Being a mechanical supervisor is no small task. For those technical professionals looking to take the next step in their career, this is a rewarding and engaging opportunity. But without the right skills and mindset, it’s likely not a good fit. Here’s what you’ll be expected to do and what it takes to do a mechanical Supervisor job.
Job Summary
Mechanical supervisors are responsible for the supervision of assigned mechanical labor resources on a project under the superintendent’s direction. They are expected to accomplish assignments under the site manager’s direction using the knowledge and skills they have gained through real-world experience.
Mechanical supervisors are counted on to report findings, observations, and problems, make recommendations, and otherwise be a general problem solver. They provide technical guidance and direction to staff members, make recommendations for work assignments, and manage the assigned work sequencing and scheduling. They are responsible for the training and development of employees under their direction, and they ensure that health and safety regulations are observed. They ensure their team members are well qualified to perform the work assigned under their guidance and follow site procedures and policies to accomplish these goals.
Required Skills
To accomplish these tasks, mechanical supervisors must have a well-established technical skillset supporting them and their team in their day-to-day activities. They must have a thorough understanding of corporate and industry practices, processes, and standards, have the ability to obtain an OSHA 30 Card, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills such as tact and diplomacy. It’s helpful to be proficient in software programs such as MS Excel, MS Word, MS Outlook, and database applications.
Mechanical supervisors must also be able to make decisions and recommendations that have a critical role in building a strong professional relationship with the customer and supporting project profitability. They must demonstrate motivation to provide fast, accurate, and complete customer service at all times, and can maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive material. They need to be able to motivate and manage individuals to accomplish departmental goals, and apply organizational skills to keep multiple projects on track.
In terms of physical requirements, mechanical supervisors may work in an office environment or on the project site, or both. They must be able to climb stairs, balance on scaffolding, access small, confined spaces, and work in uncomfortable environmental conditions during site visits. They need to be able to be wherever the work takes them, depending on the project and on the client in question.
Education and Training
Most mechanical supervisors have at least an associate’s degree in engineering or construction management or equivalent experience (which may be considered at the discretion of management). They need at least 3 to 5 years of mechanical supervision experience for construction, design, or craft labor in a nuclear outage environment. Obviously, a strong mechanical background is important, but things like completing a union apprenticeship in mechanical maintenance or designation as a certified journeyman pipefitter, boilermaker, or millwright can also make a candidate stand out.
Find Your Next Job Opportunity
For more information about job opportunities as a mechanical supervisor, or similar jobs, connect with a Williams Industrial recruiter today.
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