Entry Level General Contractor Jobs in Detroit, MI

Ari-El Enterprises is seeking a self-motivated, hands-on commercial building maintenance technician who can diagnose a problem correctly, complete a range of repairs, and knows when to call in a vendor for more complex work. Our team maintains a diverse portfolio of office, industrial, and retail properties throughout Southeast Michigan. If you enjoy variety, independence, and working for a stable, family-owned commercial real estate company, we'd like to meet you.

This is not an entry-level handyman role, and it is not an HVAC technician role. We're looking for someone who can move confidently across trades — plumbing, electrical, doors/hardware, drywall, light masonry — on commercial-scale systems, and who treats correct diagnosis as seriously as the repair itself.

**Primary Responsibilities**

• Diagnose and repair commercial plumbing systems: fixtures, valves, supply and drain lines, water heaters, backflow devices, and related building systems.
• Diagnose and repair commercial electrical issues: outlets, switches, panels, lighting circuits, ballasts, photocells, and life-safety devices, working within code and licensing limits.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain doors, locks, hardware, drywall, general carpentry, and light masonry repairs.
• Perform preventative maintenance inspections and identify potential issues before they become larger problems.
• Diagnose HVAC symptoms (no cooling, no heat, unusual noise, thermostat issues) well enough to describe the problem accurately and determine urgency — then escalate to a licensed HVAC contractor. This role does not perform HVAC repairs.
• Assess the severity of any issue, determine whether it can be resolved in-house or requires a vendor, and coordinate that vendor call.
• Complete work orders using mobile maintenance software and maintain accurate documentation.
• Communicate professionally with tenants, vendors, and team members regarding repair status and scheduling.
• Coordinate and oversee outside contractors as assigned.
• Assist with vacant suite turnover work and property improvement projects.
• Participate in seasonal maintenance including irrigation, exterior lighting, weather preparation, and emergency response.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and professional work environment at all times.

**Qualifications**

• Strong, hands-on plumbing and electrical troubleshooting skills — this is where we need the most depth.
• Working ability across doors/hardware, drywall, general carpentry, and light masonry repairs on commercial buildings.
• Sharp diagnostic instincts: able to correctly identify what's actually wrong, not just treat symptoms.
• Judgment to know your own limits and when a licensed specialist (HVAC, elevator, fire/life safety, etc.) is required.
• Prior experience in commercial, industrial, or multi-tenant property maintenance strongly preferred over residential-only background.
• Comfortable using smartphones, Outlook, and electronic work-order systems.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities.
• Professional appearance, positive attitude, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

**Driving Requirements and Work Tools**

Valid driver's license with a clean driving record. Reliable transportation capable of carrying ladders and tools; a work van or pickup truck is preferred. Basic hand tools required.

**Compensation**

Pay starting at $30.00 per hour, based on qualifications and experience, plus mileage reimbursement.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (BCBS)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

**Schedule**

Monday through Friday with participation in a rotating on-call schedule for occasional after-hours emergency service calls.

**Work Location**

This position is primarily field-based, traveling daily to commercial properties throughout Southeast Michigan.

**Physical Requirements**

• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crawl, and stand for extended periods while performing maintenance tasks.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions throughout the year.
• Ability to climb ladders, access rooftops, and work at varying heights while following all safety protocols.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to respond to occasional after-hours emergency service calls as part of the rotating on-call schedule.

**Join Our Team**

We're looking for someone who takes pride in a job well done, enjoys tackling new challenges, and wants to build a long-term career with a company that values integrity, teamwork, accountability, and outstanding customer service. If you're someone who enjoys making a difference, works well with others, and is committed to doing quality work, we'd love to hear from you. We invite you to submit your resume and look forward to learning more about you.

**Benefits**

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (BCBS)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Mileage reimbursement
• Opportunities for advancement
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: On the road

Ari-El Enterprises, established in 1979, is a full service real estate organization focused on the acquisition, development and management of a diverse portfolio of real estate investment properties.

Ari-El's success is based on its comprehensive in-house capabilities in acquisition, development, finance, leasing, property management and construction management.