Physical Plant Operator

Class Specifications – G.15
Physical Plant Operator Supervisor – 8247
Physical Plant Operator – 8248

August, 1974

Series Concept

Physical Plant Operators check a variety of mechanical equipment and facilities in buildings throughout the campus to insure their proper and safe operation; and perfonn other related duties as required.

Class Concepts

Physical Plant Operator Supervisor

Under general supervision, incumbents supervise and coordinate the work of Physical Plant Operators.

Typically incumbents plan, schedule and assign the work of Physical Plant Operators; detennine the condition of mechanical equipment in campus buildings and advise Operators of needs for special attention; conduct comprehensive inspections of all campus buildings for tmsafe and unusual conditions, and determin~ needed structural, mechanical and electrical repairs; assemble data for a preventive maintenance program; provide on-the-job training for Operators; receive all reports and repair notices from Operators and deterrnine appropriate disposition; make minor repairs within limits specified by a Superintendent of Physical Plant; and perform the duties of a Physical Plant Operator when required. This class is distinguished from Physical Plant Operator in that incwnbents supervise the work of several Physical Plant Operators.

Physical Plant Operator

Under supervision, Physical Plant Operators make routine inspections of all mechanical equipment and facilities in various buildings to insure proper operation; check equipment for maintenance of proper pressure, temperature and perfonnance, and may turn off equipment in the event of improper operation or breakdown; report needed repairs to the Supervisor; check for leaking pipes, plugged drains, electrical short circuits and fires; clean and change air filters; grease and oil motors and fans; and perform miscellaneous clean-up work as part of relief operator assignments. In the maintenance of a swirraning pool, incumbents maintain the log of the pool’s operation; inspect the chlorinator, change cylinders, clean equipment, backwash filters and clean the pool. This class is distinguished from Physical Plant Mechanic and Steam Operating Engineer by the absence of work assignments requiring operational level skills in the maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Physical Plant Operator Supervisor

Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations; four years of experience in the general maintenance and inspection of heating, steam, ventilating or similar mechanical equipment; and lalo,vledges and abilities essential to the successful perfonnance of the duties assigned to the position.

Physical Plant Operator

Ability to read, write and perfonn basic arithmetic calculations; one year of experience in the general maintenance and inspection of heating, steam, ventilating or similar mechanical equipment; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful perfonnance of the duties assigned to the position.