What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Plant Operations position at Rice Community Health?
LEAD PLANT OPERATIONS
Lead Plant Operations team member plays a critical role in maintaining the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the hospital’s physical plant, equipment, and infrastructure. This position performs skilled and semi-skilled maintenance and repair work across multiple building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, and general facilities. The Lead Plant Operations Team Member works with minimal supervision, serves as a technical resource to other team members, and supports regulatory readiness while ensuring a safe healing environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform skilled maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of hospital building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and basic life safety systems.
- Independently diagnose equipment and facility issues, determine corrective actions, and complete repairs in a timely and compliant manner.
- Conduct routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and performance checks on facility systems and equipment to ensure optimal operation and regulatory compliance.
- Respond promptly to emergency maintenance calls, including after-hours or on-call situations, to restore critical systems and minimize downtime.
- Maintain and support critical utility systems, including emergency power (generators), medical gas systems (as applicable), and fire protection systems.
- Assist with coordination and oversight of contractors and vendors, including monitoring work quality, safety compliance, and adherence to scope of work.
- Support facility upgrades, renovations, and system improvements, including installation of new equipment and modifications to existing infrastructure.
- Maintain accurate documentation of work performed, preventive maintenance activities, inspections, and identified risks using approved maintenance tracking systems.
- Assist with hospital grounds maintenance as needed, including seasonal tasks such as snow removal, mowing, and exterior upkeep.
- Safely handle and dispose of waste, recyclables, and materials in accordance with environmental, safety, and infection control standards.
- Operate hospital vehicles and light trucks for material transport, equipment movement, and local pickups or deliveries.
- Identify safety hazards, code issues, or system deficiencies and proactively report and recommend corrective actions to Plant Operations leadership.
- Serve as a mentor or resource to entry-level Plant Operations staff, modeling best practices in safety, workmanship, and professionalism.
- Adhere to all safety protocols, hospital policies, and regulatory standards, including OSHA, CMS, and applicable Joint Commission requirements.
- Utilize computerized maintenance management system (TheWorxHub) to document and track work orders and preventive maintenance.
Qualifications
- Education
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Technical training, vocational education or trade certification preferred
- Experience
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in facilities maintenance, plant operations, or a related technical role.
- Prior experience in healthcare, industrial or commercial facilities environment preferred
- Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
- Ability to read and interpret basic technical manuals, schematics, and work orders.
- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work independently and self-motivated with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities effectively
- High attention to detail with a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and quality workmanship.
- Physical ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs and perform extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and climbing.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record for local deliveries.
Working Conditions
- This position involves physical labor and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Exposure to potential hazards such as chemicals, waste materials, and machinery noise.
- May require flexible hours, including some weekends or on-call shifts for emergency maintenance.