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

May 10, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Physical Plant Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of a facility or organization. This includes overseeing a staff of maintenance personnel and ensuring the proper upkeep of the physical plant. As a result of the supervisor's efforts, the facility or organization runs smoothly and efficiently, with fewer maintenance issues.

The supervisor's job also involves coordinating with other departments to ensure that all operations are running as smoothly as possible. Furthermore, the supervisor is responsible for making sure that the facility meets all safety and environmental regulations, which can help to minimize potential liabilities. By effectively managing the physical plant, the supervisor can help to ensure the success of an organization.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in engineering, industrial technology, or a related field is necessary to become a physical plant supervisor. Schools offer relevant degrees like a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Technology and Management. In addition to general coursework, students may take classes such as thermodynamics, heat transfer, manufacturing processes, materials science, and fluid dynamics.
Obtain Work Experience. Many employers require physical plant supervisors to have at least two years of experience in a related field. Experience in maintenance, engineering, and operations management is beneficial.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not always required for physical plant supervisors, but it can help with job prospects. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) offer certification programs.
Develop Soft Skills. Physical plant supervisors must have strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. They must be able to work with teams and motivate them to meet goals. They must also be comfortable working with computers and other technology.
Pursue Continuing Education. Physical plant supervisors should stay up-to-date with industry trends and advances in technology. They can take classes or participate in webinars and seminars offered by organizations like ASME or IFMA.

The physical plant supervisor is a vital role for any company or organization. Ensuring the plant operates reliably and efficiently requires a number of different elements. Firstly, it requires a thorough understanding of the plant and its components.

Knowing how the equipment works and how to troubleshoot any issues is essential. Secondly, it requires strong communication skills so that staff can be informed of any changes or issues that may arise. Finally, it involves developing and maintaining a preventative maintenance program so that potential problems can be identified and addressed before they become more serious.

By combining these elements, the physical plant supervisor can ensure the plant runs at optimal performance levels.

You may want to check Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Specialist, Physical Activity Program Coordinator, and Physical Education Teacher for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee the daily operations of the physical plant, including maintenance, repairs, and renovations.
Provide leadership and guidance to all physical plant staff.
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and inspect the physical plant regularly.
Develop and implement plans for efficient use of resources, materials, and supplies.
Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as needed.
Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues in a timely manner.
Establish and maintain good working relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
Oversee maintenance and repair activities of the physical plant.
Monitor energy consumption and develop strategies to reduce costs.
Prepare budget proposals for facility upgrades and renovations.
Track physical plant expenses and review invoices for accuracy.
Oversee the installation of new equipment and systems.
Manage periodic inspections and preventive maintenance tasks.
Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of the physical plant operations.
Maintain records of all maintenance activities and submit required reports to management.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of the processes and procedures related to the maintenance and operation of a physical plant.
Problem Solving: Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner while exercising good judgment.
Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and direct a team of individuals in order to achieve desired goals.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to anticipate and plan for future needs and develop solutions for long-term success.
Supervisory Skills: Proven ability to provide guidance, direction, and feedback to staff in order to ensure the efficient operation of the physical plant.
Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other related software programs.
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
Safety Compliance: Knowledge of safety protocols, regulations, and laws pertaining to physical plant operations.

Good communication skills are essential for a Plant Supervisor to effectively lead and manage a physical plant. A Plant Supervisor must be able to effectively communicate with staff, vendors, customers, and other stakeholders in order to ensure the plant is running efficiently. Good communication skills include the ability to listen, understand, and respond to questions and requests.

Effective communication also involves being able to clearly explain tasks and expectations to staff, and to be able to share ideas and plans with others. Good communication skills also involve the ability to negotiate with vendors and stakeholders to get the best possible outcome. By using these skills, a Plant Supervisor can successfully manage the physical plant, increase productivity, and ensure that tasks are completed in a timely manner.

Physical Education Program Director, Physical Scientist, and Physical Education Teacher Substitute are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in managing a physical plant environment?
How do you handle difficult situations with personnel and equipment?
How do you manage budgeting and finances related to physical plant operations?
What strategies do you use to maintain a safe and secure working environment?
How do you ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies?
How do you ensure that the physical plant is adequately maintained and kept in good repair?
What methods do you use to evaluate the efficiency of physical plant operations?
What strategies do you use to manage and improve energy efficiency?
How do you ensure efficient utilization of resources?
How do you ensure that the physical plant meets the needs of the organization?

Common Tools in Industry

Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). A software solution used to track and manage maintenance activities and tasks. (e. g. FSI CMMS)
Job Scheduling Software. Software used to assign tasks and monitor progress of scheduled maintenance activities. (e. g. UpKeep Maintenance Management)
Asset Tracking System. Software used to monitor, track, and report the location, condition, and use of physical assets. (e. g. MyAssetTag)
Project Management Software. A tool used to plan, organize, and manage resources to complete a specific project. (e. g. Asana)
Building Automation System (BAS). A system used to monitor and control building systems such as HVAC, lighting, security, and fire safety. (e. g. Johnson Controls Metasys)
Preventative Maintenance Software. A tool used to create and manage preventative maintenance tasks and schedules. (e. g. ServiceMax)
Inventory Management System. Software used to monitor and manage inventory levels, orders, and delivery times. (e. g. Fishbowl Inventory)
Point of Sale System. A software solution used for sales transactions and customer management. (e. g. Square POS)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)
Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA)
Institute of Industrial and Facility Engineers (IIFE)
International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
International Code Council (ICC)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB)

We also have Physical Metallurgist, Physical Plant Utility Worker, and Physical Therapy Clinic Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Maintenance Supervisor. A supervisor responsible for overseeing the maintenance staff and ensuring that all maintenance tasks and projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Operations Manager. A manager responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a facility, including scheduling, budgeting, and customer service.
HVAC Technician. A technician responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Electrical Technician. A technician responsible for installing, troubleshooting, and repairing all electrical systems in a facility.
Building Inspector. A professional who inspects buildings to ensure that they meet local building codes and regulations.
Plumber. A professional who installs and repairs plumbing systems.
Painter. A professional who is responsible for painting the interior or exterior of a building.
Groundskeeper. A professional who is responsible for taking care of the grounds of a facility, including mowing, trimming, and landscaping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Physical Plant Supervisor? A1: A Physical Plant Supervisor is a professional responsible for the management, maintenance and operation of a facility's physical plant, including buildings, grounds and associated equipment. Q2: What are the responsibilities of a Physical Plant Supervisor? A2: The responsibilities of a Physical Plant Supervisor typically include developing and implementing maintenance schedules, coordinating and supervising staff, budgeting, overseeing safety protocols, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing customer service. Q3: What qualifications are needed to become a Physical Plant Supervisor? A3: To become a Physical Plant Supervisor, most employers require a bachelor's degree in a related field such as engineering, management or facilities management. Additionally, relevant experience in the field and knowledge of building codes and other regulations are highly beneficial. Q4: How much does a Physical Plant Supervisor typically earn? A4: The average annual salary for a Physical Plant Supervisor is around $65,000. Salaries vary depending on experience, the size of the facility and the geographic location of the position. Q5: What type of environment does a Physical Plant Supervisor work in? A5: Physical Plant Supervisors typically work in an office setting, but may also be required to travel to various sites and inspect buildings or equipment. They also may be required to work outdoors in all types of weather.