Maintenance Assistant

Job Description

About the Role

The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, DC is a peaceful and prayerful place of pilgrimage and service, rooted in the Catholic faith and the Franciscan tradition. Our historic campus includes sacred spaces, gardens, and buildings that require thoughtful care and stewardship.

The Monastery is seeking a dedicated, skilled and highly responsible Maintenance Assistant to assist in the day-to-day upkeep of the facility's buildings, systems, and grounds. This person will be a hands-on, versatile presence across the property. This is a unique opportunity for someone who takes pride in their work, values stability, and is interested in remaining with an organization over the long term. If you're a dependable, hands-on worker who takes pride in maintaining beautiful spaces, we encourage you to apply. This is a full-time position offering the potential for meaningful, long-term work in a peaceful, faith-centered environment.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and at least two references to HR@myfranciscan.com.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the maintenance of the physical structure of the Monastery, St. Francis Hall and surrounding structures, property and grounds in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Coordinate with in-house staff and contracted service providers.
• Perform maintenance and repair tasks, including but not limited to plumbing, electrical, painting, etc.
• Manage maintenance shop and inventory of supplies.
• Coordinate, schedule and supervise maintenance agreement tasks related to HVAC, fire alarm/suppression, elevator, refrigeration equipment, pest control and landscaping management.
• Maintain service agreements with vendors and schedule routine annual service.
• Coordinate improvements and repairs to physical plant.
• Proactively inspect equipment and structure to avoid malfunction and deterioration.
• Purchase supplies as needed for repairs via internet, phone or in person.
• Use software to respond to maintenance ticket requests.
• Assist with keeping fleet maintenance and inspection up to date.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of general maintenance experience (preferred)
• Basic knowledge of woodworking tools, saws, drills, etc.
• Basic knowledge of electrical, air conditioning, and plumbing systems
• Familiarity with tools and equipment related to building and grounds maintenance
• Willingness to be on-site during standard hours with occasional flexibility as needed
• Ability to read, write, and speak English
• Ability to communicate effectively with vendors and staff
• Basic computer skills (email, Excel, Word) for monthly reporting
• Respectful demeanor suited to a religious environment.
• Employees must conduct themselves with integrity and act in a manner consistent with the official teachings, doctrines, laws and policies of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Employees will be required to complete the VIRTUS Training, which includes a background check and fingerprinting.

Physical Demands

• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods (up to 8 hours per day)
• Ability to bend, stretch, and reach to perform physical tasks
• Ability to climb ladders and work outdoors in all seasons

Competencies

• Ability to work independently and plan, prioritize, and organize workflow
• Independent judgment and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with a team
• Ability to be responsive, flexible, reliable, and dependable
• Self-motivated and able to adapt to changing needs
• Willingness and ability to learn and use computers and software

Benefits: Generous benefits package available, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and 403(b) plan with matching contributions.

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment, outside and in a residence type environment. Extreme temperature variations are likely. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and conducive to perform required duties described in this job description.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are varied, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Willing to work overtime, holidays and weekends. Willing to be available on-call, to immediately respond to facility maintenance emergencies or high priority service requests.

About the Employer

The Franciscan Monastery in Washington, D.C. is a national shrine that sustains this 800-year mission of the Franciscan Friars in the Holy Land by serving as a "Little Jerusalem" in America. It serves America's Holy Land pilgrims through education, fundraising, recruiting vocations, promoting pilgrimages and providing pastoral ministry locally to religious, lay Catholics and to all of good will.
The Franciscan Monastery is home to a thriving Holy Land Franciscan community; self sustaining and capable of fulfilling its mission on behalf of the Holy Land, its Friars and the Church Universal.