Plant Operations

PeopleFirst Healthcare; Kissimmee (FL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

PeopleFirst Healthcare is seeking a Plant Operations professional to maintain a safe, functional, and well‑maintained environment in a skilled nursing facility in Kissimmee, FL. The role covers building, grounds, equipment, utilities, and life-safety systems in alignment with regulatory requirements.

You will collaborate with facility leadership, ensure preventive maintenance programs, and address safety concerns promptly to keep residents, visitors, and staff safe and comfortable.

Qualifications

• Must have strong mechanical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs and records.
• Ability to read equipment manuals and maintenance documentation.
• Knowledge of safety practices in a healthcare facility.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day maintenance and operation of the facility.
• Coordinate maintenance with nursing and other departments.
• Respond to maintenance requests prioritizing resident safety.
• Develop and maintain preventive maintenance schedules.
• Supervise maintenance staff when applicable.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Safety practices

Time management

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Work order software

Job description

Plant Operations

Position Summary

The Plant Operations professional is responsible for maintaining a safe, functional, clean, and well-maintained physical environment within the skilled nursing facility. This position oversees the maintenance and operation of the building, grounds, equipment, utilities, and life-safety systems while supporting compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

The position works closely with facility leadership and department heads to ensure maintenance concerns are addressed promptly, preventive maintenance programs are completed, and the facility remains safe and comfortable for residents, visitors, and employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Facility Maintenance & Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day maintenance and operation of the facility, including resident rooms, common areas, offices, mechanical spaces, exterior areas, and grounds.

• Perform and/or coordinate routine repairs involving plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, carpentry, painting, fixtures, doors, locks, and other building components within the scope of the position.

• Respond promptly to maintenance requests and prioritize repairs based on resident safety and operational needs.

• Conduct routine inspections of the building, grounds, equipment, and systems to identify needed repairs or potential safety concerns.

• Maintain facility equipment in safe and proper working condition.

• Coordinate outside contractors and vendors when repairs or services require specialized or licensed professionals.

• Assist with room preparation, furniture movement, equipment installation, and other facility operational needs.

• Maintain the exterior appearance and condition of the facility, including sidewalks, parking areas, landscaping, lighting, and other grounds-related areas.

Preventive Maintenance

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive preventive maintenance program.

• Complete scheduled inspections, testing, servicing, and maintenance of facility systems and equipment.

• Maintain accurate preventive maintenance records and documentation.

• Monitor equipment performance and recommend repair or replacement when appropriate.

• Maintain an organized inventory of maintenance tools, parts, equipment, and supplies.

• Ensure maintenance areas, workshops, mechanical rooms, and storage areas remain clean, organized, and secured.

Life Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Support compliance with applicable Life Safety Code requirements and facility safety standards.

• Routinely inspect fire doors, emergency lighting, exit routes, fire extinguishers, generators, sprinkler‑related components, and other applicable life‑safety equipment in coordination with qualified vendors when required.

• Maintain required inspection, testing, and maintenance documentation for applicable building and life‑safety systems.

• Participate in fire drills, emergency preparedness exercises, and disaster planning activities.

• Assist facility leadership in maintaining the facility's Emergency Preparedness Plan.

• Ensure exits, corridors, electrical panels, mechanical rooms, and emergency equipment remain accessible and free from obstruction.

• Respond appropriately to facility emergencies involving utilities, equipment failures, weather events, or other building‑related concerns.

• Assist with generator testing and emergency power preparedness according to facility policy and applicable requirements.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Support facility compliance with applicable CMS requirements, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) requirements, fire and life‑safety standards, OSHA requirements, and local building and fire codes.

• Maintain maintenance logs, inspection reports, vendor documentation, work orders, service records, and other required records.

• Assist with preparation for regulatory surveys, inspections, and audits.

• Participate in facility rounds and promptly address identified environmental or maintenance concerns.

• Assist in developing and implementing plans of correction related to physical plant or life‑safety findings when necessary.

• Follow facility policies regarding infection prevention and control during maintenance, renovation, construction, and repair activities.

Safety & Resident Environment

• Maintain a safe, comfortable, and resident‑centered environment.

• Immediately report and address hazardous conditions, including water leaks, electrical hazards, damaged flooring, inadequate lighting, temperature concerns, and other environmental risks.

• Use appropriate signage, barriers, and safety precautions when performing maintenance in resident or public areas.

• Maintain tools, chemicals, equipment, and potentially hazardous materials in secured areas inaccessible to residents.

• Follow applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements and facility procedures for handling chemicals and hazardous materials.

• Respect resident privacy, dignity, rights, and personal property when entering resident rooms or performing maintenance services.

• Minimize disruption to residents when completing repairs and maintenance activities.

Leadership & Communication

• Communicate effectively with the Administrator and department leaders regarding facility needs, repairs, projects, and potential safety concerns.

• Supervise maintenance personnel when applicable, including assigning work and monitoring completion.

• Coordinate maintenance activities with nursing, environmental services, dietary, rehabilitation, and other departments.

• Assist with obtaining vendor proposals and recommendations for significant repairs or capital projects.

• Monitor contractor work to ensure services are completed appropriately and safely.

• Participate in facility meetings, safety committees, Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities, and other committees as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Previous maintenance, plant operations, facilities management, or related experience required; healthcare or skilled nursing facility experience preferred.

• Supervisory or management experience preferred when the position is responsible for maintenance staff.

• Knowledge of basic plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, painting, and general building maintenance preferred.

• Knowledge of healthcare life‑safety requirements and preventive maintenance practices preferred.

• Ability to read and understand equipment manuals, safety instructions, work orders, and maintenance documentation.

• Ability to maintain accurate records and effectively prioritize multiple maintenance needs.

• Valid driver's license may be required based on facility responsibilities.

• Must meet all applicable employment screening and background requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong mechanical and troubleshooting abilities.

• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices.

• Understanding of workplace and environmental safety practices.

• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.

• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to potentially hazardous conditions.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with facility leadership and staff.

• Ability to communicate professionally with residents, families, employees, vendors, inspectors, and contractors.

• Ability to respond appropriately during emergencies and unexpected facility events.

• Basic computer skills for work orders, documentation, email, and maintenance tracking systems.

Physical Requirements

The position may require frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, climbing, pushing, pulling, and lifting. The employee must be able to safely use ladders, hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment appropriate to assigned duties.

The position may require lifting and/or moving equipment, furniture, supplies, and materials consistent with facility policy and safe‑lifting practices. Work may occasionally be performed outdoors, in mechanical areas, or in environments involving temperature variations, noise, dust, or other conditions associated with facility maintenance.

Working Conditions

• Works throughout resident‑care, administrative, mechanical, storage, and exterior areas of the facility.

• May be exposed to cleaning chemicals, maintenance materials, noise, dust, heat, cold, and other environmental conditions.

• May occasionally encounter residents with infectious illnesses and must follow established infection‑control precautions.

• May be required to respond to urgent maintenance situations outside normally scheduled hours.

• Must follow all facility safety, infection prevention, emergency preparedness, and resident‑rights policies.