Maintenance Assistant - student accommodation

Ability Executive Recruitment Full time

Durban, South Africa Posted on 15/04/2026

The Maintenance Assistant forms a support structure to the Maintenance Manager. Both the Maintenance Assistant and the Maintenance Manager are responsible for ensuring that daily jobs generated via the customer or any other staff member are executed on time, within standard and quality as defined by the organization. The execution of jobs must always give consideration to cost control and expenses without compromising quality and standard. The Maintenance Assistant therefore has a direct and influencing role on the cost of stock, and by association the management and correct utilization of stock. The Maintenance Assistant would be required to have a working understanding of the building, the technical infrastructure and the relevant service providers who may need to be called in the event of an emergency.

• The inspection and maintaining of equipment and machinery as per the Business Unit assigned
• Completing all scheduled maintenance tasks and building related issues
• Ensure that the completion of these tasks (jobs) are completed within the required time frame as defined by the Business Rule and the level of severity
• Ensure that emergency jobs are done as a priority within 24 business hours
• Ensure that high priority jobs are done within 48 business hours
• Ensure that low priority jobs are done with 72 hours (7 days)
• Conducting preventative maintenance as per the published schedule for the Business Unit
• Basic plumbing and electrical execution as defined by your skill set
• Day-to-day maintenance in and around the building
• This will be assigned by the Maintenance Manager via FG Nexus
• Assist the MM in the liaising with contractors to complete work on time, to standard and quality
• Maintaining the common area space, including but not limited to the various fixture and fitting items
• Including the functionality of various equipment items in the common spaces
• Ensuring that maintenance aspects (various) in student rooms are maintained at all time, and in particular the period following the Hygiene Inspection protocols
• This would include equipment within the student living space
• Perform daily, weekly, monthly and annual inspections
• Ensure that the store rooms (general spaces) are neat and tidy at all times with a controlling inventory list
• At all times adhere to the Maintenance Stock control principles which apply in the stock room where maintenance stock is stored
• Stock in this space is counted monthly
• Support the collective management team in noise control within the building
• Support "sister" buildings should your Maintenance Manager require this of you
• Post and pre-inspections, having given the required 48 hour notice to students
• Verify with students cost to be charged for damages as and where applicable
• If keys are handed over to the MA, he/she is to ensure it is handed back safely to the MM
• Ad Hoc room inspection as required;
• Hygiene related matters
• During the annual vacate and intake programme, the MA is to provide the required support to the MM, the PM, the FM and the Property Executive as and how required
• Assist with any ad-hoc duties that is reasonable within your capabilities.

• Matric
• 3-5 years experience in a similar role
• Experience in a Client Service Environment (e.g., hotels, residences, student accommodation) is advantageous
• Certification in specific trades (e.g., plumbing, electrical work, HVAC)
• Safety training certification (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety)

• General painting
• Basic plumbing and electrical work
• Basic knowledge of aircon and refrigeration
• Experience with preventative maintenance protocols
• Familiarity with building codes and safety regulation
• Ability to operate and maintain various hand and power tools
• Understanding of inventory management and stock control procedures
• Knowledge of sustainable maintenance practices and energy-efficient solutions
• Experience in managing relationships with contractors and suppliers
• Proficiency in using maintenance management software (e.g., FG Nexus)
• Experience in troubleshooting and problem-solving maintenance issues