About Meritus Property Group

Meritus is comprised of a committed team of commercial and multi-family management professionals that take great pride in being stewards of the built environment, operating assets efficiently, and providing an outstanding tenant experience.

Maintenance Technician

Full-Time  |  The Opal Apartments

About The Opal Apartments

Meritus Property Group is seeking a dependable, skilled, and service-oriented Maintenance Technician to join our team at The Opal Apartments, a modern, 54-unit affordable senior housing community located in Portland’s Cedar Mill neighborhood.

Built in 2024, The Opal is a four-story residential community offering one- and two-bedroom apartment homes for adults ages 55 and older. The property includes affordable housing supported by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and project-based rental assistance through the Housing Authority of Washington County.

The Opal is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming community, including serving LGBTQ+ older adults in partnership with Friendly House Elder Pride Services.

The community features controlled building access, an elevator, a courtyard, two community rooms, resident services offices, a spacious lobby, accessible living spaces, and modern apartment finishes and appliances.

We are looking for someone who takes genuine pride in their work, cares about residents, notices the little things, and enjoys keeping a community operating at its best.

Position Overview

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, cleanliness, safety, functionality, and overall physical condition of The Opal Apartments.

This is a hands-on, multifaceted position that combines residential maintenance, apartment turnovers, preventive maintenance, janitorial services, groundskeeping, and general building care.

The ideal candidate is a resourceful problem-solver who is equally comfortable troubleshooting a plumbing issue, repairing drywall, preparing a vacant apartment for move-in, or ensuring that the lobby and common areas are spotless.

Because The Opal serves older adults, we place particular importance on reliability, timely maintenance service, patience, professionalism, and respect for residents’ homes and individual needs.

This position requires someone who can independently organize their daily workload, identify maintenance concerns before they become larger problems, and consistently maintain the property to a high standard.

Key Responsibilities

1. Resident Maintenance & Service Requests

•  Respond promptly, professionally, and courteously to resident maintenance requests.

•  Diagnose, troubleshoot, and complete routine apartment repairs involving plumbing, electrical fixtures, appliances, heating and cooling equipment, hardware, and other residential systems within the technician’s training and authorization.

•  Repair or replace faucets, toilets, drains, supply lines, garbage disposals where installed, and other plumbing fixtures.

•  Diagnose and address minor electrical issues, including replacing light fixtures, switches, outlets, and other components when permitted by applicable licensing requirements.

•  Troubleshoot refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, and other apartment appliances; complete appropriate minor repairs or coordinate service when necessary.

•  Perform minor carpentry, door adjustments, lock repairs, cabinet repairs, shelving installation, and hardware replacement.

•  Patch drywall, repair wall damage, perform touch-up painting, and maintain interior finishes.

•  Investigate water leaks, moisture issues, unusual odors, and other building concerns; take appropriate immediate action and promptly escalate conditions requiring specialized repairs.

•  Maintain and repair accessible features, including door hardware, handrails, and other fixtures important to residents’ mobility and safety.

•  Communicate clearly with residents regarding maintenance concerns, anticipated repairs, and work completion.

•  Respect residents’ privacy, dignity, and personal property while working inside occupied apartments.

•  Accurately document work orders, labor, materials, photographs, and completed repairs in the company’s maintenance management system.

2. Apartment Turnovers & Make-Ready Maintenance

Take ownership of preparing vacant apartments for incoming residents, ensuring every home is clean, safe, functional, and move-in ready.

Responsibilities include:

•  Conduct thorough move-out inspections and identify maintenance, cleaning, and replacement needs.

•  Complete apartment turnover repairs efficiently while maintaining workmanship and appearance standards.

•  Patch and paint walls, doors, trim, and other painted surfaces as needed.

•  Repair or replace damaged flooring components, baseboards, cabinet hardware, window coverings, and minor interior finishes.

•  Inspect, clean, and test appliances, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, and heating/cooling systems.

•  Adjust and repair doors, cabinets, drawers, locks, and windows.

•  Replace light bulbs, filters, batteries, and other consumable maintenance items.

•  Perform detailed cleaning of vacant apartments, including kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, cabinets, floors, windows, fixtures, and interior surfaces.

•  Address odors, stains, minor damage, and cosmetic deficiencies.

•  Verify that smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, locks, and other safety components are operational.

•  Complete final inspections and correct outstanding items before move-in.

•  Coordinate with the Property Manager to ensure apartment turnovers are completed on schedule and meet company standards.

The successful candidate must be willing and capable of completing both the maintenance and cleaning portions of apartment turnovers.

3. Daily Property Cleaning & Janitorial Services

Maintain a consistently clean, attractive, and welcoming environment throughout The Opal.

•  Perform routine cleaning of the lobby, entryways, hallways, stairwells, elevator interior, and shared spaces.

•  Clean and maintain both community rooms, including surfaces, floors, furniture, and common-use areas.

•  Clean shared restrooms, glass doors, windows, railings, and frequently touched surfaces.

•  Vacuum, sweep, mop, dust, spot-clean, and sanitize common areas as necessary.

•  Maintain cleanliness of designated resident service spaces and offices as scheduled and authorized.

•  Remove litter, trash, debris, and other unsightly materials from the building and grounds.

•  Clean and maintain trash and recycling collection areas, including addressing spills, odors, and debris.

•  Remove cobwebs, dust accumulation, wall marks, and other visible deficiencies.

•  Maintain entry mats and keep building entrances clean and free of slipping hazards.

•  Support cleaning before and after resident events and community activities when needed.

•  Complete periodic deep cleaning, including baseboards, vents, interior glass, and other high-traffic surfaces.

•  Immediately address spills and unsafe conditions.

•  Monitor janitorial supplies and ensure equipment and materials are properly maintained and stored.

Daily cleanliness is an essential responsibility of this position, not an occasional or secondary assignment.

4. Building Systems & Preventive Maintenance

Protect the condition and long-term performance of The Opal’s modern building systems and infrastructure.

•  Complete assigned preventive maintenance inspections and scheduled service tasks.

•  Inspect heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment; replace filters and perform basic troubleshooting and maintenance.

•  Monitor plumbing systems, drains, fixtures, and water-related concerns.

•  Inspect lighting, electrical fixtures, doors, locks, and hardware throughout the property.

•  Monitor elevator condition and functionality, promptly report irregularities, and coordinate with authorized elevator service providers.

•  Inspect controlled-access doors, entry hardware, and building security equipment for visible deficiencies.

•  Perform visual checks of emergency lighting, alarms, fire extinguishers, and applicable fire/life-safety equipment; report deficiencies and coordinate required professional servicing.

•  Maintain accessible routes, common-area handrails, and other safety-related building features.

•  Identify signs of leaks, water intrusion, mold, pests, unusual equipment operation, or premature building deterioration.

•  Assist with preventive maintenance of roofs, gutters, drains, exterior surfaces, and other building components where safely accessible.

•  Coordinate vendor access for specialized repairs, inspections, and warranty work.

•  Assist with maintaining manufacturer warranties, service records, and equipment documentation.

•  Report significant building concerns, deferred maintenance, and potential capital repairs to management.

Specialized electrical, mechanical, elevator, and other regulated work must be completed by properly qualified or licensed professionals when required.

5. Groundskeeping & Exterior Property Care

•  Maintain a clean, orderly, and attractive building exterior and surrounding grounds.

•  Sweep and blow walkways, entry areas, sidewalks, and other hardscape surfaces.

•  Remove litter, leaves, weeds, and accumulated debris.

•  Perform light landscaping tasks, including mowing, edging, trimming, and basic vegetation maintenance as assigned.

•  Keep vegetation away from building walls, windows, equipment, and access pathways.

•  Monitor courtyard cleanliness, outdoor furniture, drainage, and landscaping conditions.

•  Ensure trash enclosures, parking areas, and exterior access points are clean and presentable.

•  Identify trip hazards, damaged pavement, loose materials, or drainage problems.

•  Assist with seasonal weather preparation and apply ice melt or other approved treatments when necessary.

•  Support landscaping vendors and monitor the quality of contracted exterior services.

6. Safety, Inspections & Affordable Housing Standards

•  Maintain apartments and common areas in accordance with applicable building, housing, health, and safety requirements.

•  Assist with preparation for inspections conducted by management, ownership, housing agencies, and other authorized entities.

•  Support compliance with applicable OHCS, LIHTC, HUD, and Housing Authority of Washington County physical property and inspection standards.

•  Identify and promptly correct maintenance deficiencies that could affect housing quality, resident safety, accessibility, or regulatory compliance.

•  Maintain accurate preventive maintenance, safety inspection, and repair records.

•  Follow OSHA requirements, company safety procedures, and appropriate personal protective equipment practices.

•  Safely store and use chemicals, tools, ladders, and maintenance equipment.

•  Recognize emergencies involving water intrusion, electrical hazards, fire/life-safety concerns, or loss of essential building services and follow established escalation procedures.

7. Communication, Teamwork & Property Operations

•  Work closely with the Property Manager and regional maintenance leadership to prioritize daily assignments.

•  Maintain professional, courteous relationships with residents, coworkers, service providers, and vendors.

•  Communicate maintenance concerns and completed repairs clearly and consistently.

•  Keep maintenance shops, supply areas, tools, equipment, and inventory organized.

•  Monitor supply levels and report purchasing needs before materials run out.

•  Obtain appropriate approvals before initiating purchases or vendor repairs.

•  Identify opportunities to reduce maintenance expenses through preventive care and efficient in-house repairs.

•  Assist vendors and contractors during scheduled property visits.

•  Support property inspections and other operational needs.

•  Participate in assigned emergency maintenance response or on-call coverage as scheduled.

•  Demonstrate personal accountability, dependability, attention to detail, and ownership of the property’s appearance and condition.

Required Skills & Experience

Candidates must possess the following qualifications or demonstrate equivalent relevant experience:

Maintenance & Technical Skills

•  Minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience in apartment maintenance, residential maintenance, facilities maintenance, building services, construction, or a closely related field.

•  Working knowledge of basic plumbing repairs, including faucets, toilets, drains, leaks, and fixture replacement.

•  Ability to safely troubleshoot and complete basic electrical fixture and lighting maintenance within applicable regulations.

•  Experience completing drywall repairs, painting, minor carpentry, door adjustments, and hardware replacement.

•  Basic understanding of residential heating and cooling systems and routine maintenance requirements.

•  Ability to troubleshoot common residential appliances and identify when professional repairs are necessary.

•  Ability to use standard hand tools, power tools, ladders, and maintenance equipment safely.

•  Ability to recognize maintenance issues requiring specialized service or immediate escalation.

Cleaning & Property Care

•  Willingness and demonstrated ability to perform routine janitorial work, detailed apartment cleaning, and general groundskeeping. 

•  Strong attention to cleanliness, presentation, and finishing details.

•  Ability to independently prepare apartments for move-in, including both repairs and cleaning.

•  Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining consistent quality.

Professional & Organizational Skills

•  Strong customer service and communication skills.

•  Dependable attendance, punctuality, and commitment to completing assigned responsibilities.

•  Ability to prioritize work orders, apartment turns, cleaning, and preventive maintenance with limited supervision.

•  Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

•  Basic proficiency with smartphones, email, electronic work orders, and maintenance documentation.

•  Ability to follow written instructions, safety protocols, and maintenance procedures.

•  Professional, respectful, and patient approach when working in occupied homes, particularly with older adults.

•  Commitment to fair housing, inclusion, confidentiality, and respectful service to residents from diverse backgrounds.

•  Ability to perform the essential physical duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Skills & Experience

The following qualifications are highly desirable and will help candidates stand out:

•  2–3+ years of multifamily residential maintenance experience, ideally in a community with 40 or more apartments.

•  Previous experience as an on-site Maintenance Technician responsible for independently managing a property’s daily maintenance workload.

•  Experience in senior housing, affordable housing, income-restricted housing, or communities serving residents with accessibility needs.

•  Familiarity with LIHTC, HUD-assisted housing, project-based vouchers, OHCS property standards, or housing authority inspections.

•  Experience maintaining newer-construction multifamily buildings and their modern mechanical, access-control, and life-safety systems.

•  Experience with elevator-equipped, multi-story residential buildings.

•  Proficiency in apartment turnover work, including painting, drywall, minor flooring repairs, appliance service, and final move-in inspections.

•  Experience independently managing building cleaning or janitorial responsibilities in addition to maintenance work.

•  HVAC maintenance experience or relevant technical training.

•  EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant-related work.

•  Experience using Yardi Voyager or another computerized maintenance management system.

•  Experience coordinating contractors, vendor repairs, and warranty service.

•  Knowledge of preventive maintenance scheduling, building inspections, and maintenance inventory management.

•  Experience working in resident-centered, LGBTQ+ affirming, or supportive community environments.

•  Strong troubleshooting ability and a demonstrated track record of completing repairs correctly the first time.

•  Experience identifying cost-effective repair solutions without compromising safety, quality, or resident satisfaction.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Maintenance Technician at The Opal will:

•  Keep the community consistently clean, safe, attractive, and well-maintained.

•  Complete resident work orders promptly, professionally, and with quality workmanship.

•  Take ownership of apartment turns and consistently deliver clean, functional, move-in-ready homes.

•  Identify potential maintenance problems early and proactively address them.

•  Keep building systems, common areas, equipment, and grounds in excellent condition.

•  Maintain thorough maintenance records and support successful property inspections.

•  Communicate effectively with the management team and residents.

•  Demonstrate strong time management and the ability to balance maintenance, cleaning, and preventive care.

•  Treat residents and their homes with dignity, patience, and respect.

•  Take pride in the property and consistently follow through on commitments.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This is an active, hands-on position performed primarily on-site.

The work regularly involves standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing stairs, using tools, and performing both indoor and outdoor maintenance activities.

Essential duties may involve lifting and transporting maintenance materials, equipment, and supplies weighing up to approximately 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The position may require use of ladders, work in mechanical or utility areas, exposure to cleaning chemicals, and outdoor work during changing weather conditions.

Employees must follow all company safety procedures and use appropriate protective equipment.

Schedule & Compensation

•  Pay: $25.00 per hour

•  Schedule: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week

•  Employment Classification: Hourly, non-exempt

•  Primary Work Location: The Opal Apartments, 12691 NW Dogwood Street, Portland, OR 97229

•  Occasional schedule adjustments or emergency response may be required based on property needs.

•  Overtime must be approved in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

Join Meritus Property Group

At Meritus Property Group, we believe exceptional property management starts with people who take pride in their work and genuinely care about the communities they serve.

The Opal is a unique opportunity for a maintenance professional who enjoys hands-on work, values resident relationships, and wants to make a meaningful contribution to a welcoming senior living community.

We are seeking someone who does more than respond to maintenance requests. We want a team member who notices what needs attention, takes initiative, follows through, and approaches every task with care and professionalism.

If you are a dependable, detail-oriented maintenance professional who takes pride in maintaining a beautiful property and providing outstanding resident service, we encourage you to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Meritus Property Group is committed to equal employment opportunity and maintaining an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made based on job-related qualifications without discrimination or harassment prohibited by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law.