Maintenance Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Maintenance Assistant roles qualify for visa sponsorship when the employer documents a genuine labor need and the position meets prevailing wage requirements. H-2B visa is the most common pathway for seasonal or temporary work, while permanent roles can lead to EB-3 green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process.
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INTRODUCTION
The Maintenance Assistant (Locksmith) performs skilled and semi-skilled work involving the installation, maintenance, repair, adjustment, and replacement of locking systems, door hardware, access control devices, keys, and related security equipment. This position works independently on routine assignments and assists higher-level maintenance personnel with complex projects. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and security of facilities, staff, students, visitors, and property.
SCHEDULE
Schedule: 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, with the pass days of Saturday and Sunday.
SALARY
Salary: $44,560
Watch to learn more about careers at SUNY Cortland:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98njPbVKNFY
What makes SUNY Cortland a great place to work?
- Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.
- Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.
- SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university’s state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor’s approval.
- Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.
- Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region’s offerings.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Locksmithing, Door Hardware, and Access Control Systems
- Install, maintain, repair, and replace locks, lock cylinders, padlocks, and related locking devices.
- Rekey locks and maintain master key systems.
- Install, adjust, and repair door hardware, including closers, hinges, panic devices, and exit hardware.
- Assist with the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electronic access control systems, card readers, electronic strikes, and magnetic locks.
- Conduct preventive maintenance to ensure the proper operation of locks, doors, and security equipment.
Security and Key Control Management
- Cut, duplicate, issue, and track keys in accordance with established security procedures.
- Maintain key control programs, master key records, lock schedules, and access authorization records.
- Respond to lockouts, security concerns, and emergency access requests.
- Assist in securing facilities following security incidents, equipment failures, or unauthorized access events.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding keys, access credentials, and security systems.
Inspection, Troubleshooting, and Customer Service
- Inspect locks, doors, hardware, and security systems to identify maintenance or security issues.
- Diagnose and resolve mechanical and electronic locking system problems.
- Respond to work orders and service requests in a timely and professional manner.
- Communicate with staff, occupants, vendors, and contractors regarding security and access needs.
- Ensure work complies with applicable safety standards, building codes, and department procedures.
Recordkeeping, Inventory, and General Maintenance Support
- Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, key issuance, and security hardware inventory.
- Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering locksmithing supplies, equipment, and replacement parts.
- Maintain electronic and manual databases related to keys, locks, and access systems.
- Assist other maintenance personnel with building maintenance projects and related duties as assigned.
- Operate tools and equipment safely and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
Functional and Supervisory Relationships
This position reports directly to a Trades Supervisor.
This position works closely with campus locksmiths.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Non-competitive: Two years of full-time experience in locksmith work under the supervision of a skilled tradesperson; OR completion of a two-year technical school course in locksmithing at a school, institute, or branch of the Armed Services*; or an equivalent combination of experience and training gained by completion of appropriate technical courses in locksmithing at a school, institute, or branch of the Armed Services.
When required to operate motor vehicles, candidates must possess a valid New York State driver’s license appropriate for the type of vehicle to be operated.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Certified Locksmith designation from a recognized professional organization.
- Experience with institutional, educational, healthcare, or municipal facilities.
- Experience maintaining electronic access control systems.
- Working knowledge of security software and computerized key-management systems.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Knowledge of locksmithing principles, tools, materials, and techniques.
- Knowledge of master key systems and key-control procedures.
- Knowledge of commercial door hardware and security devices.
- Familiarity with electronic access control systems and related technologies.
- Ability to diagnose and repair lock and hardware malfunctions.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documents and manufacturer specifications.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and inventory controls.
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff, contractors, and the public.
- Ability to work independently and prioritize assignments.
- Working knowledge of workplace safety practices.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
A top public university of approximately 6,600 students located in the geographic center of New York State, SUNY Cortland provides accessible, affordable education to students from across the U.S. body. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on its rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, education, and professional studies. For more than 150 years, SUNY Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a well-rounded academic, athletic, and social experience. The University ranks among the top campuses in the nation on Money magazine’s “Best Colleges for Your Money List,” fields a powerhouse Division III athletics program and boasts an impressive network of alumni making a difference in education, business, government, fitness, medicine and many other fields.
EEO STATEMENT
SUNY is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application, interview, or hiring process may request an accommodation by contacting our HR ADA Coordinator in Miller Room 302, 607-753-2302, hr@cortland.edu. Requests for accommodation will be considered consistent with applicable law. This process is separate from, and does not require, any voluntary self-identification of disability status.
JOB CLOSE DATE
11/19/2026
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Maintenance Assistant
Get your trade certifications documented early
Gather proof of any HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or general maintenance certifications before applying. Employers filing H-2B or PERM labor certifications need to list your qualifications, and gaps in documentation slow the process significantly.
Target facilities management companies directly
Large property management firms, hotel chains, and manufacturing plants hire Maintenance Assistants in volume and have established HR processes for H-2B temporary labor certifications. Smaller operations rarely have the DOL compliance infrastructure to sponsor.
Understand whether the role is temporary or permanent
H-2B covers seasonal or one-time needs, like resort maintenance during peak season. If the employer needs year-round help, the role likely qualifies for EB-3 sponsorship through PERM instead. The distinction determines your entire filing pathway.
Search verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate lists employers with confirmed labor certification filing history for trades and facilities roles. You can browse by location and filter for companies that have sponsored Maintenance Assistant positions, cutting out guesswork on who actually sponsors.
Ask employers about their H-2B filing timeline upfront
H-2B petitions require a DOL temporary labor certification before USCIS even sees the case, and cap slots fill fast each fiscal year. Confirm your prospective employer has filed before or works with an attorney who handles seasonal worker certifications regularly.
Verify the prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Your employer must pay the DOL-set prevailing wage for Maintenance Assistants in that specific county. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the wage level yourself before the offer stage so you can flag any discrepancy before it becomes a certification problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Maintenance Assistant jobs qualify for visa sponsorship?
Yes, but the sponsorship pathway depends on whether the role is temporary or permanent. Seasonal or one-time maintenance needs typically qualify for H-2B temporary worker sponsorship, while ongoing full-time positions can lead to an EB-3 green card through the PERM labor certification process. The employer must demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available in either case.
Does a Maintenance Assistant need a college degree for visa sponsorship?
Generally no. EB-3 has a skilled worker category requiring at least two years of training or experience, and Maintenance Assistant roles typically qualify under this category rather than requiring a bachelor's degree. H-2B does not impose a degree requirement at all. What matters most is documented trade skills, relevant certifications, and verifiable work history in maintenance or facilities roles.
How does the H-2B cap affect Maintenance Assistant sponsorship?
H-2B is capped at 66,000 visas per fiscal year, split roughly equally across two half-year periods. Demand frequently exceeds supply, meaning employers need to file early. If the cap fills, USCIS runs a lottery for that period. Some workers with prior H-2B history may qualify for cap exemptions, so your past visa status can directly affect your eligibility.
Where can I find employers who sponsor Maintenance Assistant visas?
Migrate Mate is the best place to start. It shows employers with verified sponsorship and labor certification filing history for maintenance and facilities roles, so you're only looking at companies that have actually gone through the process before. This saves time compared to applying speculatively to employers who have no infrastructure for sponsoring trade workers.
Can a Maintenance Assistant role lead to a green card?
Yes. If the employer wants to hire you permanently, they can sponsor an EB-3 green card through the PERM labor certification process. The employer advertises the role, proves no qualified U.S. workers applied, and then files a PERM application with DOL. Once certified, the case moves to USCIS for the I-140 immigrant petition. Backlogs vary by country of birth, so timelines differ significantly depending on your nationality.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Maintenance Assistant jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.