Job Description

Based in a postal plant or other designated postal facility, the lead hand supervises a group of up to twenty technicians. Supervises and performs preventive and corrective maintenance work to ensure that mail handling and processing equipment, assemblies and components are serviceable and operating to approved standards to meet operational needs. Assigns work; directs subordinates in the choice of work methods; reviews work in progress; accepts or rejects completed work; co-ordinates the work of individuals to meet schedules; appraises employee performance; and maintains and promotes a safe working environment.

Job Responsibilities

Below are the main job requirements and responsibilities for the Lead Hand, Maintenance Operations.

1. Assigns, supervises and performs all preventive and corrective maintenance work to ensure the safe and correct operation of the equipment. This includes the full range of work activities: observation, testing, diagnosis, maintenance, adjustment, revision and modification. Ensures maintenance staff are capable of performing all required tasks by selecting, training, developing and evaluating their qualifications, abilities and performance. Job requires a thorough knowledge of mail processing and associated equipment maintenance related technologies and standards, the ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including working at heights, and team leader experience.

2. Initiates and maintains documentation relative to the work performed using the Computerized Maintenance Management system. Reads schematics, drawings, and specifications in locating and correcting potential or existing malfunctions and failures.

3. Delegates or initiates work orders requesting corrective actions for below standard conditions; assists in the estimating of time and materials required and measures and/or lays out work for major or difficult jobs to efficiently utilize labour and materials. Reports the circumstances surrounding equipment failures, and recommends measures for their correction.

4. Recommends changes in preventive maintenance procedures and practices to provide the proper level of maintenance; assists in the revision of preventive maintenance checklists and the frequency of performing preventive maintenance tasks. In instances of serious equipment failures, oversees or conducts investigations to determine the cause of the breakdown and to recommend remedial action to prevent recurrence.

Job Responsibilities (continued)

5. Interfaces with management at all levels to determine equipment problems, to advise on equipment status, to confirm availability of equipment/work area for maintenance purposes and to clarify Operations' needs. Maintains close relationships with mail processing supervisors to adjust schedules and priorities as a result of changes in equipment availability or business priorities.

6. Observes and promotes established safety practices and requirements pertaining to the type of work involved; maintains and promotes a safe working environment at all times, recommending additional safety measures as required. Advises Operations personnel on safe and effective operating procedures for the equipment/systems in use.

7. Uses necessary hand and power tools, and mechanical, electrical and electronic gauging devices, instruments, test equipment and predictive technologies as required. Duties also require the use of motorized lifting equipment, specialized equipment for work at heights or other types of tools or equipment to perform preventive or corrective work activities.

8. In the absence of the store person, retrieves, obtains, and records items used in support of maintenance and repair duties from stores.

9. Participates in training programs in the classroom, on-the-job on or off site as required

10. Performs other job related tasks in support of primary duties.

Qualifications

Education

• Successful completion of a post-secondary program in either a mechanical, electro-mechanical or electronic field.
• DEC (diplôme d'études collégiales) or DEP (diplôme d'études professionnelles) in either a mechanical, electro-mechanical or electronic field (Québec only).

Experience

• At least one year experience as a working member of a technical group (with focus in experience taking a leadership role).
• Five years of recent experience in the maintenance and repair of a variety of automated electro-mechanical and electronic systems and equipment.

Other Candidate Requirements

Knowledge:

• Safe working practices and requirements.
• All phases of maintenance: observation, testing, diagnosis, adjustment and revision, repair, installing, rebuilding or modifying parts on systems and equipment.
• Preventative maintenance procedures and practices.
• Conducting investigations to determine causes of equipment breakdowns.
• Motorized lifting equipment and specialized equipment for work at heights.
• Knowledge of the concepts and techniques of leading a group of technical employees to accomplish results efficiently.

Physical Abilities:

• Must be able to safely lift items that weigh less than 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds).

Language

• As per the language requirements for the position.

Skills & Abilities:

• Operating a computer and using programs such as Windows and Microsoft Office.
• Reading and interpreting schematics, drawings, wiring diagrams, specifications.
• Operating hand and power tools, mechanical, electrical and electronic gauging devices, instruments, test equipment and predictive technologies.
• Troubleshooting
• Providing leadership as a working member of a group to plan, schedule and assign work, instruct in work method, procedures and coordinate efforts.
• Assigning and reviewing work in progress and upon completion to ensure work standards and schedules are met.
• Implementing corrective action when standards are not met.

Other Information

Competencies