1

Trades Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Great Pay and Benefits for a Maintenance Trades Helper: * Competitive pay rate; $27.43 - 32.52/hour depending on experience and benefits chosen; * 11 annual paid holidays; * Minimum of 2 weeks of ...

Maintenance Trades Helper

Arlington, VA · On-site

$27.43 - $32.52/hr

Great Pay and Benefits for a Maintenance Trades Helper: * Competitive pay rate; $27.43 - 32.52/hour depending on experience and benefits chosen; * 11 annual paid holidays; * Minimum of 2 weeks of ...

Maintenance Trades Helper

Arlington, VA · On-site

$27.43 - $32.52/hr

Great Pay and Benefits for a Maintenance Trades Helper: * Competitive pay rate; $27.43 - 32.52/hour depending on experience and benefits chosen; * 11 annual paid holidays; * Minimum of 2 weeks of ...

Trade Helper

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

... Trade Helpers. As a family-owned staffing company, we are committed to connecting quality ... This is a great opportunity for individuals looking to start a career in the trades or those ...

Trade Helper

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

... Trade Helpers. As a family-owned staffing company, we are committed to connecting quality ... This is a great opportunity for individuals looking to start a career in the trades or those ...

Trade Helper

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

... Trade Helpers. As a family-owned staffing company, we are committed to connecting quality ... This is a great opportunity for individuals looking to start a career in the trades or those ...

Trade Helper

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

... Trade Helpers. As a family-owned staffing company, we are committed to connecting quality ... This is a great opportunity for individuals looking to start a career in the trades or those ...

Trade Helper

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

... Trade Helpers. As a family-owned staffing company, we are committed to connecting quality ... This is a great opportunity for individuals looking to start a career in the trades or those ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Trades Helper information

What is a trades helper?

Trades Helpers are workers who assist skilled tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other construction professionals, with a variety of tasks on job sites. Their duties typically include preparing materials, cleaning work areas, transporting tools, holding or passing tools and materials, and performing basic manual labor under supervision. Trades Helpers play an essential role in ensuring that projects run smoothly and efficiently by supporting the work of more experienced trades workers.

What are some common challenges trades helpers face when starting in this role?

New Trades Helpers often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, learning industry-specific safety protocols, and efficiently supporting skilled tradespeople in a fast-paced environment. It's important to quickly become familiar with the tools, materials, and terminology used on job sites. Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn from experienced coworkers can help overcome these initial hurdles and set you up for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trades helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trades Helper, you need a basic understanding of construction or industrial processes, physical stamina, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety gear, and sometimes OSHA safety certifications are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficiency, safety, and effective support for skilled tradespeople on job sites.

What is the difference between Trades Helper vs Apprentice?

AspectTrades HelperApprentice
Required credentialsNone or minimal; often on-the-job trainingTypically enrolled in a training program or apprenticeship
Work environmentAssists skilled tradespeople on job sitesWorks under supervision, gaining skills and experience
Employer and industry usageCommon in construction, electrical, plumbing industriesStandard entry-level role in similar industries
Search and comparison intentYesYes

Trades Helpers assist skilled tradespeople with basic tasks and site preparation, often without formal certifications. Apprentices are enrolled in structured training programs, combining on-the-job experience with classroom learning. While both roles support trades work, apprentices are focused on skill development and certification, whereas Trades Helpers primarily provide support on-site.

What are the most commonly searched types of Trades jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Trades jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Trades Helper jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Trades Helper jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Trades Helper jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Trades Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Trades Helper job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Maintenance Trades Helper

Petersburg, VA • On-site

Skookum Contract Services
201 - 500 employees

$30.13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Maintenance Trades Helper

Location: Petersburg, Virginia (FT. Lee)

Type: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-time, Day Shift

Compensation: $30.13/hour

Benefits: Tessera is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible part-time and full-time employees.

Full-Time benefits of a Maintenance Trades Helper at Tessera include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) retirement plan, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance

  • Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care

  • 11 paid federal holidays, accrual of 10 paid days of vacation at the start of employment , paid sick leave.

  • Potential shared earning bonus

  • Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents

  • Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities

  • Verizon wireless discount

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees

Tessera is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" by hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities as well as veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our purpose-driven culture, our core values - Inclusion, Partnerships, Integrity - and our commitment to providing a safe and respectful work environment for our employees.

Tessera is seeking a dedicated and reliable Maintenance Trades Helper with a positive attitude. The Maintenance Trades Helper is a development position with duties that include the performance of unskilled to semi-skilled tasks. This position assists one or more workers in the semi-skilled to skilled maintenance trades by performing specific or general duties of lesser skill such as: keeping a worker supplied with materials and tools, cleaning working areas, machines, and equipment; holding materials or tools for a worker with greater skill; and performing other unskilled to semi-skilled tasks as directed. The kind of work the helper is permitted to perform and level of supervision varies with the trade, task and worker capability. In some semi-skilled to skilled trades and tasks the helper is closely supervised and confined to supplying, lifting and holding materials and tools, and cleaning working areas; and in others, the worker is permitted to perform specialized work or parts of a trade on a full-time basis with moderate to close supervision. Unskilled tasks are generally accomplished by the worker with limited to moderate supervision.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

  • Assists in the completion of maintenance and upkeep of buildings, grounds, and equipment.

  • Assists skilled workers in performing various electrical, carpentry, plumbing and masonry work to include semi-skilled tasks with moderate to close supervision, and unskilled tasks with limited to moderate supervision.

  • Semi-skilled tasks include: Applying touch up paint, caulking; replacing floor and ceiling tile; replacing electrical outlets, switch covers and bulbs; repairing/replacing door hardware; disassembling, cleaning and repairing, and reassembling appliances and equipment; replacing damaged building fixtures; disassembling, cleaning and replacing plumbing components; using plaster or compound to patch holes and cracks in walls and ceilings, repairing or replacing sinks, water coolers and toilets; painting structures and equipment; repairing or replacing concrete floors, steps and sidewalks; replacing damaged paneling; replacing broken window panes; and, performing general maintenance on equipment and machinery.

  • Holding and/or passing objects for a skilled trade craftsman; supplying a skilled trade craftsman with tools and materials; installing fastening hardware, such as nuts, bolts, washers, etc.; sweeping, debris removal; cleaning/removing debris from fasteners, structures, equipment or appliances; manually moving and transporting appliances, equipment and materials; physically relocating and temporarily fastening to overhead air hoses, electrical cables and flexible ventilation; performing grounds maintenance; cleaning roof drains and gutters; lead/mold cleaning work, and, changing a variety of different filters throughout the buildings on Fort Lee.

  • Assists with supply functions to include loading and unloading materials, stocking shelves, inspecting equipment, checking inventories, and material pick-up and issue.

  • Utilizes computers and/or handheld mobile devices for timekeeping, data entry, and to manage assigned work.

  • Maintains high proficiency in and adheres to all Safety Procedures and Policies.

  • Maintains professionalism in both appearance and demeanor.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 3 years of experience.

  • Ability to work in and contribute to a team, and to communicate with others in a courteous and helpful way.

  • Must be able to work safely and independently in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements:

Employees must have the ability to perform the following physical demands for extended periods of time with or without assistance. The physical demands of this position may be reasonably accommodated for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on a case-by-case basis.

  • Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

  • May be required to reach, kneel, walk, stand, and use repetitive motion for several hours at a time based on position duties.

  • Work may require repetitive motion, reaching, lifting, kneeling, and walking. Standing or sitting for several hours at a time, climbing in and out of a vehicle, and up and down stairs may also be required.

  • Must have the perseverance to work effectively under pressure for extended periods of time.

Requirements:

  • Valid State Driver's license required with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera's insurance company.

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances as background checks will be conducted for this position.

Union Affiliation:

This position is represented by the Transport Workers Union, Local 527.

An AmeriCorps application is required (may include a resume). Visit the AmeriCorps website at https://www.americorps.gov/join to apply on-line.

AmeriCorps is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled

This position is not employed by Tessera.