How to Be Physical Plant Operator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 15, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Physical Plant Operator is a vital position in the operations of any organization. They are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the physical plant, which is a combination of buildings, facilities, and equipment. The Physical Plant Operator ensures that the buildings, facilities, and equipment are operating safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable regulations.

In addition, they are responsible for maintaining the physical plant's security, both on-site and off-site. As a result of their duties, the Physical Plant Operator plays an important role in keeping the facilities and equipment running correctly and ensuring that all safety protocols are being followed. Their work is essential to the success of any organization and can have a direct impact on the profitability and productivity of the organization.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma. The first step to becoming a Physical Plant Operator is to earn a high school diploma. Education is an important part of becoming a successful Physical Plant Operator.
Enroll in an Apprenticeship Program. Many employers offer apprenticeship programs for those interested in becoming a Physical Plant Operator. Apprenticeship programs provide hands-on experience and on the job training.
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state, Physical Plant Operators may need to obtain licensure or certification through their states department of labor.
Earn a Degree. Earning an associates or bachelors degree in engineering technology or a closely related field can help physical plant operators stand out among other job applicants.
Gain On-the-Job Experience. On the job experience is essential for those looking to become a physical plant operator. Working in a plant or related facility can help gain the experience and skills needed to become a successful plant operator.
Obtain Certification. Some states require physical plant operators to obtain certification. Certification can help demonstrate expertise and knowledge of the industry.

In order to stay updated and capable, Plant Operators must continually invest in their professional development. This can be done through attending classes, workshops, conferences and seminars related to their field. Plant Operators should take advantage of any training or educational opportunities available to them.

Keeping up with the latest technology, regulations and industry trends can help ensure that Plant Operators stay ahead of any potential issues that may arise. Regularly reading industry publications and staying in touch with colleagues and contacts in the field can also provide insight into potential problems and allow Plant Operators to develop preventive solutions. Finally, investing in their own equipment and tools to increase their efficiency and productivity is important for Plant Operators to remain current and capable.

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Job Description

Monitor and adjust building systems, such as heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Operate and maintain boilers, pumps, motors, and other mechanical and electrical equipment.
Perform routine maintenance and repairs on facility equipment.
Diagnose and troubleshoot problems with facility equipment.
Inspect facility grounds and equipment for safety and cleanliness.
Maintain records of building maintenance and repairs.
Follow safety policies and procedures when operating machinery and equipment.
Monitor energy use and identify ways to improve efficiency.
Respond to emergency calls for service related to building systems.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems.
Ability to operate and maintain a variety of equipment, including pumps, motors and other machinery.
Knowledge of safety procedures and protocols.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics and technical drawings.
Ability to work with hand tools, power tools and other specialized equipment.
Good physical strength and stamina to perform physically demanding tasks.
Knowledge of basic computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite.

Physical Plant Operator is a highly-skilled position that requires a strong combination of technical knowledge and manual dexterity. The most important skill for a Physical Plant Operator to have is problem solving. When a machine breaks down or an issue arises, the Physical Plant Operator must be able to analyze the problem, identify the cause, and ultimately, develop an effective solution.

The ability to think critically and troubleshoot quickly is essential in this profession. In addition, a Physical Plant Operator must have a strong knowledge of mechanics and electrical systems in order to detect problems before they occur. This knowledge also allows them to quickly pinpoint the source of any issue.

Finally, physical plant operators must possess excellent communication skills in order to communicate their findings with their team and supervisors. By combining problem solving, technical knowledge, and communication skills, a Physical Plant Operator is able to ensure the safety and efficiency of the facilitys operations.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the operation and maintenance of physical plants?
Describe a time you encountered a difficult problem at work and how you overcame it.
What safety measures do you take when operating physical plants?
How would you handle a situation where a piece of equipment has malfunctioned and must be fixed?
Describe your experience with troubleshooting electrical and mechanical problems.
How do you ensure that all maintenance tasks are completed in a timely fashion?
What processes do you follow to ensure the proper operation of physical plants?
What methods do you use to stay current with changes in regulations and industry standards?
What would you do if you were unable to complete a task due to a lack of resources?
How would you handle a situation where a customer is dissatisfied with the performance of a physical plant?

Common Tools in Industry

Forklift. A powered industrial truck used to lift and move materials. (eg: lifting and stacking pallets of product in the warehouse)
Pallet Jack. A mechanical device used to move pallets of goods. (eg: moving skids of product from one area to another)
Hand Truck. A two-wheeled handcart used for carrying goods or luggage. (eg: transporting boxes or containers from one place to another)
Heat Gun. A handheld device used to generate hot air for removing paint, shrinking plastic, etc. (eg: stripping paint from metal surfaces)
Air Compressor. A device that compresses air to create a powerful, pressurized stream. (eg: filling tires with air, powering pneumatic tools)
Power Washer. A device that uses pressurized water to clean surfaces. (eg: cleaning the exterior of a building or equipment)
Welding Tool. A tool used to join two pieces of metal together by melting and fusing them. (eg: welding two pieces of steel together to create a frame)
Drill. A tool used to create holes in material by spinning a drill bit. (eg: drilling holes into metal to mount hardware)
Impact Driver. A tool used to drive screws and bolts with more force than a regular screwdriver. (eg: installing screws into metal frames)
Grinder. A tool used for grinding and polishing metal surfaces. (eg: grinding down a metal surface to remove rust)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE)
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
International Association for Plant and Equipment Maintenance (IAPEM)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
American Public Power Association (APPA)
Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA)

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Common Important Terms

HVAC Technician. A technician who specializes in the maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Building Maintenance Technician. A technician who is responsible for performing both preventive and reactive maintenance on a variety of buildings and equipment.
Plumber. A professional who specializes in installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems.
Electrician. A professional who specializes in wiring buildings and troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems.
Groundskeeper. A person responsible for maintaining the grounds and landscaping of a property.
Construction Worker. A person who is involved in the construction industry, carrying out a variety of tasks such as carpentry, bricklaying, and plumbing.
Mechanical Engineer. An engineer who designs and creates machines and mechanical systems.
Boiler Operator. An operator who is responsible for operating and maintaining boilers to provide hot water and steam for various purposes.
Refrigeration Technician. A technician who specializes in the maintenance and repair of refrigeration systems.
Heating Technician. A technician who specializes in the maintenance and repair of heating systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Physical Plant Operator?

A Physical Plant Operator is a professional who oversees the maintenance and upkeep of a facility's equipment, systems, and infrastructure. They are responsible for ensuring that all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other systems are functioning properly and safely.

What qualifications are needed to become a Physical Plant Operator?

To become a Physical Plant Operator, individuals must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and experience in building maintenance, engineering, or a related field. Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems, as well as safety protocols, is required.

What duties does a Physical Plant Operator perform?

Physical Plant Operators are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing equipment and systems in a facility. This includes performing routine maintenance tasks, monitoring systems for any malfunctions or safety hazards, and responding to emergency situations.

What type of environment do Physical Plant Operators work in?

Physical Plant Operators typically work indoors in a variety of settings such as hospitals, schools, offices, factories, and other commercial buildings. They may also be required to work in hazardous environments where protective gear is needed.

What is the average salary for a Physical Plant Operator?

The average salary for a Physical Plant Operator is $48,500 per year in the United States. Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.