Career

SouthGate Companies has an immediate opening for a Maintenance Technician.  This is a full-time position and includes a comprehensive benefit package.

Who are we?

SouthGate Companies develops and manages both residential and commercial real estate properties. Our main offerings include:

• over 500 residential condos, apartments, townhomes, and duplexes for rent in the Iowa City and surrounding areas;
• self storage units and commercial services
• retail and office centers in Iowa City and Coralville.

SouthGate Companies is locally owned and operated. Our employees live and work in the communities we serve. SouthGate is committed to maintaining a healthy, vibrant environment for our tenants, offering crime-free leases and improving properties to increase community pride.

What are we looking for?  In this role is you will maintain property operations and ensure that the facilities are safe and functional at all times. A Maintenance Technician is responsible for all service requests, appliance repairs, change over repairs, preventative and routine maintenance, as well as communicating and maintaining a positive relationship with property managers, owners, and residents. The Maintenance Technician will be required to perform a wide range of repair tasks including technical repairs like inspecting and fixing HVAC systems alongside aesthetic maintenance like applying new coats of paint and trimming the bushes and grass on facility grounds. They manage routine maintenance and emergency repairs to prevent and resolve safety or comfort issues.

The ideal candidate must have a diverse mix of both hard and soft skills, particularly manual labor skills, including:

• Plumbing knowledge to address leaks, clogs or other drainage problems
• Electrical wiring capabilities to manage problems with the building’s electricity
• Carpentry ability to handle basic repairs around the building
• Groundskeeping if the facility contains lawns or other outdoor areas in need of maintenance
• Interpersonal skills to interact with employees or residents of the building in a pleasant manner
• Attention to detail to ensure that all jobs are completed in an exemplary manner and any potential hazards or warning signs of problems are not overlooked
• Physical stamina to handle a full shift of being active and working on the property

Experience:

• Maintenance Experience: 1-2 years (Preferred)
• HVAC/EPA (Preferred)
• CAM-T (Preferred)

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License:

• Driver’s License and good driving record (Required)

Why work for us?

What makes SouthGate such a great place to work?  We collaborate as one team.  We do the right thing every time.  We are deal makers rather than deal breakers.  We value our employees first!  We engage with an entrepreneurial mindset.  We’ve been locally owned and operated for 55 years.  Our Company provides a desirable office environment and the opportunity to work with a great team.

If you think this opportunity is right for you, please submit your resume and cover letter today.

Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.

E/O/E

Attendance

An average of 15-30 hours per week is anticipated, and may change based on the property’s needs. The position requires the ability to work any of the seven days of the week, 52 weeks of the year except when prior arrangements have been made to cover duties and, if necessary, overtime hours when needed. The position requires as the ability to serve on-call remaining in contact via telephone, as scheduled or as necessary. Due to turnover, blackout dates will be established on an annual basis, and all employees will be required to abide by the blackout guidelines. This position also requires the ability to fill in for other positons as needed.

Travel

This position may require travel for training or assistance at other properties, as agreed on in advance by both parties.

General Job Description / Responsibilities

• Assist Managers to build a team of highly motivated, skilled and productive individuals who work well with others. Consistently maintain professional quality of management, communication, and reporting.
• Provide first-class customer service to prospects and Ensure that all resident requests are handled promptly and professionally. Create professional and friendly office environment.
• Assist Managers to maintain occupancy at or above 99% and collections at or above 98% of potential
• Achieve the highest possible net operating income (NOI) through the implementation of effective cost control; revenue improvement efforts; and effective budget management
• Focus on improvement and upkeep of the properties’ curb appeal and cleanliness. Contribute wherever
• Assist Managers to implement and maintain a thorough annual marketing Work closely with Managers to ensure all potential marketing avenues are being fully utilized. Share new ideas.
• Preform and record daily follow up with all prospects. Identify and communicate ways to overcome obstacles and close the deal.
• Effectively maintain product knowledge of property and competitive properties through consistent market
• Work with Manager to establish, implement, and monitor leasing goals and renewal programs to meet required occupancy.
• Ensure website, listing sites, social media and marketing materials are up to date and portray the property in a positive, professional, and appealing light at all Monitor these sites on a regular basis to promptly communicate any red flags or areas to improve to Manager.
• Assist Managers to plan, advertise, and manage resident functions and
• Coordinate advertising events on campus; create partnerships with school and student
• Actively network with student housing professionals in you market. Shop your competitors and develop relationships with other professionals in the field.
• Assist Managers to maintain a positive reputation, and relationship with school and
• Promote harmonious relations among residents, parents, staff, and surrounding community, while enforcing company policies and standards.
• Outreach – spend necessary time on campus and at local businesses to promote cross adverting and positive relationships.
• Ensure property management software is accurate, up to date at all
• Preform lease processing and administration, and other administrative duties as needed
• Clean office, common areas, grounds, and apartments as needed to ensure professional property, office, and model appearance at all times.
• Fill in for other positions whenever necessary and assist with afterhours
• Assist Manager to determine methods for expense
• Assist Manager with monthly reports, budget targets, and variance reports as
• Assist in monthly collections calls and emails to meet collection
• React to potential situations which would cause liability to the property or the management Ensure all landlord/tenant statutes, fair housing laws, and safety codes are followed, and train staff accordingly.
• Communicate with residents as needed, in regards to showings, service request scheduling, follow-ups,
• Communicate needs, ideas, and problems effectively with Manager so properties and run as efficiently as
• Communicate effectively with other staff
• Comply with all policies and procedures, and training
• Maintaining the highest quality of workmanship and
• Participate in weekly meetings with employees to facilitate learning, communication, and team
• Adhere to safe work practices and follow all safety
• Preform other job duties as requested by