Business
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Maintenance Superintendent?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A maintenance superintendent is an individual who is in charge of maintenance, usually maintenance of a physical plant such as a building, facility, public works system, or golf course. Maintenance superintendents are responsible for keeping the facilities they supervise in good working order, and to some extent for predicting needs of people who use the facility to ensure that they are met. These professionals may belong to professional organizations or unions which they use to establish professional connections and to maintain a high standard of job performance.

The maintenance superintendent is highly familiar with all of the systems which fall under her or his responsibility. For example, the maintenance superintendent at a bus yard knows all of the buses in the yard, keeping logs on them for the purpose of ensuring that they are maintained properly. In addition to knowing the facility or machines he or she is responsible for, the maintenance superintendent also manages a staff, delegating maintenance tasks to staff members.

A maintenance superintendent may be trusted with the day to day operation of maintaining a golf course.
A maintenance superintendent may be trusted with the day to day operation of maintaining a golf course.

Some maintenance tasks are routine, and may be fairly automated, requiring little attention from the maintenance superintendent. Others are more complicated, or happen intermittently, requiring the maintenance superintendent to make decisions who how they should be done, when they should happen, and who should perform the maintenance. The maintenance superintendent may also have the authority to call in outside professionals to assist with specific maintenance tasks.

A residential maintenance superintendent may work in a high-rise building.
A residential maintenance superintendent may work in a high-rise building.

In addition to keeping logs, maintenance superintendents also establish protocols which are used to schedule and manage maintenance tasks. These protocols determine everything from the order in which tasks should be performed to what to do during emergency situations, and they may be adjusted to accommodate changing facility needs. Maintenance superintendents are also usually involved with facilities planning, from discussions about planned retrofitting to plans to hold evening events, as these things can directly impact the maintenance crews.

Maintenance superintendents may oversee the development of a rooftop garden.
Maintenance superintendents may oversee the development of a rooftop garden.

Trusted with the day to day workings of the facilities they work at, maintenance superintendents are often present for the majority of the daylight hours so that they are available to address questions, handle emergencies, and supervise maintenance tasks. In some settings, the superintendent may live on site to be available at all times.

The maintenance superintendent salary varies, depending on experience, years with the organization, job responsibilities, and so forth. Many of these professionals work for government agencies, and are thus entitled to benefits which can improve their compensation even if their hourly wages are not very high. These benefits can include access to retirement plans, health benefits, paid vacations, and so forth.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

paulcmms

This is a nice article. I gathered information about Asset Management from your article and I think Facility Maintenance Software used for this management program will control the costs and improve your customer satisfaction.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A maintenance superintendent may be trusted with the day to day operation of maintaining a golf course.
      By: Gino Santa Maria
      A maintenance superintendent may be trusted with the day to day operation of maintaining a golf course.
    • A residential maintenance superintendent may work in a high-rise building.
      By: Mikael Damkier
      A residential maintenance superintendent may work in a high-rise building.
    • Maintenance superintendents may oversee the development of a rooftop garden.
      By: Monkey Business
      Maintenance superintendents may oversee the development of a rooftop garden.
    • Maintenance superintendents perform yard work around the property.
      By: rekemp
      Maintenance superintendents perform yard work around the property.
    • Maintenance superintendents ensure appliances within rental units function properly.
      By: Africa Studio
      Maintenance superintendents ensure appliances within rental units function properly.