The University’s skilled labors are professional craftsman who have mastered their trade through extended periods of formal training or even apprenticeship. The jobs performed by these individuals require the ability to use independent judgment combined with a high degree of skill. They each have extremely specialized knowledge and qualifications.

Under general supervision from a Chief Plant Operating Engineer, to assist in the supervision of the operation and maintenance of all power plant equipment and of building mechanical equipment. The Assistant Chief Plant Operating Engineer typically: supervises Plant Operating Engineers, Boiler Room Firemen, Power Plant Mechanics and other assigned personnel; supervises, and assists in, the proper operation of power plant equipment, building ventilating and air-conditioning equipment, pumps, compressors, and other building mechanical equipment; supervises, and assists in, the maintenance of proper building temperatures and humidity; reads and checks gauges, meters, and thermometers; and supervises the caring for, and cleaning of, all power plant and building mechanical equipment.
Automotive mechanics, often called automotive service technicians, inspect, maintain, or repair automobiles and light trucks with gasoline engines, such as vans and pickups. The ability to diagnose the source of the problem quickly and accurately is one of the mechanic's most valuable skills. This skill requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Automotive mechanics use a variety of tools in their work. They use power tools such as pneumatic wrenches to remove bolts quickly, machine tools like lathes and grinding machines to rebuild brakes, welding and flame-cutting equipment to remove and repair exhaust systems, and jacks and hoists to lift cars and engines. They also use common hand tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches to work on small parts and in hard-to-reach places.
Carpenters are considered journey level craftsman. They construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, and wallboard, using carpenter's hand tools and power tools, and conforming to local building codes: Study blueprints, sketches, or building plans for information pertaining to type of material required, such as lumber or fiberboard, and dimensions of structure or fixture to be fabricated. Carpenters prepare layouts, using rule, framing square, and calipers. They mark cutting and assembly lines on materials, using pencil, chalk, and marking gauge. They shape materials to prescribed measurements, using saws, chisels, and planes.
Coordinates and directs the operation and maintenance of all power plant equipment and building mechanical equipment. Supervises directly all subordinates and other personnel assigned. Directs and assists in the operation of power plant equipment, building, ventilating, and air-conditioning equipment, pumps, compressors and other building mechanical equipment. Makes, or supervises making, emergency repairs and adjustments. Maintains operating and maintenance records and coordinates, schedules, and assigns necessary work.
Electricians install and maintain all of the electrical and power systems. They install and maintain the wiring and control equipment through which electricity flows. They also install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment and machines, such as motors, transformers and electronic controllers. Electricians install wiring systems, fix and upgrade existing electrical systems and repair electrical equipment, as well as perform periodic inspections of all equipment to ensure that it is operating properly and to correct problems before breakdowns occur. These employees typically read blueprints and use handtools such as conduit benders, screwdrivers, pliers, knives, hacksaws, and wire strippers, as well as power tools such as drills and saws. To test connections and ensure compatibility and safety, they may also use ammeters, ohmmeters, voltmeters, and harmonics testers. All electricians must follow State and local building codes and the National Electrical Code when performing their work.
An employee allocated to this class of work is responsible for planning, directing, and organizing the work of labor crews of varying sizes. Assignments are received both orally and in writing. Work is performed under the general direction of an administrative superior and is reviewed through inspection while in progress and upon completion. Schedules and coordinates the work of a group or groups of skilled and/or unskilled laborers. Confers with appropriate administrative personnel concerning the assignment and scheduling of required manpower. Estimates manpower requirements and materials for various projects and work assignments. Maintains inventory of materials and equipment. Orders and issues replacement parts. Prepares progress and other reports concerning the type of repairs made, materials used, and cost of completed work assignments.
The Grounds Equipment Mechanic, under general supervision from a designated supervisor, services, repairs, and maintains grounds equipment. Typical duties include, but are not limited to the following: overhauls internal combustion engines up to 100 horsepower; repairs and replaces worn and broken parts on the equipment as necessary; constructs or modifies equipment as needs demand; services equipment on a periodic maintenance basis; does welding required to maintain equipment in running order; diagnoses and corrects defects of grounds equipment; and assists in conducting efficiency, power consumption, and other tests on various machines.
Painters apply paint, stain, varnish, and other finishes to buildings and other structures, selecting the appropriate paint applicator for each job. They select the right paint or finish for the surface to be covered, taking into account durability, ease of handling, and method of application. Additional duties may include, but are not limited to preparing surfaces to be coated (e.g. removing the old coat of paint, washing walls and trim to remove old dirt); applying a primer or sealer to prepare the surface; and mixing paint and matching colors.
Plant operating Engineers supervise and perform skilled mechanical work in the repair, operation, and maintenance of a heating plant and/or other related mechanical equipment throughout the campus. Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: fires boilers; starts and stops turbines, feed pumps, and air compressors; regulates steam flow; reads meters; operates switches and condensers, operates and maintains engines, pumps, generators, ice machines, HVAC and other power plant and engine room equipment and checks water levels, temperatures, and steam pressures.