Maintenance Technician II at Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing Authority – Bellingham, Washington

POSITION: Maintenance Technician II - NON-EXEMPT, REPRESENTED

OPENING DATE: March 12, 2026

CLOSING DATE: April 2, 2026, or until filled

SALARY RANGE: New hires typically start at $31.61 - $33.86 per hour, DOQ, plus benefit/retirement package. The full salary range for the position is $31.61 - $41.63 per hour and employees enjoy a 36-hour work week.

ABOUT THE BELLINGHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY:

The Bellingham Housing Authority (BHA), an independent municipal organization, is a high performing leader in affordable housing. BHA offers opportunities for people to thrive by ensuring access to quality, affordable homes. Our vision is that every person has the opportunity to live in a safe, secure, affordable home.

We are recruiting for an experienced and service focused Maintenance Technician II. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to the highest standards in public service.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is chiefly responsible for skillfully maintaining BHA properties, preserving the asset, enhancing the livability for residents, and ensuring BHA continues to have quality affordable housing opportunities to offer.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The Maintenance Technician II is capable of performing all of the following duties but will be primarily responsible for those assigned to them. The duties of staff in this position may vary to balance workloads, maximize individual strengths, and provide opportunity for personal and department growth and effectiveness. The essential job functions are not to be considered a detailed description of every duty allocated to this classification but rather an illustration of the more typical functions.

• Performs vacant unit restoration/renovation. Repairs and/or replaces carpentry, plumbing, painting, windows, screens, electrical, walks, floors, etc.
• Performs repairs and maintenance of heating, cooling and exhaust systems, including boilers, pumps, fans, thermostats, ducts, gas piping, valves, controls, registers, baseboards, filters, and emergency back-up generators.
• Performs building system repairs, maintenance and carpentry of all building systems, including cabinets, counters, flooring, drywall, ceilings, roofing, trim, doors, lock sets, windows, paint and varnish, foundations, crawl spaces and drive/walkways.
• Performs plumbing systems maintenance and repairs, including bath, kitchen, sprinklers, hot water, heating, etc. Repairs or replaces fixtures, water heaters, drain clogs, toilet stoppages, and stuck valve controls.
• Performs repairs to electrical systems and maintenance equipment, appliances, switches and outlets, circuitry, telephone, and cable. Repairs or replaces circuit breakers, complex system components, defective fixtures, etc.
• Performs troubleshooting and diagnosis. Assesses repairs needed and determines best remedy available.
• Performs unit inspections accurately applying applicable program inspection standards.
• Applies appropriate pesticides and controls for insects, rodents and birds.
• Requisitions to replenish inventory.
• Completes work orders in a timely fashion.
• Provides technical assistance, instruction, and on-site "leadership" to employees in the maintenance department.
• On-call duties for after-hours emergencies.
• Removes, disposes and delivers trash, furniture and other items to refuse location as needed.
• Communicates with contractors and vendors at the assignment of the Maintenance Manager or Maintenance Technician III.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including providing back up to Maintenance Technician I and assisting the Maintenance Technician III as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

This position works at various Housing Authority properties. Work is performed both indoors and on the grounds. The incumbent is exposed to construction site hazards and inclement weather.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience independently managing competing work priorities by required deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to complete work orders in a timely and efficient manner.
• Demonstrated ability using computers and applicable software. Experience with Yardi mobile work order preferred.
• Demonstrated ability using a wide range of hand and power tools effectively and safely.
• Ability to climb, crawl, and work at roof level heights while performing basic construction tasks. Knowledge of fall protection/safety practices.
• Demonstrated experience using standard construction and maintenance practices, including skilled knowledge and ability to perform a wide variety of basic and skilled facility/house repairs.
• Ability to follow and understand oral and written instructions. Ability to read, write, and understand the English language.
• Ability to read and interpret appliance service manuals.
• Knowledge of pest control techniques and experience applying those techniques.
• Ability to work effectively with and around a wide range of people.
• Thorough understanding of and experience working with boiler and cooling systems and their controls.
• Ability to coordinate maintenance activities and provide technical support to other maintenance personnel (under the direction of the manager).
• Ability to maintain required billable hours.
• Ability to operate a forklift.
• Ability to perform locksmith services at a highly skilled level.
• Ability to recognize and guard against unsanitary conditions and hazards, including removal and disposal of biohazards. Performs assigned work in a safe manner.
• Maintain dependable, punctual attendance.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. and two years of vocational or trade school in mechanical repairs, carpentry, electrical repair, and/or plumbing repair with a journey level of skill. One year of school can be substituted for each full year of experience, up to two years of experience.
• Five years of work experience in housing and facilities maintenance. Also, five years’ experience using construction and repair equipment, including saws (hand, table, skill, and radial arm), drills, plumbing tools, electrical tools, sanders, and ladders.

Licenses or Certificates

• Must possess valid Washington State Motor Vehicle Operator's License and an acceptable driving record (according to BHA standards).
• Must acquire State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries Basic First Aid Card and CPR certification within one year of employment.
• Advanced licenses and/or certificates in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, building systems or pesticide application preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Physical

The position requires the incumbent to drive from site to site, lift construction materials, perform repetitive, heavy labor, climb, walk, stand, crawl, and stoop. Must be able to lift 50lbs routinely and 75lbs with assistance.

Mental

Ability to diagnose the more complex maintenance problems and identify solutions.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range: $31.61 - $41.63 per hour plus exc. benefit/retirement package
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
• 12 Holidays and 2 Personal Holidays
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accruals
• Employer $95 Monthly Contribution to VEBA Account
• 36 Hour Work Week

The Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing Authorities is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. People needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 715-7330. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing (360) 527-4655.