Job Description

Overview

Widener University is seeking a Locksmith/Mechanic to join the Facilities Management Department, responsible for the maintenance and operation of campus buildings with a focus on safety and occupant comfort. The role involves minimal supervision and includes locksmith duties as needed.

Responsibilities

  • Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair building systems and equipment.
  • Conduct inspections of buildings and roofs.
  • Perform preventive maintenance and operational repairs on building systems.
  • Maintain mechanical/electrical spaces free of combustible materials.
  • Remediate visual and operational deficiencies proactively.
  • Perform carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC tasks.
  • Use hand/power tools and diagnostic/testing instruments.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
  • Coordinate with other trades for multi-trade projects.
  • Install, maintain, repair, and adjust locks and related components.
  • Fabricate and replace keys and maintain commercial hardware.
  • Collaborate with Campus Safety to address security breaches.
  • Maintain documentation for work orders and locksmith activities.
  • Assist with furniture and event setups/breakdowns.
  • Support emergency response operations, including snow removal.
  • Cooperate with university staff and contractors.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver’s license with proof of insurability.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in building maintenance or related trade.
  • Minimum 5 years of locksmithing experience.
  • Completion of formal training/licensure in a trade or equivalent experience.
  • Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL) designation from ALOA or approved equivalent.
  • Proficiency in preventive maintenance and emergency system shutdowns.
  • Knowledge of building construction, utilities, life safety systems, and inspection techniques.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical documents and safety codes.
  • Basic skills in Microsoft Windows and Outlook.
  • Strong communication skills and customer service orientation.

Additional Information

  • This position is designated as essential personnel.
  • Must report during emergencies and weather events.
  • May be required to work weekends and holidays for special events.

How this job compares in Chester, PA

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs across Pennsylvania currently run a median of $29/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $25–$35/hr across 148 postings with published pay. That median is a reasonable floor to anchor on when a recruiter asks what you're looking for.

The local market in Chester, PA

Chester, PA currently has 3 other active welding openings besides this one, spread across 3 employers. 2 of them were added in the last week. Across Pennsylvania as a whole we're tracking 312 other active welding openings from 189 employers. That's enough local activity to be worth comparing two or three offers before committing. Browse every welding job in Chester, or widen the search to Pennsylvania.

Widener University currently has 1 other opening live in Pennsylvania, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Pennsylvania at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Rhoads Industries (13), Department of the Navy - Agency Wide (8), and Phillips Tank & Structure (8). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Pennsylvania, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Philadelphia at $31/hr, Braddock at $31/hr, and York at $27/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Chester, PA

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Locksmith/Mechanic figures were last recalculated when this page was built.