Traveling Operational Property Specialist (TOPS), Maintenance - Student Housing

Company Overview 

Asset Living is a third-party management firm with a proven partner in fostering thriving communities nationwide. Founded in 1986, Asset Living has decades of experience delivering exceptional value to our partners. Since the beginning, our undeniable passion has driven our organic growth from a small property management firm to one of the most trusted allies in real estate. Asset Living's growing portfolio includes a multitude of properties across the country that span the multifamily, single-family home rentals, affordable housing, build-to-rent, active adult, and student housing divisions.   

Asset Living is a fast-growing company made up of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds that differentiate us and help us drive innovation and results for our clients and communities across the US. At Asset Living, we wholeheartedly believe 'Together We Lead, Together We Succeed. We empower each other to lead by example, collaborate, and evolve – inspired by our belief that we can continually improve as individuals and as an organization. Together, we create an environment where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and every individual experiences opportunities to grow as our company grows. When you join Asset Living, you become part of a dynamic team that thrives on unity, unique talents, and a universal culture of winning.    

Recognized as one of the nation's Best and Brightest Places to Work and ranked in the NMHC top 50 professionals, join Asset Living because of its reputation as the most trusted partner in real estate, workplace culture, and growth opportunities. Asset Living is a member of The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and is recognized as an Accredited Management Organization (AMO). Together, we lead the way, and together, we achieve excellence in all that we do. Join a workplace where success is a collective journey and leadership is a shared responsibility.   

Traveling Operational Property Specialist 

The Traveling Operational Property Specialist, Maintenance is a senior-level, traveling maintenance leadership role responsible for supporting and stabilizing maintenance operations across multiple student housing communities nationwide. Under the direction of the SVP, Operations – Student Housing, in partnership with Regional Managers and Community Managers, this role provides hands-on maintenance expertise, supervises and mentors on-site maintenance teams, and ensures properties meet Asset Living’s standards for safety, functionality, curb appeal, and operational excellence within Student Housing.

This position is designed for an experienced maintenance professional with multi-site exposure and proven supervisory experience, capable of stepping into communities requiring operational support, leadership coverage, training, or performance improvement. This role requires 100% travel nationwide.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Maintenance Operations & Technical Oversight

• Provide hands-on maintenance support across assigned student housing communities, including work orders, emergency repairs, preventative maintenance, and make-ready processes.
• Diagnose and resolve complex maintenance issues related to HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliances, carpentry, and general building systems in accordance with company standards, safety requirements, and local codes.
• Lead and execute full make-ready processes for vacant units, including inspections, punch lists, vendor coordination, quality control, and final approval prior to move-in.
• Conduct routine and comprehensive property inspections to identify maintenance deficiencies, safety risks, deferred maintenance, and capital needs; communicate findings clearly to regional leadership.
• Support capital improvement projects, seasonal readiness initiatives, and large-scale turns as assigned.

Multi-Site Leadership & Supervision

• Serve as an interim or supplemental maintenance supervisor when needed, providing leadership continuity during transitions, absences, new acquisitions, or performance challenges.
• Supervise, train, coach, and mentor on-site maintenance team members to improve technical skill sets, productivity, safety compliance, and customer service standards.
• Model best practices in maintenance operations, documentation, inventory control, and preventative maintenance programs.
• Assist Community Managers and Regional leadership with evaluating maintenance team performance and identifying training or staffing needs.

Vendor & Resource Management

• Coordinate and oversee vendors, contractors, and service providers, ensuring work quality, scope compliance, cost control, and timely completion.
• Obtain bids, pricing, and proposals as requested; support expense control initiatives by repairing rather than replacing when feasible.
• Ensure proper inventory management, tool usage, and materials tracking at each site.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Enforce Asset Living’s safety, risk management, OSHA, and fair housing-related maintenance policies at all assigned communities.
• Ensure compliance with EPA, state, and local regulations related to HVAC systems, refrigerant handling, and building safety standards.
• Identify and promptly report safety hazards, incidents, and liability concerns to appropriate leadership.

Administrative & Communication Responsibilities

• Accurately complete maintenance documentation, service request tracking, inspection reports, and other required records in company systems.
• Communicate regularly with Regional Supervisors, Regional Facilities leaders, and Community Managers regarding property conditions, progress, challenges, and recommended solutions.
• Maintain flexibility to adjust priorities based on urgent operational needs across the portfolio.

Travel

• This position requires 100% nationwide travel throughout the year.
• Travel includes short-term and extended assignments to student housing communities, training locations, and company meetings as needed.
• Must be able to travel on short notice and remain on-site for extended periods when required.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; technical training or certifications preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of multifamily or student housing maintenance experience, with demonstrated supervisory or lead maintenance experience across multiple properties strongly preferred.
• Proven experience supporting multiple sites or traveling maintenance roles is highly desirable.
• EPA Certification (Type I & II or Universal) required.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, safety standards, and general building codes.
• Strong working knowledge of maintenance management systems and basic computer skills required.

This job description should not be considered all-inclusive. It is merely a guide of expected duties. The employee understands that the job description is neither complete nor permanent and may be modified at any time. At the request of their supervisor, an employee may be asked to perform additional duties or take on additional responsibilities without notice.