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

Jan 10, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Physical Plant Utility Worker is a vital role in any organization. They are responsible for the upkeep of the physical plant, which includes the maintenance and repair of the buildings, grounds, and equipment. This role is critical in ensuring that all systems work properly and efficiently.

As a result of their work, the physical plant will be operational and safe for use. Not only does this provide a safe and comfortable environment for employees to work, but it also helps organizations save money by reducing the risk of costly repairs or replacements. Furthermore, investing in a quality physical plant utility worker can help an organization better manage their energy consumption, as well as reduce their carbon footprint by reducing waste.

All of these positive benefits demonstrate how important the role of a physical plant utility worker is for any organization.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma. Physical Plant Utility Workers typically need a high school diploma or GED.
Obtain Relevant Work Experience. Consider seeking out part-time or seasonal work to gain experience in the field of physical plant work. This could include positions at parks and recreation departments, maintenance companies, and industrial plants.
Earn a Certificate or Degree. Some employers may require a certificate or degree in a related field, such as engineering or industrial maintenance.
Apply for Open Positions. Check local job postings and contact physical plant employers directly to inquire about open positions. Make sure to highlight your education and experience when applying.
Take a Physical Plant Utility Worker Certification Exam. Some employers may require certification in order to work as a Physical Plant Utility Worker. Check with your local state or federal government to find out if certification is required and what the process is for obtaining it.
Take Safety Training. Most employers will require physical plant utility workers to take safety training courses before beginning work. Be sure to check with your employer for the specific requirements.

Maintaining reliability and efficiency as a Plant Utility Worker requires a combination of knowledge, skill, and dedication. Knowing how to use the right tools, safely and correctly, is essential for completing tasks quickly and correctly. Developing the skills to perform each task with precision and accuracy is also key in order to work in an efficient manner.

dedicating time to practice and refine one's skills is necessary in order to keep up with the ever-changing demands of the job. Having the right attitude and motivation to complete tasks correctly and quickly is also important, as it will help ensure that the job is done right the first time. All of these elements combined will lead to a reliable and efficient Plant Utility Worker.

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Job Description

Maintain, repair and clean assigned areas of the physical plant.
Perform routine duties such as mowing and trimming grass, shoveling snow, cleaning sidewalks, and hauling debris.
Receive, store, and distribute materials and supplies.
Operate light motorized equipment such as lawn mowers and snow blowers.
Perform minor maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, painting walls, and repairing fixtures.
Monitor and report facility maintenance issues to the appropriate personnel.
Respond to emergency calls for repair and maintenance services.
Adhere to safety regulations and maintain proper housekeeping standards.
Monitor the use of supplies and equipment to ensure cost effective use.
Participate in the installation of new equipment and systems as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and understand written instructions.
Ability to use hand and power tools.
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures.
Ability to lift and move heavy objects.
Ability to identify, diagnose, and troubleshoot basic mechanical problems.
Proficiency in the use of computerized maintenance systems.
Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, codes, and standards related to the physical plant.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Knowledge of basic electrical and plumbing systems.
Ability to use preventive maintenance techniques and procedures.
Ability to operate motorized equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and other utility vehicles.
Knowledge of building systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
Ability to perform general building maintenance tasks, such as painting, carpentry, and drywall repair.
Knowledge of hazardous materials handling and disposal procedures.

Having the ability to take initiative is an essential skill for a Physical Plant Utility Worker. Taking initiative demonstrates a willingness to take on responsibility and proactively solve problems. When a utility worker takes initiative, they are able to anticipate issues and plan ahead of time, ensuring that the physical plant runs as efficiently as possible.

This leads to greater productivity and fewer delays in services, which ultimately results in improved customer satisfaction. being able to take initiative allows the utility worker to think critically and make quick decisions in order to resolve any issues quickly and effectively. This helps to ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner and that the physical plant remains in top condition.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in physical plant work?
How would you handle a complicated repair or maintenance situation?
What safety procedures do you follow when working with hazardous materials?
How do you ensure that your physical plant work meets quality standards?
What experience do you have operating equipment such as lifts and forklifts?
How do you prioritize tasks in order to complete physical plant work in a timely manner?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem with a piece of equipment.
How do you stay organized when working on multiple projects at once?
What experience do you have working with a team to complete physical plant work?
What strategies do you use to stay motivated when completing long and difficult physical plant tasks?

Common Tools in Industry

Power Washer. A device used to pressurize water for cleaning hard surfaces (eg: cleaning grease and grime from sidewalks).
Hand Tools. A variety of hand-held tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, and measuring tapes (eg: tightening bolts on a piece of equipment).
Forklift. A vehicle with forks designed to lift and move heavy loads (eg: lifting pallets of supplies).
Pressure Washer. A device used to pressurize water for cleaning hard surfaces (eg: cleaning mold and mildew from walls).
Snow Blower. A machine used to clear snow from walkways, driveways, and parking lots (eg: clearing snow from the plant's entrance).
Electrical Tester. A device used to test electrical wiring and components (eg: confirming the proper wiring is in place).
Floor Buffer. A machine used to clean and buff hard floors (eg: waxing and buffing the plant's lobby).
Ladders. A variety of ladders to reach elevated areas (eg: changing light bulbs in high ceilings).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Institute of Plant Engineers (AIPE)
National Association of Power Engineers (NAPE)
Building and Operating Engineers Association (BOEA)
Association of Facility Engineers (AFE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Facilities Managers Association (IFMA)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

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Common Important Terms

Building Maintenance. The process of keeping a building and its systems in good working order.
Electrical Systems. The systems responsible for providing electricity to the building and its appliances.
HVAC Systems. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems which provide regulated temperature and air quality in a building.
Plumbing. The system of pipes, drains, and fixtures used to carry water and other fluids within a building.
Carpentry. The craft of cutting and assembling wood to create structures such as frames, walls, and furniture.
Painting. The process of applying paint to a surface to give it color and protection.
Grounds Keeping. The process of caring for the grounds around a building, such as mowing, trimming, and planting.
Janitorial Services. Services provided by personnel to keep a building clean and maintained.
Hazardous Waste Removal. The process of safely disposing of hazardous materials that may be present in a building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Physical Plant Utility Worker? A1: A Physical Plant Utility Worker is a professional who is responsible for performing maintenance and repair duties on various systems and equipment in a facility, such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, and painting. Q2: What qualifications are needed to become a Physical Plant Utility Worker? A2: To become a Physical Plant Utility Worker, you must have a high school diploma or GED, and experience in one or more areas of maintenance, such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, and painting. Q3: What duties does a Physical Plant Utility Worker perform? A3: As a Physical Plant Utility Worker, you may be responsible for performing maintenance and repairs on systems and equipment in a facility, including plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, and painting. You may also be responsible for inspecting equipment and facilities, performing preventive maintenance tasks, and responding to emergency repair requests. Q4: What tools and equipment do Physical Plant Utility Workers use? A4: Physical Plant Utility Workers may use a variety of tools and equipment in their work, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, drills, saws, ladders, vacuums, and pressure washers. Q5: How much do Physical Plant Utility Workers earn? A5: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for Physical Plant Utility Workers in May 2020 was $41,230.