Chief of Plant Operations Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established June 4, 1948

Scope

This series specification describes the levels of responsibility relative to the supervision of staff engaged in the operation, maintenance, and fire prevention of the physical plant, building, and grounds of a State institution or facility.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Differentiating factors between the various Chief of Plant Operations levels include the size of the facility, staff, and number of employees and residents; and the extent of the positions' management and supervisory responsibilities, duties, and reporting relationships within the institution or facility.

Definition of Levels

All Levels:

Incumbents in all levels plan and supervise the operation, maintenance, and repair of the plumbing, heating, lighting, intercommunicating, water treatment, sewage disposal, air conditioning, ventilating and refrigerating systems, and auxiliary equipment, including high-pressure steam boiler units, gas and oil furnaces, transformers, chlorinators, pumps, compressors, condensers, steam lines, water lines, gas lines, steam traps, meters, recorders, and electronic and fire alarm systems; are responsible for the facilities' energy management program; assign and inspect the carpentry, masonry, and painting work required in the maintenance and repair of buildings and structures; supervise the installation, maintenance, and repair of laundry, kitchen, dairy, cannery, and sewage plant and similar institution facilities and equipment, the upkeep of walks and roads, and the repair and construction of parts, tools, and fixtures; coordinate the work of skilled and semiskilled employees; check and consult with the skilled craftspersons in the various repair shops on work progress and problems; inspect equipment and facilities to determine condition and need for repairs; estimate future equipment and material requirements; maintain blueprints and records of institutions or facilities; keep records of equipment and operating data; and prepare reports; plan for construction and building maintenance programs and such other related activities as may be delegated; and do other related work.

Chief of Plant Operations I

Incumbents in this class are either:

1. Responsible for the maintenance and plant operations at a small State institution or facility; or

2. May be assigned as an assistant to a Chief of Plant Operations III or Chief of Plant Operations III (Water Treatment) at one of the largest State institutions or facilities.

Chief of Plant Operations II

Incumbents in this class are responsible for the maintenance and plant operation of a medium State institution or facility.

Note: Chief of Plant Operations II will not be allocated to institutions or facilities with Chief of Plant Operations III or Chief of Plant Operations III (Water Treatment) positions.

Chief of Plant Operations III

Incumbents in this class are responsible for the maintenance and plant operation of a large State institution or facility.

Minimum Qualifications

Chief of Plant Operations I

Experience: Either:

1. One year of experience performing the duties of a Chief Engineer I or Supervisor of Building Trades in the California state service; or

2. Two years performing the duties of a trades supervisor in the California state service; or

3. Two years of experience in charge of plant maintenance in a plant or facility with a population of at least 750 residents and employees and employing a maintenance crew of at least 25 persons, including both stationary engineers and building tradespeople; or

4. Three years of experience in the supervision of a maintenance crew including several crafts in a plant or facility of at least 750 residents and employees.

Chief of Plant Operations II

Experience: Either:

1. One year of experience performing the duties of a Chief of Plant Operations I or a Chief Engineer II in the California state service; or

2. Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Chief Engineer I or Supervisor of Building Trades; or

3. Three years of experience performing the duties of a trades supervisor in the California state service; or

4. Two years of experience in charge of plant operation in a plant or facility with a population of at least 1,000 residents and employees and employing a maintenance crew of at least 35 persons, including both stationary engineers and building tradespersons.

Chief of Plant Operations III

Experience: Either:

1. One year of experience performing the duties of a Chief of Plant Operations II in the California state service; or

2. Two years of experience performing the duties of a Chief of Plant Operations I or Chief Engineer II in the California state service; or

3. Three years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Chief Engineer I or Supervisor of Building Trades; or

4. Three years of experience in charge of plant operation, in a facility with a population of at least 2,500 residents and employees and employing a maintenance crew of at least 45 persons, including both stationary engineers and building tradespeople.

Knowledge and Abilities

All Levels:

Knowledge of: Rules and Safety Orders; California Administrative Code; the State Administrative Code, Titles 8, 17, 19, 22, and 24; National Fire Protection Association 101; Uniform Building Code; the State Administrative Manual; types of heating, electrical, plumbing, water, refrigeration, sewage, and other mechanical systems and equipment; operation and maintenance of high pressure steam boilers; materials, methods, and tools used in the maintenance of buildings and grounds; operation of mechanical refrigeration and air- conditioning systems; thermostatic temperature control systems; principles of personnel management and supervision; and a manager's/supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Ability to: Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; direct the work of installing, operating, and maintaining institution heating, electrical, water, sewage, and other mechanical systems; read, interpret, and work from plans, drawings, and specifications; make cost estimates of building repairs, maintenance, and mechanical installations; plan and execute a program of preventive maintenance for buildings and mechanical equipment; plan and direct the work of skilled craftspeople and semiskilled workers; keep accurate records and prepare reports; think and act quickly in emergencies; effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Willingness to live and work at a State institution; and tact.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

All Levels:

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Class History