OPT Building Maintenance Mechanic Jobs
Building Maintenance Mechanic jobs on OPT require employers who treat the role as a specialty occupation requiring technical training. Most positions fall under STEM OPT if your degree is in engineering technology, facilities management, or a related field, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to establish yourself.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB TITLE: Building Mechanic-PM High School
REPORT TO: Facility Foreman
WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Nonexempt
PAY GRADE: Aux 5
DAYS PER YEAR: 260
MIN: $35,443
MID: $41,683
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The High School Building Mechanic functions as a Building Mechanic in the assigned school facility in order to maintain the physical facility in a condition of operating excellence so that full educational use of the facility can be obtained. All employees of SISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, championing the needs of our students, and drive continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Valid Texas driver’s license
Preferred:
- Five+ years experience in related field
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- Basic skills and knowledge to perform preventative maintenance and minor repair of physical facility MEP auxiliary systems
- Knowledge of the potential hazards and necessary safety precautions involved in the use of equipment required by the job
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions
- Ability to maintain good interpersonal relationship
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
DUTIES:
Reporting directly to the Facility Supervisor, the High School Building Mechanic administers established schedules and procedures for the regular ongoing care of assigned facility.
- Assumes responsibility to perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs of auxiliary mechanical systems.
- Ability to communicate and work well with people.
- Performs scheduled, periodic operational and maintenance checks and services on building systems and equipment as necessary.
- Repairs minor plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC, and paint items, as well as assist Technicians in repairs as assigned.
- Checks A/C filters bi-monthly and changes filters as needed.
- (As needed would be indicated if a black or dirty film appears on the orange or backside of the filter media). (All filters will be dated when changed and all filter changes will be recorded and kept on a Maintenance Filter Log form. This form is to be signed as an acknowledgment by the Building Mechanic that this work was accomplished as recorded).
- Monitors control panels and/or maintains all building complex systems.
- Painting of facility as needed, especially during summer and school attendance breaks.
- Checks roof drains, gutters, downspouts once a week minimum.
- Checks A/C and/or commercial freezer systems for proper operation.
- Cleans condenser coils on chillers every 6 months, and on fan coil units and air handling units once every year at a minimum.
- Responds to emergency call-outs, as required. (7 days a week/24 hours a day).
- May be required to work night and/or varying shifts.
- Follows all safety regulations related to any and all job functions.
- Performs other general maintenance duties as assigned by supervisor, including but not limited to:
- Parking lot repair.
- Moving furniture and equipment.
- Responding to emergency or crisis situations in the District.
Type of Equipment Used:
- Hand cart
- Hand dollies
- Small hand tools
- Pressure washer
- Pump-up spray bottle
- Safety Eye Goggles
Essential Functions:
Requires:
- Ability to perform tasks of bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling, standing, stooping, kneeling, climbing, and walking.
- Normal mobility of fingers, hands wrists, arms, neck, back, waist, legs, knees, and ankles.
- Working with chemicals and/or various thinners and glues.
- Ability to bend over at the waist and twist the entire trunk from side to side.
- Ability to reach above the head and in front of the body at least 24 inches.
- Ability to push and pull items up to 150 pounds.
- Ability to lift materials up to 50 pounds, and carries, while walking, 25 pounds for distances up to 20 feet.
- Ability to stoop and kneel up to 30 times per 8 hour work shift.
- Ability to climb to the next to last step on a 14 foot ladder.
- Ability to walk at a pace necessary to complete work schedule assigned.
- Ability to grip small hand tools and equipment with enough strength to use them in a manner intended.
Audio/Visual Demands:
Must-Have:
- Average hearing
- Corrected 20/20 Vision
- Good depth perception
Work Environment:
- Required to use chemicals
- Noise levels are normal
- Some outside work
- Work inside with and without air conditioning, depending on the facility requirements
- Work alone as well as with team members
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Rubber gloves and goggles are required when working with any chemicals.
- Back support belts should be worn when lifting.
Required Training:
- 1st day orientation – Hazardous Communications/MSDS/Fire safety/Proper Lifting Techniques/Eye Safety.
- Within the first (90) days, will attend a two-hour Asbestos training awareness course.
- 24 hours of hands-on training by a District Building Mechanic.
- 8 hours of hands-on training in assigned Facility by supervisor or designee.
- On-going Staff Development
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The usual and customary methods of performing this job require the following: ability to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity work environment efficiently and effectively with frequent interruptions. Job may require prolonged periods of time sitting, reaching and repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer. Overtime is required as necessary.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties that may be required.
JOB TITLE: Building Mechanic-PM High School
REPORT TO: Facility Foreman
WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Nonexempt
PAY GRADE: Aux 5
DAYS PER YEAR: 260
MIN: $35,443
MID: $41,683
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The High School Building Mechanic functions as a Building Mechanic in the assigned school facility in order to maintain the physical facility in a condition of operating excellence so that full educational use of the facility can be obtained. All employees of SISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, championing the needs of our students, and drive continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Valid Texas driver’s license
Preferred:
- Five+ years experience in related field
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- Basic skills and knowledge to perform preventative maintenance and minor repair of physical facility MEP auxiliary systems
- Knowledge of the potential hazards and necessary safety precautions involved in the use of equipment required by the job
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions
- Ability to maintain good interpersonal relationship
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
DUTIES:
Reporting directly to the Facility Supervisor, the High School Building Mechanic administers established schedules and procedures for the regular ongoing care of assigned facility.
- Assumes responsibility to perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs of auxiliary mechanical systems.
- Ability to communicate and work well with people.
- Performs scheduled, periodic operational and maintenance checks and services on building systems and equipment as necessary.
- Repairs minor plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC, and paint items, as well as assist Technicians in repairs as assigned.
- Checks A/C filters bi-monthly and changes filters as needed.
- (As needed would be indicated if a black or dirty film appears on the orange or backside of the filter media). (All filters will be dated when changed and all filter changes will be recorded and kept on a Maintenance Filter Log form. This form is to be signed as an acknowledgment by the Building Mechanic that this work was accomplished as recorded).
- Monitors control panels and/or maintains all building complex systems.
- Painting of facility as needed, especially during summer and school attendance breaks.
- Checks roof drains, gutters, downspouts once a week minimum.
- Checks A/C and/or commercial freezer systems for proper operation.
- Cleans condenser coils on chillers every 6 months, and on fan coil units and air handling units once every year at a minimum.
- Responds to emergency call-outs, as required. (7 days a week/24 hours a day).
- May be required to work night and/or varying shifts.
- Follows all safety regulations related to any and all job functions.
- Performs other general maintenance duties as assigned by supervisor, including but not limited to:
- Parking lot repair.
- Moving furniture and equipment.
- Responding to emergency or crisis situations in the District.
Type of Equipment Used:
- Hand cart
- Hand dollies
- Small hand tools
- Pressure washer
- Pump-up spray bottle
- Safety Eye Goggles
Essential Functions:
Requires:
- Ability to perform tasks of bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling, standing, stooping, kneeling, climbing, and walking.
- Normal mobility of fingers, hands wrists, arms, neck, back, waist, legs, knees, and ankles.
- Working with chemicals and/or various thinners and glues.
- Ability to bend over at the waist and twist the entire trunk from side to side.
- Ability to reach above the head and in front of the body at least 24 inches.
- Ability to push and pull items up to 150 pounds.
- Ability to lift materials up to 50 pounds, and carries, while walking, 25 pounds for distances up to 20 feet.
- Ability to stoop and kneel up to 30 times per 8 hour work shift.
- Ability to climb to the next to last step on a 14 foot ladder.
- Ability to walk at a pace necessary to complete work schedule assigned.
- Ability to grip small hand tools and equipment with enough strength to use them in a manner intended.
Audio/Visual Demands:
Must-Have:
- Average hearing
- Corrected 20/20 Vision
- Good depth perception
Work Environment:
- Required to use chemicals
- Noise levels are normal
- Some outside work
- Work inside with and without air conditioning, depending on the facility requirements
- Work alone as well as with team members
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Rubber gloves and goggles are required when working with any chemicals.
- Back support belts should be worn when lifting.
Required Training:
- 1st day orientation – Hazardous Communications/MSDS/Fire safety/Proper Lifting Techniques/Eye Safety.
- Within the first (90) days, will attend a two-hour Asbestos training awareness course.
- 24 hours of hands-on training by a District Building Mechanic.
- 8 hours of hands-on training in assigned Facility by supervisor or designee.
- On-going Staff Development
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The usual and customary methods of performing this job require the following: ability to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity work environment efficiently and effectively with frequent interruptions. Job may require prolonged periods of time sitting, reaching and repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer. Overtime is required as necessary.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties that may be required.
See all OPT Building Maintenance Mechanic Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Building Maintenance Mechanic Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Building Maintenance Mechanic
Confirm your degree supports STEM OPT extension
Building maintenance roles qualify for STEM OPT only if your degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Engineering technology, mechanical engineering, and facilities management degrees typically qualify. Confirm with your DSO before accepting any offer.
Target employers with in-house maintenance departments
Large property management companies, universities, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities hire maintenance mechanics directly rather than through contractors. Direct hires are far more likely to support OPT paperwork and future H-1B visa sponsorship than staffing agency placements.
Frame your degree as a specialty occupation requirement
USCIS requires a direct connection between your degree field and the job duties. Emphasize how your engineering or technology coursework applies to HVAC systems, electrical diagnostics, or mechanical repair when speaking with employers about your work authorization.
Ask about sponsorship before the offer stage
Bring up OPT work authorization early, not after you have an offer in hand. Ask hiring managers whether the company has sponsored H-1B or other work visas before. This saves time and signals you understand the process.
Document your practical training connection carefully
Your OPT job must be directly related to your degree program. Keep records showing how each maintenance task connects to coursework. This documentation supports your STEM OPT extension application and protects you if USCIS questions the relationship.
Look for union-affiliated employers with established HR processes
Unionized facilities and large institutional employers often have structured HR teams familiar with work authorization requirements. These employers are more likely to have processed OPT and H-1B paperwork before, reducing friction in the hiring process.
Building Maintenance Mechanic OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Building Maintenance Mechanics?
Yes, but the role must qualify as a specialty occupation directly related to your degree. If your degree is in engineering technology, mechanical engineering, or facilities management, maintenance mechanic work can qualify. Your DSO must authorize the position, and the job duties need to connect clearly to your field of study.
Does a Building Maintenance Mechanic job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and your employer can provide a formal training plan meeting E-Verify and STEM OPT requirements, the extension is possible. Engineering technology and mechanical engineering degrees are the most common qualifying paths for this role.
Where can I find Building Maintenance Mechanic jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, so you can browse Building Maintenance Mechanic listings from employers already open to candidates on work authorization. Searching general job boards often means screening out dozens of positions that exclude visa holders before finding one that works.
Will employers in building maintenance sponsor H-1B visas after OPT ends?
Some do, particularly large universities, hospital systems, and major property management companies with dedicated HR teams. H-1B sponsorship for maintenance roles requires the employer to classify the position as a specialty occupation, which can be harder to establish than for engineering or IT roles. Asking about sponsorship history early in the process is the most reliable way to assess willingness.
What should I do if my OPT expires before I receive an H-1B approval for a maintenance mechanic role?
If you filed for a STEM OPT extension before your initial OPT expired, you receive an automatic 180-day cap-out extension to continue working while the application is pending. If you did not apply in time, you must stop working. Planning your extension application at least 90 days before your OPT end date is critical to avoid any gap in work authorization.