns, and suggestions regarding standards of custodial service
Is responsible for identifying opportunities to improve custodial processes
Works with a focus on continuous improvement
Maintains logs of all completed cleaning tasks
Salary £25,535 – £41,564 depending on the employer, industry, and years of experience
Groundskeeper: Is responsible for maintaining and beautifying specified outdoor areas such as gardens, lawns, and green places around buildings and facilities. Landscaping them to keep them clean, attractive, and well-maintained
Groundskeeper Duties
Will use gardening tools such as power mowers and edgers to mow, edge, and trim lawns
Mulchs, fertilizes, and waters flowers, grass, and shrubbery
Applies herbicides and pesticides to control weeds and pests
Takes appropriate measures to improve soil health
Performs planting, transplanting, and pruning duties
Plants trees, shrubs, and flowers, in line with the season
Will landscape and beautify green areas with decorative elements
Installs, operates, and maintains irrigation systems
Constructs and maintains garden paths, retaining walls, and other hardscape features
Repairs and maintains groundskeeping tools and equipment
Removes leaves and debris from grounds, picks up trash and debris, empties waste bins, and clears ice and snow from pathways and driveways
Maintains accurate records of all maintenance and groundskeeping activities
Salary £19,339 – £24,399 depending on the employer, industry, and years of experience
Property Maintenance Manager: Is responsible for maintenance operations in residential, commercial, or industrial-based properties. Will oversee their repair and ensure that they are well-maintained and safe. As such, they will typically manage a team maintenance staff and coordinate with contractors as required
Property Maintenance Manager duties
Will supervise and manage the day-to-day operations of the maintenance team
Is directly responsible for the hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation of the maintenance team
Manages maintenance requests with manpower and resources available, prioritizing requests and work orders accordingly
Deals with important administrative tasks such as budgeting, resource allocation, and cost forecasting
Coordinates with the relevant departments, management tiers, and facilities supervisors, to devise appropriate maintenance schedules and assignments
Will maintain accurate records of rotas, cleaning schedules, attendances, and supply inventory, etc
Is responsible for fostering a positive and productive workplace environment for maintenance staff
Develops policies and procedures for the maintenance team
Prepares and manages the maintenance budget, including forecasting costs for repairs, supplies, and labour, and will monitor expenses to ensure that maintenance costs stay within budget
Performs inspections to ensure staff and contactor work meets specifications, and will conduct regular audits of maintenance activities to ensure the correct standards are maintained
May perform contract negotiations and arrange services with external vendors for specialised maintenance services
Is responsible for ensuring that all maintenance work undertaken conforms to the appropriate industry regulations and safety standards
Maintains records of compliance-related activities including inspections and safety drills. Also ensures accurate records of maintenance activities, work orders, and inspections, are maintained too
Will plan for and develop responses for emergency situations such as power outages, floods, and fire incidents
Prepares regular reports on maintenance operations in the form of status updates, completed work logs, and upcoming project notifications
Salary £32,484 – £50,379 depending on the employer, industry, and years of experience