Houses &
Buildings
Property Maintenance Worker
Related Jobs
or Working with these Jobs
 
Handypersons carry out repairs and
maintenance of their clients' homes or workplaces such as residential
buildings, schools, offices, holiday camps, or caravan parks and associated
grounds. They
undertake a range of maintenance duties, such as clearing gutters, repairing
broken fixtures or fittings, painting and plastering, fitting, maintaining
or repairing irrigation systems, replacing light bulbs, repairing or
replacing ceiling or exhaust fans and filters, cleaning smoke detectors and
erecting shelving units or other built-in furniture. They may also carry out
gardening duties such as weeding, digging, planting and pruning.
Handypersons work all over, however, most are employed in Australia's cities
and larger towns.
OSCA Codes
OSCA ID & Description:
 899331
Cleans, paints,
repairs and maintains buildings, grounds and facilities.
Alternative names:
used to be called "Handyman" but now both sexes can do this job.
Specialisations: Hotel Useful, Hotel Yardperson; Maintenance Worker,
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Caretaker
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(separate page on this website): works at various facilities or property types such as schools, office and
apartment buildings, cemeteries, hospitals and caravan parks, and carries
out general maintenance duties, patrols buildings and grounds to ensure
security and cleans common shared facilities, grounds and gardens.
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Janitor
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(separate page on this website)
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Property Maintenance Worker:
(below) ensures the physical condition, safety, and functionality
of residential or commercial buildings. They handle both preventative
upkeep and reactive repairs, managing everything from fixing leaky taps
and changing light bulbs to maintaining grounds and performing routine
safety checks
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A handyperson needs:
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good communication skills
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self-motivation and persistence
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practical and manual skills
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a methodical approach to their work
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problem solving skills
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physical fitness, strength and stamina.
(Source:
AirTasker)
Duties & Tasks
Handypersons may perform the following tasks:
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clear gutters
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repair broken fixtures or fittings
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apply paint and plaster
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fit, maintain or repair irrigation systems
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replace light bulbs
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repair or replace ceiling or exhaust fans and filters
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clean smoke detectors
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erect shelving units or other built-in furniture
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undertake gardening duties such as weeding, digging,
planting and pruning.
Working Conditions
Handypersons work indoors and outdoors and are required to
work in all weather conditions. They usually work long hours, which may
involve early mornings and late afternoons. They may need to work at heights
and lift heavy objects.
Handypersons work mostly outdoors, but may also undertake
maintenance duties indoors. They work in and around the homes and workplaces
of their clients. They usually work for themselves, or may be employed by a
larger firm with a number of employees. They usually travel locally to
attend jobs. They undertake a large amount of manual labour and may be
required to stand for significant periods of time, or to undertake heavy
lifting. They usually work long hours, which may involve early mornings and
late afternoons. Because they may work for themselves, their workload
corresponds with the demand for their services.
Tools and technologies
Handypersons use a range of hand tools including screwdrivers, saws,
spanners, paintbrushes, and hammers. They also use gardening equipment, such
as shovels, rakes, lawnmowers and leafblowers. They use power tools
including drills, power saws, chainsaws and sanders. They also use ladders,
wheelbarrows and trolleys. Handypersons may be required to drive a utility
vehicle, truck or van. They may be required to wear safety equipment such as
goggles, gloves or boots, depending on the work they are undertaking.
Can you list all of the tools a
Handyperson needs?
(Source:
ServiceTasker)
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a handyperson without any formal qualifications.
Experience and skills in a range of building, construction and
maintenance-related trades would be an advantage. A current driver's licence
is usually necessary.
Employment Opportunities
Handypersons are in high demand as
families work, look after children and or older parents.
Houses & Buildings
Property maintenance is the process of preserving a
residential, commercial, apartment, or hospitality building and its
immediate surroundings through a set of specific maintenance activities.
Property maintenance refers to activities that are essential for keeping a
building functional and comfortable for its occupants.
OSCA ID & Description:
899331
Cleans, paints,
repairs and maintains buildings, grounds and facilities.
Alternative names:
Building Maintenance Worker, Building Maintenance Professional,
Specialisations:
Residential care homes, Hospitals, Apartments, Commercial Buildings,
Schools,
Knowledge, skills and attributes
- AI generated
A property maintenance worker ensures buildings and
grounds remain safe, functional, and aesthetically appealing. They require a
blend of technical trade knowledge, physical dexterity, and strong customer
service skills to troubleshoot issues and perform routine or emergency
repairs across residential or commercial sites.
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Key Knowledge Areas
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Building Systems: Solid foundational
understanding of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems to safely
diagnose issues, replace filters, clear clogs, and fix minor wiring
or fixtures.
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Carpentry & Hardware: Knowledge of basic
construction, ability to operate power tools, hang doors, repair
drywall, and replace locks.
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Safety Codes & Regulations: Familiarity with
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, fire safety codes,
and emergency evacuation procedures.
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Grounds keeping: Understanding of landscaping
equipment operation, safe use of maintenance chemicals, and basic
exterior upkeep (like gutter cleaning).Preventive Maintenance:
Knowledge of how to schedule and conduct routine inspections to
prevent costly emergency breakdowns.
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Essential Skills
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Troubleshooting & Problem Solving: The
ability to logically identify the root cause of a mechanical or
structural fault and implement a practical solution.
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Tool Proficiency: Safe and correct handling
of hand tools, power tools, and testing equipment (like
multi-meters).
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Organization & Time Management: Ability to
prioritize a queue of work orders, manage time efficiently, and
handle emergency service calls without rushing.
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Communication: Clear verbal communication to
deal respectfully with residents, tenants, and management, combined
with the ability to document repairs.
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Important Attributes
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Physical Fitness & Stamina: Capability to
frequently bend, lift heavy objects, climb ladders, and work in
tight or uncomfortable spaces.
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Dependability & Initiative: Being punctual,
responsible, and proactive in identifying and addressing potential
hazards before they become complaints.
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Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in
ensuring all safety and repair work meets compliance standards and
is aesthetically clean.
(Source:
ServiceTasker)
Duties and Tasks
A Building Maintenance Professional is responsible
for ensuring that a building and its infrastructure remain in good working
condition. Their duties involve repairing, maintaining, and inspecting
structural components, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC units, and general
facilities. They play a crucial role in maintaining safety, cleanliness, and
operational efficiency within commercial, residential, and industrial
buildings.
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General Repairs & Maintenance
Basic Plumbing: Repairing leaky taps, clearing clogged drains, and
fixing overflowing toilet cisterns.
Carpentry & Hardware: Hanging doors, fixing door handles, replacing
window locks, and patching drywall.
Electrical: Replacing broken light bulbs, resetting circuit breakers,
and changing faulty fuses (calling licensed electricians for complex
issues).
Painting & Patching: Applying paint to interior/exterior walls and
repairing cracks in plaster.
Fixture Assembly: Assembling and installing new furniture, shelving, and
equipment
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Fire Safety: Testing smoke alarms, fire
extinguishers, and emergency exit lights to ensure they meet
regulations.
Hazard Mitigation: Clearing common areas of trip hazards, removing
debris, and managing snow or ice removal in colder climates.
Security Checks: Ensuring all gates, doors, and window locks secure
properly.
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Grounds & Exterior Upkeep
Landscaping: Mowing lawns, trimming edges, pruning trees/shrubs, and
weeding gardens.
Exterior Cleaning: Sweeping driveways, cleaning gutters, and washing
exterior windows or glass doors.
Pest Control: Setting traps or applying pest repellents in and around
the property.
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Administrative & Organization
Work Order Management: Prioritizing and completing daily maintenance
requests from tenants or management.
Inventory Control: Organizing repair tools and tracking inventory to
ensure necessary supplies are always on hand.
Vendor Coordination: Meeting with and assisting specialized, licensed
contractors (e.g., HVAC technicians, roofers) when major repairs are
needed.
(Source:
Device Magic)
Working conditions
Building maintenance professionals work in various
settings, including offices, hospitals, hotels, shopping malls, apartment
complexes, and factories. Their work is essential for prolonging the life of
the building, reducing operational costs, and ensuring a safe and
comfortable environment for occupants.
Tools and technologies
The tools listed above in
Handyperson plus
Maintenance work has shifted away
from clipboards toward digital workflows that automate scheduling and
tracking.Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS): Software such
as Joblogic or FMX allows workers to receive real-time tenant work orders on
mobile tablets, track parts inventory, and log hours on-site.
Smart Home Technology Integration: Techs routinely interact with smart locks
(for remote or keyless vendor access) and smart thermostats (to diagnose
HVAC performance and monitor energy efficiency remotely).
(Source:
Property Repair and Maintenance)
Education and training/entrance requirements
In Australia, there are generally no mandatory formal
educational requirements to become a Property Maintenance Worker or
handyperson, as skills can be learned on the job.
However, employers and agencies strongly favour candidates with practical
trade skills, relevant vocational certificates, and mandatory safety
accreditations.
1. Mandatory Site Requirements
White Card: Essential if you are working on any site that could be
classified as construction. You can complete this short general induction
course online or in-person.
Working with Children Check & Police Check: Often required if you are
maintaining properties like schools, aged care, or residential care homes.
2. Recommended Qualifications & Certificates
While a degree is not needed, formal qualifications boost employability and
help you secure higher-paying contracts: Certificate III or IV in Trades:
Many maintenance workers have backgrounds in:
Carpentry
Plumbing
Electrotechnology
Maintenance Support Technician / Construction Pathway: Programs like these
offer basic training in OHS, building codes, and power tool operation.
General Hand / Building Maintenance Courses: TAFE and local adult education
centres frequently offer short courses in basic plumbing, tiling, and
carpentry to round out your skills.
3. Essential Licences & Skills
Driver's Licence: An Australian driver's licence is typically required to
drive a work vehicle between properties.
First Aid Certificate: Qualifications such as HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid)
are highly sought after by employers.
Mechanical & Technical Aptitude: You will be expected to know how to use
hand and power tools safely, as well as have a broad working knowledge of
building codes and Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws.
Employment Opportunities
There is an increasing need for
Property Maintenance Workers as more and more Australians live in apartments
and Baby Boomers move into Aged Care.
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