Maintenance & Facilities Intern @ Caine Halter Family Y
Setting: Industrial
Description: The Maintenance Intern supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Property Director, the Maintenance Intern observes/assists with general facility upkeep, light repairs, landscaping, custodial tasks, and exposure to basic building systems such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and pool operations under supervision. The intern will assist with safety checks across indoor and outdoor spaces, including sports fields, gyms, and community areas. The ideal intern enjoys hands-on/physical work, takes pride in community spaces, and aligns with the YMCA’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
The intern will gain hands-on exposure to maintenance and custodial practices, support event and program set-up, and develop important workplace skills such as teamwork, dependability, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety and service in a mission-driven environment.
Under the supervision & direction of the Property Director and/or Property/Maintenance teams:
• Observe & assist in regular walkthroughs of indoor and outdoor areas to learn to identify maintenance needs, safety concerns, and cleanliness standards.
• Observe & assist in light repairs, routine maintenance, and supply replenishment (e.g., changing lightbulbs, minor plumbing, painting touch-ups)
• Gain introductory exposure to electrical, mechanical, and general construction-related maintenance tasks.
• Observe & assist in grounds maintenance including blowing, weeding, raking, snow/ice removal (as needed), and trash/debris pickup.
• Observe and assist with general custodial work to understand facility cleanliness standards and operational expectations: assist with restrooms, locker rooms, gym floors, and cleaning high-touch areas.
• Observe & assist in monitoring and maintaining equipment, including sports and fitness apparatus.
• Assist with setting up and breakdown of YMCA events or facility rentals.
• Learn & follow all YMCA, OSHA, and DHEC safety procedures and guidelines.
• Provide exceptional service and maintain a welcoming presence at the facility.
• Learn & set a good example in promptness, respect, manners, honesty and caring for all members, program participants and guests.
• Observe & assist with basic pool facility support tasks, including learning about pool maintenance procedures and chemical safety standards under direct supervision and in accordance with YMCA safety protocols, as appropriate.
Other Expectations
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Attend/complete required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements.
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
• Maintenance Employees-ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker-rooms and bathrooms), etc.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of the internship, the intern will:
• Facility Maintenance & Safety Awareness
Intern will learn how to conduct regular facility walkthroughs to identify basic maintenance needs, safety concerns, and cleanliness standards in both indoor and outdoor YMCA environments.
• Hands-On Repair & Preventive Maintenance Skills
Intern will gain introductory experience assisting with light repairs and routine maintenance tasks, including supply replenishment, minor painting touch-ups, and basic equipment upkeep.
• Grounds & Custodial Operations Exposure
Intern will develop an understanding of daily custodial and grounds maintenance responsibilities, supporting cleanliness and presentation of high-traffic member areas such as restrooms, locker rooms, gym spaces, and outdoor grounds.
• Professionalism, Teamwork, and Customer Service Development
Intern will strengthen workplace readiness skills by following YMCA and OSHA safety procedures, supporting event setup and breakdown, and demonstrating professionalism, punctuality, and a welcoming service mindset toward members and guests.
• Skilled Trades & Building Systems Exposure
Intern will gain introductory awareness of facility systems, including plumbing, electrical, mechanical equipment, and pool operations, through supervised observation and hands-on support as appropriate for age and safety guidelines.
Desired Skills / Coursework: This position is ideal for high school students (via the LaunchGVL program) interested in learning about facility operations, skilled trades, and building systems such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical maintenance, and pool operations, along with the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a community-centered organization running safely and smoothly.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Current high school junior or senior.
• Interest in learning basic facility maintenance, safety, and building operations.
• Ability to follow instructions, safety guidelines, and work as part of a team.
• Willingness to assist with hands-on tasks such as cleaning, light repairs, and grounds upkeep.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to notice cleanliness or safety concerns.
• Ability to be dependable, punctual, and demonstrate a positive work ethic.
• Comfortable performing physical activity such as standing, walking, bending, lifting light objects, and working both indoors and outdoors.
• Must have a respectful, service-oriented attitude when interacting with members, staff, and guests.
• Professional demeanor and eagerness to learn new skills in a supportive environment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Frequently move throughout the facilities
• Frequently move throughout indoor and outdoor YMCA facilities during assigned shifts.
• Maintain a stationary position for short periods of time while completing cleaning or set-up tasks.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with staff and follow safety directions and instructions.
• Perform light physical activity such as bending, reaching, walking, and standing for extended periods.
• May assist with moving or carrying supplies and equipment, typically up to 25 pounds, with support or supervision as needed.
• Work is performed under close supervision with a strong emphasis on safety, age-appropriate responsibilities, and adherence to YMCA procedures.
• Tasks involving specialized equipment, construction activity, or pool chemicals will be limited to observation and age-appropriate assistance under direct staff supervision, with safety as the top priority.
Requirements for Employment:
Company Application
Background Check
Other Requirements: • CPR/First Aid or the ability to obtain it (YMCA provides training, at a minimal cost for materials) • Child Abuse Prevention training to be completed within 30 days of start (training provided by YMCA), • Complete required Child Abuse Prevention, Blood borne Pathogens, and O2 training by first date of internship
Range of Hours & Days: 2-3 days per week, approximately 3-4 hours per day
Range of Pay: 11.36/hr
Terms: Summer
Number of Positions Available: 1
