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

Jun 14, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Physical Plant Technician is responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting a variety of mechanical and electrical systems and equipment. These duties may include light fixtures, motors, pumps, air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, and other related equipment. As a result of their expertise, these technicians ensure that the facility remains safe, comfortable, and running efficiently.

Not only do they maintain the facility, but they also conduct preventative maintenance activities that can help to identify and address potential problems before they occur. This helps to reduce the cost of repairs and keeps the facility running smoothly. Furthermore, physical plant technicians are also responsible for ensuring that all safety regulations are followed for the safety of the staff and visitors.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Physical plant technicians need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for jobs in this field.
Pursue Post-Secondary Education. Although it is not mandatory, many employers prefer to hire physical plant technicians who have completed some post-secondary education in a related field.
Obtain an Entry-Level Job. Physical plant technicians typically start out as assistants or helpers, working under the supervision of experienced technicians. This is a great way to gain hands-on experience while learning the techniques and procedures of the job.
Get Certified. Many employers prefer to hire physical plant technicians who are certified in their field. Certification can be obtained through organizations such as the Association of Physical Plant Professionals or the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
Advance Your Career. Physical plant technicians can advance their careers by pursuing specialized training and certifications, as well as by taking on managerial roles. With the right experience and training, physical plant technicians can become supervisors, managers, or even directors of physical plant operations.

The Physical Plant Technician plays a key role in the successful operation of any facility. Reliability and competency are essential characteristics of any successful technician. With reliable performance, the physical plant technician ensures that all equipment and systems are in proper working order and that any needed repairs are completed quickly and efficiently.

Competency allows the technician to understand how to troubleshoot and diagnose any system issues, as well as to utilize the right tools and techniques to fix the problem. When these two qualities are present in a technician, they help reduce downtime, increase efficiency, and ensure that the facility operates at peak performance. The result is a well-managed facility with fewer maintenance problems and a higher degree of customer satisfaction.

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Job Description

Monitor the performance and safety of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in a facility.
Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, including air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and refrigeration units.
Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and systems.
Install and upgrade equipment and systems.
Perform routine inspections of the facility and equipment to identify potential problems.
Make recommendations for repairs or replacement of systems.
Maintain records of maintenance, repairs and upgrades.
Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
Test, install and maintain safety systems, such as fire alarms and extinguishers.
Respond to emergency situations in a timely manner.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of building systems and maintenance operations.
Ability to operate a variety of hand and power tools.
Ability to read and understand technical diagrams and schematics.
Strong knowledge of safety policies and procedures.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
Knowledge of plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and carpentry systems.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to lift and carry heavy objects.
Ability to work in confined spaces and at heights.
Ability to perform basic maintenance tasks, such as painting, wallpapering, drywall repair, and other general repair activities.
Working knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
Knowledge of local building codes and regulations.

Good physical plant technician skills are essential for the successful maintenance and operation of a facility. Effective communication is one of the most important skills a physical plant technician can have. It is important to be able to effectively communicate with other employees in order to ensure that tasks are completed accurately and on time.

Furthermore, problem-solving skills are also crucial in order to identify potential issues and develop solutions. Physical plant technicians must be able to diagnose and troubleshoot any issues that arise with the facilitys systems or equipment. they must possess a strong knowledge of safety regulations, as well as knowledge of electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC systems.

Having a good understanding of these systems is vital to ensuring that the facility is running smoothly and safely. Finally, physical plant technicians must have good organizational skills in order to track and document all maintenance and repair activities. These skills are essential to ensure that the facility is running efficiently and safely.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the maintenance of physical plant facilities?
How do you respond to challenging and unpredictable situations?
What safety procedures do you follow when performing maintenance duties?
How do you prioritize multiple tasks?
Describe a project or initiative that you were responsible for completing successfully.
What methods have you used to ensure that all preventative maintenance is conducted in an efficient and timely manner?
How do you handle a situation in which you dont have the necessary resources to complete a task?
Describe the most complex physical plant issue that you have resolved.
Tell me about a time when you had to make an important decision quickly.
What do you think makes a successful physical plant technician?

Common Tools in Industry

Screwdrivers. Used to turn screws and bolts of various sizes (eg: Phillips head screwdriver).
Wrenches. Used to rotate nuts and bolts for tightening and loosening (eg: adjustable wrench).
Pliers. Used for gripping and turning objects (eg: needle-nose pliers).
Electrical Testers. Used to test electrical components for proper functioning (eg: voltage tester).
Drills. Used to make holes in wood, metal and other materials (eg: cordless drill).
Soldering Iron. Used to join two pieces of metal together with a melted alloy of tin and lead (eg: soldering gun).
Soldering Gun. Used to join two pieces of metal together with a melted alloy of tin and lead (eg: soldering iron).
Hammer. Used to drive nails or other objects into a surface (eg: claw hammer).
Socket Sets. Used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts of various sizes (eg: metric socket set).
Saws. Used to cut through materials like wood, metal, stone, or plastic (eg: circular saw).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE)
Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)
International Facilities Management Association (IFMA)
National Association of Plant Engineers (NAPE)
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
American Welding Society (AWS)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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Common Important Terms

Maintenance Technician. A maintenance technician is responsible for performing repairs and preventative maintenance on equipment and buildings.
HVAC Technician. An HVAC technician installs, maintains and repairs heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Electrician. An electrician performs electrical work and repairs on buildings and equipment.
Plumber. A plumber installs, repairs and maintains water and sewer systems, pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment.
Carpentry. Carpentry is the construction or repair of buildings, furniture and fixtures made of wood or wood-like materials.
Mechanical Technician. A mechanical technician inspects, maintains, repairs and installs mechanical systems in buildings and equipment.
Welding. Welding is a process used to join metals together by melting them together or using a filler material.
Painting. Painting is the application of paint to a surface for protection or decoration.
Signage. Signage is the design, fabrication and installation of signs for the purpose of communicating with the public.
Groundskeeping. Groundskeeping is the care and upkeep of outdoor spaces such as lawns, gardens and recreational areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Physical Plant Technician?

A Physical Plant Technician is a professional responsible for the maintenance and operation of buildings, equipment, and systems in industrial, commercial, or governmental facilities.

What qualifications are needed to become a Physical Plant Technician?

To become a Physical Plant Technician, one typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years of experience in related fields such as construction, building maintenance, or HVAC installation and repair.

What tasks does a Physical Plant Technician typically perform?

A Physical Plant Technician typically performs tasks such as inspecting buildings and equipment for safety issues; performing preventive maintenance; conducting repairs and replacements; troubleshooting system issues; and monitoring operation of various systems.