NPS Essential Competencies: Utility Systems Repair/Operator

Essential Competencies

ENTRY LEVEL

Description: This competency identifies the knowledge and skills required to perform basic plant operation, and preventive maintenance on a selected array of equipment; following scheduling requirements and manufacturer's guidelines; and by using trouble-shooting techniques and proper tool care.

I. Closely supervised, limited plant repair and operation

A. Assist Operator

1. Follow Scheduling

2. Learn facility layout

B. Learn Basic Plant Operation

1. Basic interpretation of state and federal regulations and reporting requirements

2. Learn basic use of equipment

3. Closely supervised system monitoring

C. Helper Responsibilities

1. Gather materials

2. Cleanup & Equipment Care

3. Safety Considerations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

3 R's

Care of tools and equipment

Safe working practices

Skill in:

Demonstrated learning skill

Demonstrated mechanical skill

Ability to:

Follow instructions

Learn plant layout and operation

Learn chemical relationship

Learn and apply regulations

DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL

Description: This competency identifies the knowledge and skills required to perform full basic plant operation, and intermediate level routine and cyclic preventive maintenance on a selected array of equipment; following and interpreting scheduling requirements and manufacturer's guidelines in a wide variety of situations; and by using trouble-shooting techniques and proper tool care.

All Competencies at the Entry Level, plus:

I.Full repair and operation of simple plant or utilities systems

A. Monitor and adjust any part of the system

1. Follow specific instructions

2. Check plant equipment

3. Perform basic tests

4. Modify operating parameters for finished product

5. Compile data into reports

B.Maintain facility

1. Perform routine maintenance

2. Clean and paint equipment and pipes

3. Troubleshoot and repair problems

C. Developmental level responsibilities

1. Compliance with regulations

2. Proper plant operation and repair

3. Safety Considerations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

State and Federal Regulations

Full simple plant operation

Chemical relationships

Skill in:

Reading meters, gauges and charts

Performing simple treatment processes

Performing routine maintenance

Perform troubleshooting and repair

Ability to:

Gather and record data

Prepare reports

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL

Description: This competency identifies the knowledge and skills required for full plant operation, and performance of routine, cyclic, and specialized maintenance and repair on all equipment used in a trade or craft.

All Competencies at the Entry and Developmental Levels, plus:

I.Full repair and operation of complex utility plant or system

A. Monitor and adjust any part of the system

1. Develop and implement schedule

2. Perform extensive tests

3. Modify operating parameters for finished product

B. Maintain facility

1. Check and adjust equipment

2. Perform maintenance to equipment

3. Troubleshoot and repair complex problems

C. Lead Responsibilities

1. Meet State and Federal regulations

2. Final reports to State and Federal agencies

3. Lead lower graded employees

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of:

Utility plant processes

Plant operation

Effects of all individual and combined chemicals and compounds

State and Federal Regulations

Troubleshooting principles

Skill in:

Changing treatment parameters

Operation of treatment equipment

Ability to:

Make repairs to complex systems

Prepare final reports

National Park Service
Training and Development Division
Essential Competencies
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