What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Maint Repair Tech Sr position at The University of Kansas?
Position Overview
The General Maintenance Repair Tech Senior-Painting and Carpentry position is a lead position that specializes in both carpentry and painting. This position performs a wide range of skilled tasks involving construction, repair, restoration, and finishing of surfaces and structures. Work is often performed independently, but the GMRT Sr. will act as lead technician on projects; providing guidance and training to technicians and other staff. Responsibilities include high-quality craftsmanship in both trades, with an emphasis on restoration of historic or high-profile facilities. Duties and workload distribution may vary depending on project needs. This position requires the operation of work issued vehicles and tools.
Work Schedule: M-F 7:30 am-4:00pm
Facilities Services within KU Operations plays a vital role in maintaining an inviting and safe campus environment that supports teaching, learning and research. KU Operations supports KU’s mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university’s academic and research missions.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.
Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
Job Description
35% - Skilled Painting and Surface Finishing
Workload distribution between carpentry and painting may shift depending on project scope and departmental needs. This position requires a high level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and adaptability across multiple trades.
Position Requirements
A complete application will include the following:
Review of applications will begin Monday, August 31st and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Ryan Forshee
Rforshee@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
$41,000.00
Application Review Begins
Monday August 31, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Monday September 14, 2026
The General Maintenance Repair Tech Senior-Painting and Carpentry position is a lead position that specializes in both carpentry and painting. This position performs a wide range of skilled tasks involving construction, repair, restoration, and finishing of surfaces and structures. Work is often performed independently, but the GMRT Sr. will act as lead technician on projects; providing guidance and training to technicians and other staff. Responsibilities include high-quality craftsmanship in both trades, with an emphasis on restoration of historic or high-profile facilities. Duties and workload distribution may vary depending on project needs. This position requires the operation of work issued vehicles and tools.
Work Schedule: M-F 7:30 am-4:00pm
Facilities Services within KU Operations plays a vital role in maintaining an inviting and safe campus environment that supports teaching, learning and research. KU Operations supports KU’s mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university’s academic and research missions.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.
Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
Job Description
35% - Skilled Painting and Surface Finishing
- Match and identify colors, sheens, and types of finishes.
- Apply paint, lacquer, varnish, stain, and other coatings using brushes, rollers, and spray equipment.
- Prepare surfaces by scraping, sanding, stripping, patching, and priming.
- Perform custom work including vinyl wall coverings and specialized commercial applications.
- Read and interpret blueprints and project specifications.
- Apply bonding primers and finishes to a wide variety of surfaces, both interior and exterior.
- Perform restoration painting in historic or high-profile areas.
- Construct, install, and repair wood structures, trim, cabinetry, and fixtures.
- Perform drywall installation, taping, base coating, and finishing using knives and trowels.
- Apply sheetrock textures and complete repairs to wood, plaster, concrete block, brick, and other surfaces.
- Refinish and restore wood surfaces including doors, windows, and trim.
- Mix and apply plaster, mortar, and other masonry materials to match existing textures.
- Operate woodworking tools and equipment safely and effectively.
- Repair water and weather sealing elements of buildings such as roofing, windows, doors etc.
- May respond during periods of inclement weather to active water sealing issue
- Serve as lead worker on assigned projects, coordinating tasks and timelines.
- Provide on-the-job training and guidance to less-skilled staff and student workers.
- Review completed work for quality assurance.
- Responds to emergency calls.
- Maintains an adequate supply of tools, parts, and supplies for jobs.
- Assists with other maintenance areas and in other work areas as assigned. Assists with snow removal and surface treatment.
Workload distribution between carpentry and painting may shift depending on project scope and departmental needs. This position requires a high level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and adaptability across multiple trades.
Position Requirements
- Must be able to work from ladders and scaffolds.
- Work safely from varying heights and follow all safety protocols.
- Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds or more.
- Willingness and ability to work overtime and respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.
- Valid driver’s license at the time of hire and through duration of employment.
- High School diploma or completion of G.E.D. equivalency.
- Three years of experience in commercial painting. Certificate of completion from a vocational school or an associate' s degree in this trade area may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
- Three years professional experience in carpentry. A certificate of completion from a vocational school or an associate’s degree in the carpentry trade may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
- Supervisory or leadership experience.
- Knowledge of restoration techniques and custom matching as evidenced by application materials.
- Experience with applicable ADA laws, fire codes, and hazardous materials treatment.
- Experience reading and working from blueprints and layouts.
- Experience working in a college or university setting.
A complete application will include the following:
- Current contact information including email and phone number
- Previous work experience including dates of employment
- Name and contact information to three references
Review of applications will begin Monday, August 31st and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Ryan Forshee
Rforshee@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
$41,000.00
Application Review Begins
Monday August 31, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Monday September 14, 2026
Salary : $41,000