Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Project Workforce Department invites applications for the position of General Construction Technician (MR2). 

We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good. As part of this community, the Facilities Division designs, constructs and maintains a dynamic, safe, and sustainable campus to continually advance its nationally benchmarked living and learning community. The shops are responsible for preventative maintenance according to their expertise and keep all operating systems in good repair; make the campus a comfortable, safe, and attractive place to learn, live, work, and recreate; respond quickly to the emergency maintenance and repair needs of the campus community. 

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; generous retirement plans; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

Under the supervision of the Project Workforce Foreman, this position works with other members of the Project Workforce team to complete small, specialized projects from start to finish with a high level of quality and workmanship. The General Construction Technician performs journey level work in multiple trades and participates in all interior and exterior work projects performed on campus with a focus on all aspects of carpentry and painting.  

The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to follow oral and written directions; effective communication skills; the ability to utilize an electronic work order system and can recognize problems and determine proper repair solutions and corrective courses of action.  

Responsibilities include:   

• Ensure all project work is in adherence to specifications and standards set by the University, Federal, State, and local municipalities

• Plan and lay out work from blueprints, drawings, models, or verbal instructions 

• Utilize a variety of carpentry and masonry hand tools, portable and stationary power tools, and leveling and measuring instruments

• Install and repair campus sidewalks

• Construct forms, mix, and pour concrete, and apply different finishes in accordance with all building standards and codes 

• Prepare and lay all types of brick, block, pavers, and tiles (including mixing the proper mortar/grout)

• Perform minor masonry work on buildings including pointing, stone/block/stucco repair

• Construct wood/steel stud walls/partitions

• Install and repair structural foundations and supports

• Estimate, install drywall, finish trowel or skim coating walls

• Perform minor bathroom and kitchen renovations including installation of countertops, cabinets, fixtures, and partitions

• Renovate small office and classroom areas including demoing existing space, reconstructing walls, installing, finishing, and painting drywall, installing doors and trim   

• Install suspended ceilings and ceiling tiles

• Layout and install various types of flooring including carpet, tile, and wood  

• Perform skilled bench work and operate power saws, joiners, wood lathes, planers, drill press, sanding and mortising machines  

• Act as a lead worker over helpers and other maintenance for small, specialized projects performed on campus 

• Provide on-the-job training and assistance to co–workers and helpers 

• Perform related work as assigned

• Apply water-based or oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, and other coloring materials to a variety of interior and exterior wood, masonry, metal, and other surfaces using brushes, rollers, and spray guns 

• Perform building caulking and power washing 

• Knowledge of the materials, tools, methods, and techniques of the painting trade 

• Knowledge of the hazards and safety practices of the painting trade

• Ability to determine proper paint materials for specific applications and requirements 

• Able to work alone using experience and trade skills to complete the project  

• Ability to use and maintain paint brushes, rollers, spray guns and other painting tools and equipment

• Ability to mix paints and match and blend colors and finishes with surrounding surfaces

• Perform related work as assigned 

• Required to estimate materials needed and record time and material expended on each work order

• Assemble and disassemble scaffolding; haul and erect ladders 

• Ability to work at heights from scaffolding and ladders 

• Ability to work from scissor lifts, bucket truck and man lifts, interior and exterior

• Able to climb, balance, stoop and crouch for lengthy periods of time

• Ability to make routine decisions in the absence of on-site supervision

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and practices used in at least two of the building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical trades 

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions in the trades involved 

• Ability to care for and use the tools and equipment utilized in the trades involved 

• Ability to detect defects in equipment and to make proper repairs or adjustments

• Ability to interpret and work from pencil sketches and diagrams

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions 

• Ability to lift and move heavy objects and to work under adverse weather conditions 

Ask about advancement opportunity. 

As a member of the Facilities Divisional staff, this position is deemed "essential" and must remain or report to work during partial or full day closings of the University due to hazardous road conditions, emergency circumstances or for other reasons. 

Candidates must apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Application allows for cover letter and resume attachments (Not required for consideration).

Applicants must successfully complete interview process to be considered as a finalist. 

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances WCU's educational mission. The University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer encouraging diversity. Women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment criminal background checks.