Rental Property Maintenance Assistant

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

 

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The Rental Property Maintenance Assistant is responsible for supporting the Rental Property Maintenance Manager in the maintenance and general upkeep of Whitman College owned rental properties. This individual must be a responsible, punctual, self-directed person who has an eye for detail and could help assess property (building and grounds) issues under general direction of the Rental Property Maintenance Manager and/or the AVP of Facilities Services. The objective is to restore and maintain the structural, mechanical and aesthetic integrity of all college owned rental properties, while ensuring a safe living environment. Evening and weekend work may be required.  

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Landscape Maintenance (60%) 

• Complete daily assigned landscape needs on all residences, designated apartment buildings, and selected commercial buildings owned by Whitman College.
• Mow assigned lawns, edge, and blow off walkways as needed daily.
• Keep landscape beds free of weeds and debris. 
• Trim and clean up bushes as needed.
• Apply seasonal fertilizers and preventative weed sprays as directed by the manager or Rental Property Maintenance Coordinator.
• Assess landscape needs daily and communicate findings with the Rental Property Maintenance Manager.
• Safely operate landscape equipment and power tools.
• Maintain all landscape equipment, keeping it clean and in good working order.
• Understand general irrigation system principles.
• Perform other seasonal duties, such as raking leaves, removing debris, snow and ice, from steps, walks, ramps, and parking lots.
• Observe safety precautions and procedures at all times, being alert for unsafe conditions and correcting the conditions accordingly.

Property Maintenance (30%)

• Clean apartment laundry rooms and common areas as needed or weekly, including vacuuming, mopping floors, wiping down surfaces and cleaning doors and windows.
• Put trash and recycling cans out for weekly pick up at all apartment complexes and bring them back in from the street after pick-up.
• Support scheduled preventative maintenance such as changing fire alarm batteries, changing air filters, cleaning gutters or roofs, and winterizations before freezing temperatures arise.
• Support routine checks of houses as needed and during school breaks.
• Support the Rental Property Maintenance team with summer maintenance projects. Maintenance work will in part consist of:
  • General cleaning.
  • Refinish all floors as necessary (e.g., hardwood, carpeting, etc.).
  • Painting and some wall repairs.
• Report damages and repairs needed as they are discovered to the Rental Property Maintenance Manager.
• Respond to emergencies after hours or on weekends as needed for repairs or issues that arise as directed by the Rental Property Maintenance Manager.

Evolving Responsibilities (10%)

• Assist with cleaning and restocking the short-term stays properties under the Rental Property Maintenance team as needed or as directed by the Rental Property Maintenance Manager.
• Keep the landscape shop and workspace clean and free of debris.