Building Maintenance Assistant – Position Overview

The Jefferson Educational Society (JES), Erie’s think tank for community progress, is seeking a dependable and hands-on Building Maintenance Assistant to support the upkeep, safety, and daily functionality of its facilities. This role helps ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for staff, members, speakers, and the public.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated, practical, and comfortable performing a range of general maintenance and repair tasks. The position works independently on routine responsibilities while coordinating with JES leadership and outside vendors as needed and reports directly to the Vice President of Operations.

Responsibilities:

Building, Facilities, and Grounds Maintenance

• Performs general building maintenance and minor repairs, including fixing leaks, patching walls, replacing fixtures, tightening hardware, and addressing routine wear and tear.
• Assists with interior and exterior painting projects as needed.
• Monitors building and reports any concerns related to safety, functionality, or maintenance.
• Helps maintain the overall appearance of the facility, including storage areas and common spaces.
• Monitors the work of contracted vendors responsible for landscaping, snow and ice removal, and seasonal exterior maintenance.
• Ensures walkways, entrances, and exterior areas are safe, accessible, and properly maintained by contracted services.
• Communicates any issues, missed services, or follow-up needs to the Vice President of Operations and assists with vendor coordination as needed.

Operations and Event Support

• Assists with moving, arranging, and storing furniture, equipment, and supplies for events, meetings, and office needs.
• Helps prepare event spaces before and after programs, including setup and breakdown as needed.

• Coordinates with and communicates basic needs to outside vendors and contractors when larger repairs or specialized services are required.
• Assists in tracking maintenance needs, supplies, tools, and service schedules, alerting leadership when replacements or additional resources are needed.
• Performs additional maintenance-related tasks and other duties as assigned by the Jefferson leadership team.

Requirements

• High school diploma, with experience in building maintenance, facilities support, or a related field.
• General knowledge of basic maintenance skills, including minor repairs, painting, light carpentry, and troubleshooting common building issues.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on safety, quality, and preventative maintenance.
• Ability to lift and move furniture, equipment, and supplies as needed.
• Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated with a flexible approach to daily tasks.
• Comfortable coordinating with vendors and monitoring contracted services.
• Punctual, reliable, and self-motivated with the flexibility to assist during occasional evening events.
• Interest in civic engagement and a commitment to supporting the mission and values of the JES

Compensation and Benefits

This is a part-time position (10-15 hours per week) with an hourly wage range of $18-$20 per hour.

Additional benefits include:

• Up to 4% company-matching IRA
• Opportunities for advancement within the JES, including potential growth into a full-time role
• Flexible summer schedule (Fridays off from Memorial Day through Labor Day)
• Access to a wide range of educational programs, lectures, and events

Office Hours and Location

Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Jefferson Office: 3207 State St. Erie, PA 16509

To apply please submit your resume and three professional references to the Vice President of Operations at the Jefferson, Jacob Bartko, by email at [email protected] by Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

About the Jefferson Educational Society: The Jefferson Educational Society of Erie is a nonprofit institution founded to promote civic enlightenment and community progress for the Erie region through study, research, and discussion. The Jefferson offers courses, seminars, and lectures that explain the central ideas that have formed the past, assist in exploring the present, and offer guidance to enhance the civic future of the Erie region. As an Erie think tank, the Jefferson promotes knowledge and civic pride through institutional and familial research, the publication of policy papers on public issues, and the sponsorship of civic forums

Equal Employment Opportunity: The Jefferson Educational Society is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment-related decisions based on job-related criteria only. This means that the Jefferson does not discriminate and will not allow discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (gender), sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, and/or any other legally protected status.