Building Maintenance Worker - Library

Full Job Description

Invitation to Compete #62-25: Building Maintenance Worker

Central Library, Maintenance Services, 1000 4^th Ave, Seattle

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, full time, 80 hours per pay period (40 hours per week)

Salary Range: $33.52 - $40.67 per hour

A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. Hours will include weekdays, weekends and evenings. Schedules are subject to change based on the Library’s current operational needs. This classification is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.

This position is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library’s employees and will remain open until filled. Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information.

Candidates are asked to submit their application materials in NEOGOV by December 28, 2025 for first consideration.

Overview

The Seattle Public Library’s mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.

We view Seattle as a city where imagination and opportunity continue to thrive. Since 1891, we have grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a world-class library system with 27 locations.

The Library works every day to foster and support a healthy city and a healthy democracy.

We do this work guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, literacy and the love of learning, racial equity, privacy and confidentiality, respect for the community, strong partnerships and innovation.

We are an active and committed partner in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Library employees are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. As a workplace, we value respectful and transparent communication, partnership and engagement.

We are enriched individually and organizationally because of our diversity and growth mindset. We take time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others.

If you share these values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for the Building Maintenance Worker position.

The Building Maintenance Worker, as part of the highly collaborative and energetic Maintenance Services team, maintains The Seattle Public Library’s facilities, including the Central Library, 26 branches and storage facilities. For more information: https://www.spl.org/hours-and-locations.

This position reports to building maintenance supervisors, takes direction from the building lead, and performs work in a variety of maintenance areas to ensure safe, efficient and continuous operation of The Seattle Public Library's facilities.

Requirements

• Perform a variety of building trades repair, service and maintenance tasks. This is a generalist maintenance worker position that does not require journey level skill. Basic maintenance work is performed in the following trade areas: carpentry, electrical, HVAC, mechanical, painting and plumbing.

Perform basic service and repair of the following building components: door, hardware, furniture, building envelope, light fixtures, electrical receptacles and switches, motors, air handler filters, ducting, drains, sinks, toilets, urinals and faucets.

Must understand and adhere to related building codes and safety regulations.

• Complete reports, work orders, supply requisitions, mileage logs and other basic administrative tasks.

• Drive a library vehicle to and from locations throughout the City of Seattle in a safe and timely manner. Transport equipment, furniture and other items.

• Follow preventative maintenance procedures and schedules, and use a variety of tools and equipment to complete building maintenance work.

• Physical duties require climbing and using ladders, bending, stretching, reaching and carrying or lifting items up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of an accredited vocational training program in a building maintenance field AND two (2) years employment in the building maintenance field. Or four (4) years of employment in the service and maintenance of building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems.
• At least one (1) year of experience performing building maintenance work in a commercial or institutional environment. Maintenance experience must include:
  1. Basic carpentry, electrical, HVAC, painting and plumbing work.
  2. Effectively trouble-shooting problems related to building systems.
  3. Following preventive maintenance programs.
• Two (2) years of experience reading and working from shop drawings and blueprints.
• Knowledge of safety codes and practices.
• Experience reading and using Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Ability to perform the physical tasks involved in maintaining and troubleshooting HVAC systems, including the ability to lift 50 pounds on an occasional basis, able to tolerate exposure to the noise, dust and conditions of HVAC environments, able to climb ladders and work at heights, normal eyesight (with correction), and normal hearing range.
• Ability to safely and properly use and operate a variety of hand and power tools.
• Effective written communication skills and the ability to follow oral and written instructions in manuals, labels and other work related materials.
• Experience must demonstrate the ability to apply courteous and responsive customer service when working with others.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills. Able to communicate clearly and interact effectively with co-workers, Library employees, contractors and the public. Ability to respond with tact and courtesy in the resolution of problems or complaints.
• Proficient computer skills using Microsoft Office applications, including the ability to write documents using Word, access and operate e-mail, and navigate the internet.
• Ability to plan and schedule own work efficiently, work independently with minimum onsite supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a diverse team environment, to work with diverse styles, and to respect and acknowledge cultural differences.
• Possession of a valid Washington state driver's license. The successful candidate will also be asked to provide a current Washington State driver's abstract upon employment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience using a work order or computerized maintenance management system.
• Experience working in a public sector agency.
• Journey level knowledge and skill in one of the following trades: building engineering, carpentry, electronics, mechanical, painting or plumbing.

Additional Information

How to Apply

Please submit the following items by December 28, 2025 for first consideration. This recruitment will be open until the position is filled. Your application will not be considered if these items are missing or incomplete:

1. Online application with responses to the supplemental questions.
2. A cover letter that describes how your experience and skills align with the job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you want to do this work.
3. Current resume that summarizes relevant education, experience, knowledge and skills.

Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, and complete online application will not be considered.

Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials.

The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions.

If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process.

The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.

Benefits and Salary Information

The full salary range for this position is $33.52 - $40.67 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Information about retirement plans can be found at: https://www.seattle.gov/retirement

Additional Information

If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to job.applications@spl.org. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.

Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.