Under direct supervision, Maintenance Helpers assist skilled and semiskilled trades positions by performing a variety of relatively unskilled tasks while learning a trade.
Although positions in this class are found in many State agencies, most are located in the State University and in the Department of Mental Hygiene.
Maintenance Helpers perform the heavier, less difficult and more repetitive activities and tasks involving the use of elementary skills in one or a combination of the mechanical, building, motor equipment and electrical trades. Such tasks involve the use of the tools and equipment of a trade under very specific instructions and the supervision of either a Maintenance Man or an artisan while learning the practical techniques and theoretical background of a trade. On occasion, incumbents may operate motor vehicles and power-driven equipment.
Other classes responsible for assisting trades positions in performing relatively unskilled manual tasks include such classes as Garage Helper, Garage Attendant and Laborer. Both Garage Helpers and Attendants perform manual work associated with the routine maintenance, servicing and dispatching of automobiles and the maintenance and cleaning of the State Garage and its equipment. A Laborer performs routine manual laboring duties on a full-time basis frequently involving outside work in all kinds of weather requiring little planning or special knowledge.
Maintenance Helper is distinguished from Maintenance Man by the latter's performance of semiskilled maintenance, repair and related activities in one or a combination of crafts usually under the supervision of an artisan. The Maintenance Man usually is skilled in the use of most of the tools and equipment of a particular trade and, under direction, performs many of the same maintenance tasks as an artisan.
A Maintenance Helper performs a variety of relatively unskilled maintenance, repair and related activities assisting skilled and semiskilled trades positions in one or a combination of crafts including but not limited to the following.
On assignment to the metal working and plumbing trades assists
by carrying and holding construction materials and tools; threading
and connecting pipe as directed; unplugging stoppages; replacing
faucet washers; cutting sheet
metal and soldering; carrying and placing heavy items and cleaning
shop and work areas after work is performed.
Assists skilled and semiskilled trades positions in building and structure maintenance and construction performing the heavier and less skilled work such as lifting and placing timbers; mixing mortar and plaster; erecting ladders and scaffolds; cleaning gutters and eaves; removing materials preparatory to repair or construction; preparing surfaces and spreading paint; carrying bricks and mortar; digging ditches; operating jack hammer pumps, light trucks and other power equipment; cleans shop and cleans up after repair work.
As assigned, may perform such less difficult and repetitive production activities such as making mattresses by cutting and covering plastic or rubber foam materials to size, cutting and installing window shades, and assembling new furniture delivered disassembled.
When assigned to automotive and mechanical maintenance, assists skilled and semiskilled mechanics by changing and repairing tires; assembling and disassembling automotive equipment and other machinery as directed; assisting in lifting and positioning heavy parts and assemblies; cleaning parts; washing and polishing vehicles; lubricating vehicles; changing batteries; operating steam cleaners; scraping rust from and painting equipment; and as assigned may be responsible for the storage of lubricants tires and batteries.
On assignment to the electrical trades assists Electricians and Maintenance Men (Electrician) in electrical work by performing such tasks as assisting on new installations by loading and unloading materials and tools; nailing, tightening bolts, driving screws, fishing cable and other manual tasks as directed; disassembling motors and appliances and cleaning parts as directed; learning to test parts for operational failure and to reassemble them; inspecting and lubricating motors and other electrical and related installations and reporting on their operating condition; changing light bulbs and tubes; replacing fuses and simple components of domestic systems such as switches.
May perform a variety of the activities listed above functioning as a general handyman in an assigned location.
The nature of a Maintenance Helper's activities generally restricts relationships to employees working within the same organizational unit. Such relationships are characterized by frequent oral communications with the supervisor and less frequently with other positions in the unit. Written and oral communications with the general public or with others are not typical of this class. The tasks of this class are predominantly thing-oriented. The involvement with others is not a factor in determining its classification.
A Maintenance Helper has no supervisory responsibilities. Generally, incumbents of positions in this class are supervised by a maintenance man or an artisan who assigns tasks and gives detailed instructions. The work of the Maintenance Helper is subject to close supervision in progress and inspection upon completion, although routine repetitive duties once learned may be performed more independently.
Under direction, Maintenance Helpers use the hand tools, portable
power tools, shop equipment and measuring and testing instruments
appropriate for the craft area to which assigned. They may occasionally
operate motor vehicles and
power-driven equipment.
There are no education or experience requirements for this class. Applicants must be physically able to perform moderate to heavy physical labor. When required to operate motor vehicles, candidates must possess a valid New York State Driver's License appropriate for the type of vehicle operated.