About Legal Prep
Legal Prep Charter Academy is a free, open-enrollment public charter high school with a unique law-themed, college-preparatory model designed to prepare students from traditionally underserved communities for success in college, careers, and civic leadership. Founded in Chicago’s West Garfield Park neighborhood in 2012, Legal Prep combines rigorous academics with real-world professional experiences, including daily law courses and monthly skills-based programming with law firms, judges, corporate legal departments, and other community partners. Legal Prep pairs high expectations with trauma-informed, restorative practices and strong social-emotional supports to create a safe, structured, and supportive environment in which students can thrive.
Position Overview
Legal Prep is seeking a dependable, skilled, and service-oriented Part-Time Maintenance Technician to help maintain a safe, clean, functional, and welcoming school environment for students, staff, families, and visitors.
The Maintenance Technician will be responsible for routine facility inspections, preventive maintenance, minor repairs, event setup, and coordination with outside vendors. The position will work closely with Legal Prep’s operations team to identify and resolve building issues promptly and to ensure that classrooms, offices, common areas, mechanical systems, and school equipment remain in good working order.
The ideal candidate is proactive, responsive, and capable of independently completing a broad range of general maintenance assignments. This position requires sound judgment, strong problem-solving skills, and professionalism when working in an active school environment.
Responsibilities
Building Maintenance and Repairs
- Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs involving plumbing, electrical fixtures, carpentry, painting, drywall, doors, locks, furniture, and other building components.
- Troubleshoot facility issues and determine whether they can be addressed internally or require a licensed contractor.
- Repair or replace damaged hardware, fixtures, ceiling tiles, shelving, furniture, and other school equipment.
- Complete preventive maintenance assignments according to established schedules.
- Respond promptly to maintenance requests submitted by school staff.
Building Systems and Equipment
- Monitor heating, cooling, ventilation, plumbing, lighting, and other building systems for proper operation.
- Replace HVAC filters, light bulbs, batteries, and other routine maintenance items.
- Conduct basic inspections of kitchen equipment and appliances and report or address issues within the scope of the position.
- Read and follow equipment manuals, safety instructions, and basic technical documentation.
- Notify the operations team promptly of conditions requiring specialized service or significant repair.
Safety and Inspections
- Regularly inspect classrooms, offices, hallways, restrooms, stairwells, entrances, exits, and common areas for potential hazards or maintenance needs.
- Help ensure emergency exits, fire doors, walkways, and access points remain clear and functional.
- Correct minor safety concerns promptly and report more significant issues to school leadership.
- Support preparations for fire, health, building, insurance, and other facility inspections.
- Follow all applicable safety procedures when using tools, ladders, chemicals, and equipment.
Facility Appearance and Grounds
- Help maintain the appearance and general condition of classrooms, offices, common areas, entrances, and exterior spaces.
- Keep sidewalks, entrances, and walkways free from debris and other hazards.
- Assist with snow and ice removal, salting, and weather-related facility needs.
- Support light grounds maintenance and exterior cleanup as needed.
- Assist with moving furniture, equipment, supplies, and deliveries throughout the building.
Event and School Operations Support
- Set up and break down tables, chairs, stages, equipment, and other materials for school events, assemblies, meetings, and family activities.
- Support room changes, office moves, furniture assembly, and other operational projects.
- Assist with opening or securing areas of the building when needed.
- Provide occasional support for evening or weekend events with advance notice.
Vendor and Contractor Coordination
- Provide building access to approved vendors and contractors.
- Escort or monitor outside contractors while they are working in the school, as requested.
- Communicate building conditions and relevant information to vendors and the operations team.
- Help verify that contracted work has been completed and report any remaining concerns.
- Maintain professional and cooperative relationships with service providers.
Maintenance Records and Supplies
- Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance activities, repairs, and outstanding facility needs.
- Track commonly used maintenance supplies and notify the operations team when replacements are needed.
- Keep tools, equipment, storage areas, and maintenance materials organized and secure.
- Provide regular updates regarding completed work, open issues, and recommended next steps.
Team Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with the operations team, school leadership, teachers, security personnel, and other staff.
- Respond professionally and respectfully to requests from staff, students, families, and visitors.
- Protect student safety, confidentiality, and the orderly operation of the school.
- Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to assist with other reasonable facility and operational needs.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- At least two years of general maintenance, facilities, building operations, construction, or related experience.
- Demonstrated ability to complete minor plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, drywall, hardware, and general repair work safely and effectively.
- Ability to identify maintenance and safety concerns and determine appropriate next steps.
- Ability to use hand tools, power tools, ladders, and maintenance equipment safely.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and follow through on assigned projects.
- Ability to communicate professionally with students, staff, families, vendors, and contractors.
- Ability to successfully complete required criminal background checks and fingerprinting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior maintenance or facilities experience in a school, nonprofit, commercial, institutional, or public building.
- Experience monitoring HVAC, plumbing, kitchen, appliance, or mechanical systems.
- Familiarity with preventive maintenance schedules and basic maintenance recordkeeping.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Physical Requirements
The Maintenance Technician must be able to:
- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Move furniture, equipment, deliveries, and supplies.
- Climb and work from ladders.
- Bend, kneel, crouch, reach, push, and pull.
- Remain standing or walking for extended periods.
- Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Safely perform the essential physical responsibilities of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Schedule and Availability
This is a part-time position expected to average approximately 25 hours per week, mostly in the mornings. The regular schedule will be established based on school and operational needs. Some flexibility may be required for urgent facility issues, weather-related needs, school events, or occasional evening and weekend assignments.
Attributes and Strengths
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Reliability and punctuality.
- Strong attention to safety and detail.
- Initiative and a preventive-maintenance mindset.
- Practical judgment and resourcefulness.
- Responsiveness and follow-through.
- Professionalism around students and school staff.
- Ability to remain calm and solutions-oriented when unexpected issues arise.
- Commitment to maintaining a high-quality environment for Legal Prep students.
Why Join Legal Prep?
- Play an essential role in maintaining a safe and welcoming school environment.
- Join a mission-driven organization committed to the success of Chicago students.
- Work with a collaborative team that values reliability, initiative, and quality.
- Use a broad range of practical maintenance skills in a dynamic school setting.
- Make a visible and immediate difference for students and staff each day.
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
