Residential Maintenance Technician

Description: Nielson Construction is hiring a Residential Maintenance Technician to join our Service Operations team. The Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining the quality, functionality, condition, and presentation of completed homes from substantial completion through the sale and occupancy of the home. The role performs scheduled inspections and preventative maintenance to ensure mechanical systems, fixtures, finishes, doors, windows, appliances, plumbing, electrical components, and other home features function as intended while each property remains clean, safe, secure, and show-ready. This position requires a high level of attention to detail, personal accountability, organization, urgency, and the ability to recognize conditions that may negatively affect the quality, functionality, or presentation of a completed home.

About Nielson Construction: For more than two decades, Nielson Construction has been a cornerstone of quality home building in southeastern South Dakota. Our journey began with a simple mission: to make the process of renting, buying or building a home as simple as possible. We've built communities based around single family homes, town houses, custom homes, 55+ living and more, so there's something for everyone! Why Nielson Construction? Competitive pay that rewards excellent performanceFREE Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees Fun annual events, like the Nielson Nine golf tournament and the company holiday party Housing assistance with options for purchasing or renting 401(k) with up to 5% match Time off with options beyond just PTOFree Long-Term Disability Insurance and a $50,000 life insurance policy Referral bonuses for our growing team Employee Assistance Program

Finished Home Inspections & Preventative Maintenance: Conduct scheduled preventative maintenance and detailed inspections of all assigned completed homes according to established schedules, checklists, and procedures. Inspect the interior and exterior of each home to ensure features, fixtures, finishes, and components are functioning properly and remain in acceptable condition. Identify maintenance needs, construction deficiencies, damage, deterioration, cleanliness concerns, and other conditions requiring corrective action. Function-test appropriate components, including doors, windows, locks, plumbing fixtures, toilets, faucets, lighting, appliances, garage doors, HVAC systems, and other installed features.

Show-Ready Presentation: Maintain completed homes and model homes to established show-ready presentation standards. Ensure homes are properly staged, secured, and prepared for prospective buyers, open houses, special events, and other Sales activities.

Deficiency Identification & Corrective Action: Document all deficiencies identified during inspections with sufficient detail for the appropriate team or trade partner to understand and correct the concern. Photograph deficiencies when appropriate and submit required documentation through the company-designated tracking system. Follow identified deficiencies through completion when assigned and verify corrective work has been satisfactorily completed. Immediately escalation significant water intrusion, mechanical failures, safety concerns, property damage, or other urgent conditions to management.

Documentation & Accountability: Complete the required inspection checklist for every assigned home during each scheduled inspection. Maintain accurate and timely records of inspections, maintenance activities, identified deficiencies, corrective actions, and completed work. Accurately document time spent performing assigned activities and maintain required payroll and timekeeping records. Communicate promptly when inspections cannot be completed as scheduled or when conditions require additional resources or follow-up.

Sales & Operational Support: Assist Sales with preparation of completed homes, model homes, open houses, Parade of Homes, and other customer-facing events. Assist with staging activities, including furniture assembly or movement, signage, marketing materials, and other presentation needs. Respond to priority requests when a completed home requires immediate attention before a showing or customer visit. Work collaboratively with Service Operations, Sales, Construction, vendors, and trade partners to maintain finished-home quality standards. SafetyFollow all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulations. Use required personal protective equipment and safe work practices. Conduct required inspections of company tools, vehicles, and equipment. Immediately report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, injuries, or potential hazards to management. Additional duties as required.

Requirements: Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required. Working knowledge of basic residential home systems and maintenance practices. Experience safely using common hand and power tools and performing minor home repairs, adjustments, cleaning, touch-ups, and preventative maintenance. Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify functional and aesthetic deficiencies and recognize when a condition requires escalation. Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to independently manage a scheduled portfolio of homes. Ability to accurately complete electronic or written inspection checklists and documentation. Dependable, self-motivated, and capable of working independently with limited supervision. Strong communication skills and the ability to professionally interact with employees, vendors, trade partners, prospective buyers, and homeowners. Demonstrated commitment to quality, customer experience, and maintaining high presentation standards.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in residential construction, property maintenance, facilities maintenance, warranty service, or a related field preferred.

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 75 pounds, with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to regularly walk completed homes and properties, including uneven exterior surfaces. Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, safely climb ladders and stairs, and perform other physical activities associated with residential maintenance. Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, maintenance equipment, and other equipment required for assigned duties. Ability to work on feet for extended periods and work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.