10/1/67 A

Plans and directs a buildings and grounds program at a large state institution characterized by a large total resident and staff population generally exceeding 10,000 engaged in highly diversified and decentralized activities..

The work is characterized by the management responsibilities involved in directing all phases of a buildings and grounds program for an unusually complex and extensive physical plant which has highly diversified operations such as hospital accommodations, educational and public service extension divisions and extensive research programs in such fields as medicine, agriculture, and engineering. Administration of the program is complicated by the diversity of activities requiring the maintenance and construction of facilities for construction, research, decentralized food service, utilities, laundry, extensive grounds, large student housing projects, and patient treatment facilities. Responsibility is further involved for the installation, operation, and maintenance of a wide variety of specialized technical apparatus. The technological and sophisticated nature of research and instructional programs requires utilization of materials, instrumentation, and equipment which present unusual and difficult problems in the structural areas of electronic circuitry, waste disposal, constant temperature and humidity controls, and safety devices.

Major management and technological problems are resolved through consultation with the institution’s administrators, and standards are developed and implemented to improve the quality, continuity, and efficiency of operations, some phases of which require around-the-clock surveillance and maintenance. Because of predetermined budget limitations and the requirement to be self-sustaining, constant appraisal and control of a multi-mi11ion dollar budget are necessary along with the economic utilization of the large work force supervised (normally from 300 to 500 skilled and semi-skilled employees) while maintaining service standards. Complete technical freedom is permitted in the direction of the assigned functions end considerable administrative independence is allowed in the work. Direction is received from an institutional administrator or business manager who reviews the work for conformance to broad policies and cost requirements.

Examples of duties characteristic of positions in this class:

1. Directs the technical and administrative aspects of plant operation, building maintenance, grounds maintenance, housekeeping and related services at a state institution where the resident and staff population exceeds 1O,OOO.
2. Plans and is responsible for the control of a multi-million dollar institutional maintenance program based on budget allocation; involves establishing priorities and scheduling work based on seasonal needs and funds available; varies size and composition of work force to meet varying needs of the program.
3. Directs construction and alteration projects after discussions with superiors and originating department heads; supervises the preparation of plans and cost estimates; outlines plans for new construction to assistants who will supervise projects; inspects installation during progress and upon completion.
4. Serves as technical advisor to the administrative officials responsible for the total operation of the agency facility for the purpose of providing technica1 guidance relevant to long-range projections for development.
5. Plans and coordinates the instal1ation of power, modern heating, electric utilities, and communication systems complicated by the massive nature of the buildings, the cumulative effect of age of existing faci1ities, or by the dispersion of the facilities.
6. Directs extensive landscaping of lawns and surrounding grounds characterized by maintenance, upkeep, and land development problems which, in some cases, are compounded by constant public appraisal emanating from area’s historical interest.
7. Prepares budget based on plans developed for maintenance and repair work including new construction and alteration projects, replacement of existing equipment and procurement of additional equipment.
8. Considers service demands for electric power to meet load requirements; determines when action is necessary to modify or change equipment based on transformer capacities and utility characteristics.
9. Directs the installation, operation, and maintenance of a wide variety of highly specialized and technical research equipment.

Graduation from an accredited co1lege or university with major studies in engineering or related fields, and at least six years of supervisory experience in construction and maintenance of large physical plan facilities. Additional supervisory experience of a comparable level may be substituted for the college education on an equivalent time basis, or graduate study in engineering or a related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience on an equivalent time basis.

Extensive knowledge of the administration of a large physical plant and maintenance program; considerable knowledge of building construction; ability to coordinate a large buildings and grounds program; ability to advise on technica1 prob1ems in building operations.