What’s a Mech. Superintendent?

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A mechanical superintendent coordinates and supervises construction, maintenance, and repair activities in a facility that houses large mechanical equipment. He or she makes sure that gas lines, plumbing fixtures, boilers, and other items are kept in perfect working order at all times. The job requires in-depth knowledge of the detailed physical properties of mechanical systems, and many superintendents have several years of construction and maintenance experience.

Mechanical Superintendents work full-time at industrial plants, manufacturing plants, and large structures such as office buildings and hospitals. They direct maintenance crews in their day-to-day activities, such as cleaning and testing machinery. A superintendent often personally inspects equipment, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and schedules maintenance and repair tasks as needed. If a worker encounters a major problem, he will inform the superintendent and receive instructions on how to remedy it.

To do the job well, it’s important that a mechanical superintendent has both a working understanding of maintenance work and strong communication, organization, and leadership skills. In particular, you must have a thorough understanding of how the different systems work. The superintendent studies equipment blueprints and schematics to understand the inner workings of engines, gearboxes, and water and gas lines. An experienced mechanical superintendent can effectively explain systems to workers and teach them how to perform complex tasks.

The job title of mechanical superintendent is sometimes delegated to a lead supervisor on a construction site. In this sense, the mechanical superintendent works with the foremen to ensure that the heating, gas and water lines and systems are installed correctly according to the plans. He or she can set worker schedules and project deadlines to ensure jobs are completed as efficiently as possible. The superintendent also typically inspects ongoing progress on the job site, ensures buildings meet federal safety codes, and prepares formal final reports for the building owner.

A person who wants to become a mechanical superintendent usually needs a combination of formal education and hands-on experience in related jobs. Many professionals hold associate degrees or vocational school certificates in a mechanical discipline, such as plumbing maintenance or HVAC. They typically apprentice for about five years in their specialty to gain training and on-the-job experience before becoming self-employed travellers. Over time, a worker who excels at their job and demonstrates strong leadership skills may have the opportunity to move into a supervisory position.

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