Multitrade Operator

General Summary

Under general supervision, responsible for the operation of one or more of the following systems: cooling and heating plant; air distribution; electrical power; electronics; piping; and medical gases. Evaluate and coordinate the repair, replacement, readjustment, and re-calibration of equipment to ensure the adequacy of the system to support the patient care and business needs of the hospital.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

• The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
• Evaluates the condition of one or more of the following systems: cooling and heating plant, air distribution, electrical power, electronics, piping, and medical gases. Identifies, prioritizes and coordinates cross-functional repairs, modifications and/or replacements as needed. Monitors and trouble shoots problems with various equipment, such as vacuum, medical gas and control air, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and controls. Performs appropriate repairs as required.
• Institutes and maintains a comprehensive preventive and corrective maintenance program on all equipment and systems.
• Performs rounds of critical equipment on a daily (or prescribed frequency) basis.
• Ensures the safety and continued operation of all systems by effectively communicating the status of all equipment interdepartmentally. Utilizes existing computer resources, such as energy management and work management systems, to maximize the effectiveness of mechanical and HVAC systems.
• Develops operational plans for equipment that complies with established Federal, State, The Joint Commission, and NFPA codes and industry standards. Ensures the effective operation of system equipment that contributes to a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.
• Keeps abreast of current regulatory information and guidelines and related hospital policies. Maintains required records/documentation.
• Develops emergency contingency procedures in the event of a system failure. Identifies and recommends operating and safety procedures to be performed in an emergency situation. Coordinates appropriate response when system equipment no longer supports staff needs in an effective manner.
• Training/orientation requirements for staff supported by the system. Ensures that all staff operating equipment is informed and complies with correct operational procedures. Trains staff on new techniques and equipment utilization. Conducts group and individual demonstrations as needed.
• Develops standards for equipment performance that focus on areas of critical importance in the functioning of the equipment. Documents when performance standards are not achieved, and initiate the corrective action process following established procedures.
• Contributes to the development of a life cycle management plan for the system.
• Participates in the equipment system budgeting process. Recommends equipment upgrades and capital improvements. Coordinates with architects and engineers in the design and implementation of major repairs and capital projects.
• Communicates and maintains daily contact with various Medical System personnel, outside contractors, equipment and supply vendors, consultants; communicates with city and state regulatory agencies, as needed.
• Initiates interdepartmental as well as intradepartmental communications to identify and resolve potential systems-related problems.
• Coordinates on-site work performed by outside contractors, and communicates results to appropriate management personnel.
• Ensures that scheduled system outages are coordinated with users and that users are alerted as to the effect that the outage will have on patient care operations. Plans outages that provide for continuous patient support and business operations.
• Participates in ordering and maintaining inventory and records on all materials, as needed, in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Participates in on-call work, responding to off-hour emergencies and makes independent decisions to ensure resolution of such emergencies, as needed.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) is required. Formal technical training in an applicable trade is preferred.
• Four years of experience in operation of specific system equipment is required.