Building Maintenance Technician
About Onwentsia Club
The Club’s grounds include a historic 1928 clubhouse, championship golf course, tennis and paddle facilities, swimming complex, and a wide variety of member amenities. Behind the scenes, our maintenance and engineering team take great pride in keeping every system running smoothly so that members and staff enjoy an exceptional experience year-round.
Joining the Onwentsia team means becoming part of a close-knit, professional staff dedicated to delivering an exceptional member experience while preserving the traditions that have defined the Club for over a century.
Why This Role Is Different
This is not a typical maintenance job. At Onwentsia, you won’t spend your days servicing the same handful of systems in one building — you’ll work hands-on across an entire historic property: HVAC, boilers, chillers, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, fire and life safety, kitchen equipment, and backup power. Few facilities in the area offer the breadth of building systems you’ll experience here.
Position Summary
The Building Maintenance Technician supports the operation, repair, and ongoing maintenance of all Club facilities and equipment. Working closely with the Chief Engineer, this position is hands-on across a wide range of systems, with a focus on both preventive maintenance and responsive troubleshooting to ensure a safe, efficient, and well-maintained environment for members and staff.
This is part of a small, experienced team that takes pride in its work, supports one another, and maintains high standards across the property. The role is designed for someone who wants to take ownership of their work, broaden their technical experience, and build a long-term career in building operations.
Position Details
- Department: Maintenance & Engineering
- Reports to: Chief Engineer
- Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)
- Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Flexibility required for occasional rotating shifts, on-call duties, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.
- Pay Range: $28.00 – $35.00 per hour, based on experience
Key Responsibilities
- Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs on boilers, pumps, chillers, refrigeration units, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues, working with the Chief Engineer to identify timely and cost-effective solutions.
- Maintain accurate records, logs, and meter readings for all building systems.
- Install, modify, and repair wiring, fixtures, and basic electrical components as needed.
- Assist outside contractors with inspections and testing of fire and life safety systems.
- Support general facilities projects across the property, including painting, carpentry, plumbing repairs, and seasonal preparations.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant work environment; identify and report unsafe conditions promptly.
- Communicate regularly with the Chief Engineer; help maintain project lists, timelines, and follow-ups.
- Collaborate with fellow maintenance staff and external technical support.
- Step in to perform duties of the Chief Engineer in their absence as experience allows.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Required
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- 2 or more years of maintenance, trades, or building systems experience — OR — trade school coursework combined with strong mechanical aptitude and a clear willingness to learn.
- Mechanical aptitude and comfort using hand tools, gauges, and measuring devices.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and work both independently and as part of a small team.
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and a hands-on, problem-solving mindset.
- Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office).
- Ability to drive golf carts and other onsite equipment as needed.
- Ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug/alcohol screening.
Preferred
- Trade school certification or coursework in HVAC-R, electrical, plumbing, or facilities maintenance.
- Certificates in HVAC-R, electrical, plumbing, or refrigerant handling (EPA 608).
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO) credential.
- Prior experience in hospitality, country club, hotel, or large-property facilities environments.
- Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS) or computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
Skills & Abilities
- Clear communication with supervisors, colleagues, and (when necessary) members.
- Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and efficiency.
- Ability to perform basic math calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication).
- Eagerness to learn new systems, ask questions, and develop technical expertise over time.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
- Ability to exert up to 70 lbs. regularly and up to 100 lbs. occasionally.
- Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and climbing ladders/stairs.
- Exposure to varying conditions, including extreme heat/cold, noise, dust, humidity, and heights.
- May encounter moving machinery, electrical systems, wildlife, and traffic.
- Requires normal vision, color/depth perception, and ability to hear/speak clearly.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay: $28.00 – $35.00 per hour, based on experience
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Paid time off / paid vacation
- Hands-on mentorship and training across a full range of building systems
- Stable, year-round employment at one of the most respected private clubs in the country
- Professional development opportunities and on-property amenities consistent with Club policy
To Apply
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds — if you have a strong work ethic, a mechanical mind, and a genuine interest in learning the building operations trade, we want to hear from you.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Pay: $28.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Lake Forest, IL 60045 (Required)
Work Location: In person
