Facilities Handyman
gogunn.org | Washington, CT
The Frederick Gunn School, founded in 1850, is a co-ed boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12 as well as a post-graduate year. Mr. Gunn had a deep appreciation for the natural world, believing that in nature students understand themselves as humans and their place in the world. He took a principled stand against slavery and spurred students (and the town at large) to examine their beliefs. In addition to the habits and skills students will need in college and life beyond, we teach them to follow Mr. Gunn’s example: to cultivate wisdom, to be trailblazers, to act with conviction, and to value character as highly as intellect and achievement.
Our continuous focus on moral character development intentionally engages all members of our school in the work of creating an inclusive and equitable living and learning ecosystem. Community and citizenship are at the heart of our aspiration to both social justice and academic excellence, with individual diversity integral to the strength of that community. When we embrace difference and pursue school life with respect, equity, and compassion, we build a foundation for engaged citizens.
In keeping with the tenets of our founder Frederick Gunn, who was himself a prominent abolitionist and progressive educator, The Frederick Gunn School seeks to provide a pluralistic learning environment for all inclusive of (but not limited to): culture, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, learning differences, physical difference, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic differences.
We invite applicants who resonate with our mission and who will foster an environment of cultural and intellectual richness and an active participant in advancing equity and inclusion.
Summary
The Facilities Handyman, reporting to the Director of Facilities, plays a key role in ensuring that campus buildings, grounds, and equipment remain in excellent working condition. This position is responsible for a wide variety of general maintenance, repair, and facility support tasks to keep the school safe, clean, and functional for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The successful candidate will be a dependable, hands-on professional who can work independently, problem-solve on the spot, and respond quickly to requests from multiple departments.
Standard schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
May be adjusted by the supervisor as campus needs evolve.
Occasional flexibility required to support special events, projects, or seasonal cleaning.
Hourly Rate: $26.00–$28.00, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Eligible for overtime pay in accordance with school policy and applicable law.
Responsibilities
General Maintenance & Repairs
Perform minor carpentry work, including repairs to doors, windows, cabinets, and fixtures.
Carry out painting, drywall patching, flooring repairs, and other upkeep tasks.
Assemble, install, or repair furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
Troubleshoot and resolve minor plumbing issues, such as clogged toilets, sinks, drains, and gutters.
Replace filters, light bulbs, batteries, and similar items to ensure systems operate properly.
Campus Upkeep
Conduct routine inspections of facilities to identify maintenance needs and safety hazards before they escalate into major issues.
Assist with groundskeeping tasks, including snow removal, salting, shoveling, and seasonal cleanup.
Ensure all workspaces and repair sites are left clean, safe, and orderly after completion.
Event & Operational Support
Support school functions by setting up and breaking down equipment (tables, chairs, staging, AV equipment, etc.).
Provide on-call support for special projects and emergency requests as needed.
Work Orders & Communication
Respond promptly to work order requests, prioritizing urgent needs while balancing ongoing tasks.
Maintain clear communication with the Facilities Manager and team members regarding project status and completion.
Document completed work and track materials or parts needed for repairs.
Other Duties
Support larger facility projects as assigned by the supervisor.
Assist contractors and vendors when on-site to ensure safety and compliance.
Participate in safety drills, compliance checks, and training sessions.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required; technical/vocational training preferred.
Minimum of 3 years of verifiable experience in general building maintenance, facilities support, or related field.
Knowledge of basic carpentry, plumbing, painting, and general repair techniques.Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and small machinery safely.Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Ability to lift 50 lbs., climb ladders, and work in a variety of environments (indoors/outdoors, in various weather conditions).
Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to work independently with limited supervision.Professional demeanor with excellent communication skills and a customer-service mindset.
This position requires physical stamina and the ability to perform manual labor, sometimes under adverse weather conditions. The Facilities Handyman works both independently and as part of a small facilities team, directly supporting the daily operations of a dynamic school campus.
Compensation & Benefits
The Frederick Gunn School offers an attractive compensation package that includes a salary commensurate with experience, medical and dental insurance, and retirement plan contributions.
To Apply
This position is a 12-month, full-time, non-exempt opening, paid hourly. Compensation is competitive, and the employment package includes excellent benefits, including outstanding health and dental coverage and a retirement plan. To apply, please complete our online application and upload a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (references will not be contacted without notifying you). Application materials are being accepted now, and qualified applicants will be invited to interview on a rolling basis.
The Frederick Gunn School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Except in cases of a bona fide occupational qualification or need, or except as otherwise permitted or required by law, The Frederick Gunn School does not discriminate against applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, intellectual disability, learning disability or physical disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other protected class status under applicable law with respect to hiring, compensation, promotion, discharge from employment or other terms and conditions of employment. Position announcements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the job title and the education and skills required. Descriptions are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills that are required or may be required in the future.
BACKGROUND SCREENING: The Frederick Gunn School conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer, which includes using a third-party administrator to conduct the checks.
Core Values
Integrated Humans
Thriving people learn to integrate the intellectual, the physical, the spiritual, and the emotional through an examination of the place of each, discernment about their relative role, and a commitment to balance and flourishing.
Hopeful Faculty
We prize faculty who believe resiliently, optimistically and with good humor in the students’ and faculty’s collective ability to grow and learn; know their discipline and practice, and understand character development. A faculty oriented around these principles will earn the confidence of students and create a place of purpose and fun where faculty and students want to be.
Learning Ecosystem
Thriving communities recognize the interdependent nature of their parts. Therefore, The Frederick Gunn School is a school that champions the interdisciplinary and inter-experiential nature of life and learning - one that incorporates the outdoors, athletics, and arts, as well as academics, into everyday life.
Moral Character Development
We are a school that nurtures Mr. Gunn’s belief in character as the driving force in a life well-lived, and that character emerges through the intentional pursuit—in knowledge and practice—of what is good, right, true, sustainable, and beautiful.
Engaged Citizens
The Frederick Gunn School is a school that, despite growing cultural apathy, cynicism, consumerism, and distraction, produces people who care deeply - who become wise, engaged, active citizens.