Job Functions of a Maintenance Supervisor

Maintenance supervisors are primarily responsible for coordinating and supervising the general upkeep of buildings, grounds and all the equipment on the premises and also maintaining the electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other related systems. These supervisors do not necessarily require a degree to perform their tasks. A candidate with a high school diploma or some college education together with experience in maintenance supervision is sufficiently qualified for the job. The position may also have physical demands, and the supervisor needs to be fit for the tasks.

Monitor Safety

One of the main functions of a maintenance supervisor is to monitor the state of the premises and its systems to ensure the safety of the building's residents. The maintenance supervisor examines the plumbing, electrical and ventilation systems to ascertain that they are working properly. He also looks over the roofing, fixtures, equipment and installations within the premises to determine whether they are in proper working order. The maintenance supervisor is the first person building residents call to report a malfunction and he assesses and troubleshoots before deciding on the next course of action.

Overseeing Workers

The supervisor coordinates with the various service providers to visit the premises and conduct repairs and also oversees the activities of the workers. When equipment or fixtures within the premises fall into disrepair or the landlord wishes to make modifications, the maintenance supervisor is in charge of getting in touch with the relevant workmen. For example, he may need to call the plumber, electrical company or building contractor depending on the nature of the maintenance work needed. He then oversees the workers to ensure that they work according to the landlord’s instructions and restore the premises to the former condition. He also regularly supervises the work of resident maintenance employees such as those involved in cleaning, landscaping and providing other support services within the premises.

Regulatory Compliance

Laws, regulations and building codes govern the construction and repair of buildings, and the maintenance supervisor needs to be familiar with them to discharge his job functions accordingly. The supervisor trains the staff on the various laws and teaches them how they can comply with its requirements. He also ensures that contractors and other service providers adhere to safe and healthy work practices when conducting maintenance duties to avoid any liability attaching to his landlord. The maintenance supervisor needs to attend periodic training sessions to stay updated on the latest legal developments.

Routine Tasks

Conducting routine maintenance tasks is one of the job functions of the supervisor. If a resident reports a problem and the maintenance supervisor is in a position to remedy it, then he does so without having to call in specialized assistance. For example, repairing a gate that is starting to fall, replacing leaking roof tiles, replacing electrical fuses or such other routine tasks are part of the supervisor’s duties. He also conducts administrative tasks such as organizing the schedule of the maintenance staff, compiling monthly reports to keep the landlord informed on the problems arising on his premises and also managing the maintenance budget allocation.