Plant Maintenance Supervisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of horticulture and botany, the role of a Plant Maintenance Supervisor has never been more crucial.
As the field of plant care and sustainability progresses, the demand for skilled individuals capable of managing, enhancing, and protecting our botanical environments grows stronger.
But let’s dig a little deeper: What’s truly expected from a Plant Maintenance Supervisor?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of plant care management,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Plant Maintenance Supervisor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Plant Maintenance Supervisor Duties and Responsibilities
A Plant Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of a plant’s equipment and machinery, ensuring that production operations are not interrupted.
They manage the maintenance team, develop maintenance strategies, and ensure that the plant is compliant with safety regulations.
The duties and responsibilities of a Plant Maintenance Supervisor include:
- Overseeing the daily operations of the maintenance department
- Developing and implementing maintenance procedures and ensuring that they are adhered to
- Inspecting the plant’s equipment and machinery regularly to identify any issues
- Directing the repair and replacement of malfunctioning equipment and machinery
- Coordinating and supervising maintenance workers and ensuring they are well-trained and capable
- Planning and managing the plant’s maintenance budget
- Keeping a record of all maintenance and repair work conducted, and analyzing these records to identify trends and areas of improvement
- Ensuring that the plant is compliant with all relevant safety regulations and standards
- Collaborating with other supervisors and staff to optimize productivity
- Ordering necessary parts and equipment for repairs and upgrades
Plant Maintenance Supervisor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Plant Maintenance Supervisor to oversee all installation, repair and upkeep operations of our company’s facilities.
You will be responsible for maintaining machinery, planning repair activities, and developing maintenance procedures.
The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of plumbing and electrical systems as well as carpentry and other crafts.
They will be well-versed in all maintenance process and health and safety regulations.
The goal is to ensure that our machinery and equipment are always in good working condition for optimal production.
Responsibilities
- Inspect facilities periodically to determine problems and necessary maintenance
- Prepare weekly maintenance schedules and allocate work
- Recruit, supervise and train maintenance technicians
- Hire and supervise tradesmen during installations, repairs or maintenance (electricians, plumbers etc.)
- Inspect and maintain plant machinery and equipment to ensure optimal functionality
- Plan and oversee all repair and installation activities
- Monitor equipment inventory and place orders when necessary
- Monitor expenses and control the budget for maintenance
- Ensure health and safety policies are complied with
Qualifications
- Proven experience as maintenance supervisor or similar role
- Strong technical knowledge of all building systems (electrical, heating etc.)
- Knowledge of health & safety practices and regulations
- Understanding of budgeting and performance management
- Excellent planning and leadership abilities
- An eye for detail
- Computer savvy
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- High school diploma or equivalent; Degree from a vocational school will be a plus
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Plant Maintenance Supervisor
- Work Environment: This job typically takes place in a factory or warehouse setting. Some work may be required in outdoor settings.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Plant Manager or Operations Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Plant Maintenance Supervisor Do?
Plant Maintenance Supervisors typically work in manufacturing or industrial settings and are responsible for overseeing and coordinating maintenance efforts across the plant.
Their main role is to maintain the smooth operation of the plant by ensuring that both routine and preventative maintenance tasks are carried out in a timely and effective manner.
This involves tasks such as overseeing the repair, installation, and maintenance of plant equipment and machinery, ensuring that they meet safety and operational standards.
Plant Maintenance Supervisors also play a key role in planning and scheduling maintenance work, including shutdowns and major overhauls.
They coordinate with different departments to ensure that maintenance activities do not interfere with production schedules.
They are also responsible for managing maintenance teams, assigning tasks, providing training and ensuring that all safety procedures are adhered to.
This includes conducting regular safety inspections and implementing measures to prevent accidents.
Plant Maintenance Supervisors are also often involved in budgeting for the maintenance department, including forecasting costs for equipment, supplies, and labor.
They may also work with vendors and suppliers to source equipment and parts.
In addition, they are often involved in process improvements, identifying and implementing strategies to increase efficiency and productivity within the plant.
This could involve adopting new technologies or maintenance practices.
Plant Maintenance Supervisor Qualifications and Skills
A Plant Maintenance Supervisor should possess a diverse set of technical skills, leadership qualities and industry knowledge, which include:
- Excellent knowledge of plant operations, equipment functions and maintenance procedures to efficiently supervise and manage all plant maintenance activities.
- Strong leadership skills to direct and manage the maintenance team effectively, ensuring all tasks are completed timely and accurately.
- Problem-solving skills to promptly identify and rectify faults or malfunctions in the plant machinery.
- Excellent organizational skills to schedule routine checks and maintenance of equipment, ensuring optimal plant performance and minimizing downtimes.
- Technical skills in electrical and mechanical fields to understand and supervise maintenance procedures.
- Good understanding of safety regulations and procedures, ensuring adherence to occupational health and safety guidelines in all maintenance activities.
- Outstanding communication skills to relay complex technical information to team members and higher management, and to coordinate effectively with other departments.
- Ability to work under pressure, and make critical decisions to ensure smooth plant operations.
- Physical stamina to frequently inspect the plant operations, including climbing ladders, lifting heavy objects and working in confined spaces.
Plant Maintenance Supervisor Experience Requirements
The role of a Plant Maintenance Supervisor often requires a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in a maintenance environment, preferably within a manufacturing or industrial setting.
This experience should include hands-on technical work, as well as some supervisory or managerial experience.
Entry-level candidates in this field often start in roles such as Maintenance Technician, Maintenance Mechanic, or similar jobs where they can gain practical experience in maintaining and troubleshooting machinery, equipment and other plant systems.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are likely to have developed advanced technical skills and expertise in maintaining plant machinery and systems.
They may have also gained experience in supervising other technicians or workers and in managing maintenance schedules, spare parts inventories, and other resources.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have significant supervisory or managerial experience.
They are likely to be proficient in managing maintenance teams, coordinating with other departments, complying with safety regulations, and improving maintenance procedures and systems.
Such candidates are typically suitable for senior roles in plant maintenance supervision.
In addition to the above, a Plant Maintenance Supervisor should also have a good understanding of maintenance planning tools, predictive and preventive maintenance practices, and relevant industry standards and regulations.
Experience with specific types of machinery or systems used in the plant may also be required.
Plant Maintenance Supervisor Education and Training Requirements
A Plant Maintenance Supervisor typically holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
In addition to their degree, they usually need several years of hands-on experience in plant operations, maintenance, and safety procedures.
They are also expected to be proficient in using various tools and equipment used in plant maintenance and should have a good understanding of manufacturing processes.
Some roles may require certification in maintenance management, such as a Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) certification.
This certification shows that the individual has a high level of competence and professionalism in the field.
Knowledge of specific maintenance software or systems may also be required, as the Plant Maintenance Supervisor will often need to oversee or directly handle routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair work.
Furthermore, leadership skills are critical in this role, as the Plant Maintenance Supervisor is typically responsible for managing a team.
As such, coursework or additional training in management or leadership could be beneficial.
Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technological advancements and regulatory changes related to plant operations and maintenance is also a crucial aspect of this role.
Plant Maintenance Supervisor Salary Expectations
The average wage for a Plant Maintenance Supervisor is $70,132 (USD) per year.
However, the actual earnings can greatly differ based on the individual’s years of experience, qualifications, location, and the industry of the employing company.
Plant Maintenance Supervisor Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Plant Maintenance Supervisor need?
A Plant Maintenance Supervisor should have strong leadership skills to lead and supervise a team of maintenance workers.
They should be familiar with various types of industrial equipment and have the technical skills to oversee their maintenance.
Problem-solving skills are crucial for diagnosing and fixing equipment issues.
They should also have good communication skills to coordinate with other departments and relay instructions to their team.
Do Plant Maintenance Supervisors need a degree?
While a degree is not always required, many employers prefer a Plant Maintenance Supervisor to have a degree in industrial technology, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
However, extensive experience in industrial maintenance can also qualify an individual for this role.
Some positions may require certification or licensure depending on the type of equipment they will be working with.
What should you look for in a Plant Maintenance Supervisor resume?
A Plant Maintenance Supervisor’s resume should highlight their technical knowledge and experience in maintenance and repair of industrial equipment.
It should also demonstrate leadership experience, as the role requires managing a team.
Certifications, if any, should also be listed.
Lastly, look for examples where they have improved processes or increased efficiency, as this is a key part of the role.
What qualities make a good Plant Maintenance Supervisor?
A good Plant Maintenance Supervisor has excellent leadership and managerial skills.
They are able to delegate tasks, motivate their team, and manage time efficiently.
They also have a deep understanding of industrial equipment and machinery, and they are able to diagnose and solve problems efficiently.
An effective Plant Maintenance Supervisor also has good communication skills for coordinating with other departments and reporting to upper management.
Is it difficult to hire Plant Maintenance Supervisors?
Hiring for a Plant Maintenance Supervisor can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.
Candidates need to have a strong background in industrial equipment maintenance, as well as demonstrated leadership ability.
It can be beneficial to work with a recruiting agency that specializes in industrial or manufacturing roles to find qualified candidates.
Conclusion
So there you have it.
Today, we’ve dug into the essence of what it really means to be a Plant Maintenance Supervisor.
Surprised?
It’s not just about pruning and watering.
It’s about fostering growth, one plant at a time.
With our go-to Plant Maintenance Supervisor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to branch out.
But why stop there?
Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or honing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every plant is a part of a bigger ecosystem.
Let’s cultivate that future. Together.