Plastic Fabricators weld, drill, cut, form and shape plastic. They fabricate and assemble plastic products using their knowledge of the properties of plastics and how they bond together.

They use power tools, hand tools and precision equipment to rework and repair plastic products. They are required to read work orders and interpret blueprints in order to plan and carry out the design specifications.

Nature of Work

Plastic fabricators follow patterns laid out on templates, sketches, blueprints or samples with the use of instruments to measure and mark plastic materials. After creating the cutting lines, they cut the plastic material to the specified measurements with knives, cutters, shears, saws or routers depending on the most appropriate tool or equipment. They mix various ingredients called for by the formula they are following such as catalysts, accelerators, resins, colors using tools for this purpose. Plastic fabricators are responsible for setting up and operating the machines used to press, shape or laminate plastic products. They are also involved in operating the oven to cure plastic components or parts. They use the proper tools to trim, drill, ream countersink, grind and finish the different plastic parts according to specifications. Using precision instruments such as calipers and micrometers, plastic fabricators test and verify that the parts’ dimensions are correct. They fit and assemble the finished parts together, and attach the required hardware and fittings to complete the product.

Qualifications

The educational level that candidates must have usually depends on the particular company that is hiring a plastic fabricator. Some companies prefer high school graduates although most of them give more importance to experience and extra training. Workers usually learn more plastic fabrication skills through on-the-job training. They need to have manual dexterity and good eyesight to be able to carry out repetitive and complex tasks, especially for those who are assigned to work with small parts. They must possess good interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral, as well as the ability to work in a team. They must be able to read and understand engineering drawings and documents in order to carry out the instructions according to specifications.

Medical equipment repairers are responsible for repairing and maintaining medical equipment. They need to make sure that these are safe, clean and working in top condition.

They use different tools and instruments, including computers and software to determine and fix issues and problems with medical laboratory equipment and other machines such X-ray and ultrasound, electric wheelchairs, hospital beds, respirators, and heart defibrillators.

Nature of Work

Medical equipment repairers are in charge of inspecting and testing malfunctioning and defective medical equipment. In performing these tasks, they use different instruments and follow the recommendations and specifications supplied by the manufacturers. They test medical equipment as well as examine the medical facilities to make sure that they comply with safety laws. They take steps to ensure that equipments are used properly for the protection of patients and medical staff from mechanical or electrical dangers. Medical equipment repairers are also responsible for keeping and updating records of repairs and maintenance activities for all equipment. They service and do regular preventive maintenance on equipment as scheduled such as lubricating, cleaning and making adjustments when required. They perform tests on medical equipment components and calibrate them to make sure they are accurate. New staff may not know how to operate medical equipment so medical equipment repairers are also responsible for explaining and demonstrating the proper operation to them, including how to perform simple preventive maintenance. They may also be required to make evaluations of medical equipment specifications for the purpose of identifying those that are best suited for use in the facility.
Disassemble malfunctioning equipment and remove, repair and replace defective parts such as motors, clutches or transformers. Keep records of maintenance, repair, and required updates of equipment. Perform preventive maintenance or service such as cleaning, lubricating and adjusting equipment. Test and calibrate components and equipment following manufacturers’ manuals and troubleshooting techniques, using hand tools, power tools and measuring devices.

Qualifications

Medical equipment repairers must have expert knowledge of circuit boards, computer chips, processors, and software applications and programming, as well as electrical and electronic equipment. They should possess extensive knowledge of machine designs, maintenance and repair procedures. They should also be knowledgeable about engineering science and technology and how to apply them in the job at hand. They should possess a high skill level of diagnosing and determining the source of errors and malfunctions.

High Voltage Electricians are responsible for installing, testing, repairing and maintaining electric power plants, including overhead and underground systems for distributing electricity to consumers.

They need to know electronics and electrical principles and how to apply them in the tasks they do as electricians. They need to now the safety standards involving work on electrical power systems of more than 600 volts.

Nature of Work

High voltage electricians do a dangerous job so every thing about them must be checked and made sure are in order. Employers usually want to make sure that they have a clean background, are properly educated and trained in the corresponding trade. Cities need them because all industries, homes and buildings consume electricity. They are needed to test electrical systems for integrity and proper functioning; they repair and maintain them as needed. High voltage electricians are necessary to do repairs when large power interruptions occur; they are necessary as well to prevent such outages from happening. They are responsible for making sure that installed electrical wirings and connections are not damaged and they meet technical and safety standards required by state and federal building codes. In testing, they use different tools and instruments to ensure the safe operations electrical components. They may also be required to maintain transformers, motors and electrical controllers when working with bigger power systems. Because they work with high voltage electricity, they must thoroughly understand OSHA and have in-depth knowledge of state and local building codes, the policies of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulations. Depending on the location and source of the problems they have to deal with, high voltage electricians may be required to work not only indoors but outdoors as well and in extreme conditions. They may be required to be available on call 7/24 for emergency repairs.

Qualifications

High voltage electricians are not required to have degrees but they do have to work as apprentice for about four years of on the job training. Some states require them to obtain a license although all states have examinations to test their knowledge of local and state building codes, electrical power systems and other components.

Child Care Assistants care for pre-school children attending a child care or child development facility. They are under the direct supervision of staff members who plan and supervise the children’s activities with in the facility.

They help in maintaining a safe and clean environment where children can learn, play and develop into responsible adults.

Nature of Work

Child care assistants help staff members in supervising children during playtime in order to make sure that they remain safe and healthy. They assist in feeding, washing and dressing the children while inside the facility. They support the learning experiences of the children by helping prepare the materials needed for their activities such as paints, paint smocks and other learning activities. They keep records of the children’s activities and progress and report them to the child development staff that will include them in their reports to parents and other people concerned. They confer with parents, staff and supervisor of the facility to provide and/or receive information beneficial to the children. Child care assistants may also be responsible for coordinating age appropriate activities for the proper developmental growth of the children. When needed, they can also administer first aid and/or medication to meet the child’s immediate health care requirements. They also help in maintaining the classroom, supplies, equipment and grounds so the children stay safe, orderly and clean while attending classes.

Qualifications

Child care assistants must be able to adhere to safety practices and procedures as required by state and federal laws. They should be able to prepare and maintain accurate records, plan and manage children’s activities and projects, and administer first aid in a timely manner when needed. Child care assistants must have the ability to understand written instructions and procedures, prepare and write pertinent documents, and speak clearly and understandably. They should know how to perform the tasks and functions as required by the job including preparing and implementing age-appropriate programs and activities, providing positive reinforcement to children and dispensing assertive disciplinary practices. Child care assistants must be able to work and communicate with a diverse group of people.

Daycare Assistants are important because they allow the lead teachers to focus on their primary duties. They help set up the activities for children, supervise and help them during feeding time, and assist in changing and putting diapers to infants and toddlers.

Daycare assistants are also involved in tracking the children’s attendance records and progress.

Nature of Work

Daycare assistants assist the lead teachers with the day to day activities in the daycare center. They observe and attend to the children, making sure that they are healthy and safe while learning. It is important that they enjoy working with children and possess an almost bottomless source of energy to keep up with the children in their daily activities. Daycare assistants teach various lessons and lead activities designed to encourage the children to develop mentally, socially, physically and emotionally. They help in charting the children’s daily tasks for presentation to parents so they know what their child does while in the center. They record what the child learns, how the child behaves and even the amount of food eaten during lunch. Daycare assistants also help in cleaning the center to ensure that children are in a safe place where they can learn and play without getting hurt. They sweep the floor, disinfect toys, clean tables, wash sleeping mats and help in organizing the rooms where the children stay. Daycare assistants also help in preparing the children’s lunches and snacks, serving them and helping feed the kids during lunch and snack time. There will be children who are not yet potty trained so daycare assistants are there to help change their diapers and train those who are in potty training stage.

Qualifications

Daycare assistants are required to have a high school diploma as a minimum although each state’s requirements may vary. They should also be certified in first aid and CPR, and must pass child abuse clearances as required by state or federal law. Daycare assistants who wish to become teachers or supervisors in the future need to have an associate degree in early childhood education, as a minimum requirement. They must have excellent oral communication skills as this is essential when dealing with children of all ages. They should also have excellent problem solving skills and enjoy working not only with children but will other daycare staff as well.

A Physical Plant Manager has the responsibility to plan, organize, coordinate, direct and control all the functions within the plant.

This position is responsible for the budget, supervision of personnel, and house keeping in the physical plant, including the inspection, planning and performing repairs and remodeling if needed, of the equipment, facilities and grounds of the plant.

Nature of Work

Physical Plant Managers are in charge of all activities involved in maintaining and repairing the building, systems and equipment of the plant. They are responsible for identifying and correcting defects in structures, and implementing measures to correct them. They develop and implement the plant’s preventive maintenance program, and the policies and procedures for maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment. Physical plant managers supervise and evaluate the performance of contractors. They identify and prioritize tasks and activities involved in the day to day operations of the plant. They develop the budget for repair and maintenance and present it to top management. They also supervise skilled and semi-skilled workers. Physical plant managers are responsible for evaluating the need for training programs to upgrade workers skills, arranging training schedules or conducting training themselves. They work with the staff of other divisions to help identify and resolve plant operations issues and problems.

Qualifications

Candidates for the position of Physical Plant Manager must possess an engineering or industrial management bachelor’s degree or an engineering technology associate degree and experience in construction supervision and planning, plant operations and maintenance. They should be able to lead and motivate all plant personnel to strive for work excellence. They should be able to handle planning, organizing and multi-task as required during plant operations. They should also have in-depth knowledge of all aspects of plant operations including construction, electrical, plumbing, mechanical diagnosis and repair techniques. They should know how to handle, use and dispose of hazardous chemicals.

Geologic engineers are engaged in the technical analysis of the earth’s crust and assessing the risks presented by existing geological hazards. They ensure that significant geological features that affect construction from an engineering point of view are identified and resolved.

Nature of Work

Geologic engineers are responsible for assessing the integrity of the natural conditions of the rock, soil and groundwater of the project before beginning major construction. They provide advice on the development and appropriateness of the construction ground and materials. They are responsible for analyzing construction sites and designing environmentally sound structures. They monitor areas where development is being done and analyze conditions of the grounds to make sure that the structures being constructed are always secure – during construction and during the eventual use of the facilities. Typical work of geologic engineers include consulting aerial photos and geological maps when choosing development site, studying and assessing the value of site information before conducting field tests and investigations. They also assist in designing structures with the aid of specialized software, assess results as required by construction engineers, collect data and prepare reports. Geologic engineers are also involved in making plans for drilling and analyzing collected deposit or bedrock samples, supervising investigations of construction sites. They also manage other personnel including fellow geologic engineers, contractors and consultants.

Qualifications

Geologic engineers need a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering, geosciences or environmental science. Those who want to pursue research positions in private organizations or government agencies must obtain a master’s degree. Senior level positions for research and teaching in colleges and universities require them to have a doctoral degree. Geologic engineers must have extensive computer knowledge especially in mapping, modeling, and data analysis and integration. They should also be up to date in Geographic Information System (GPS) used to pinpoint the location of mineral deposits. They should also possess excellent written and oral communication skills in order to prepare reports and research proposals. Since many oil and mining firms are overseas, knowledge of another language is an advantage.

Geologists study the crust that envelops the earth to know its composition, structure and history. Their findings have many practical uses, especially today when every nation on earth is becoming aware of the environmental changes that affect the earth’s condition.

The data geologists gather from their investigations are used in constructing buildings, in exploring for mineral sources such as petroleum, coal, natural gas and metals, as well as in planning measures for the protection of the environment. Geologists are employed in museums, private industries, colleges and universities, and the federal government.

Nature of Work

There are different kinds of geologists. Some of them are mineralogist, paleontologists, and engineering geologists. Others specialize in being geomorphologists, oceanographers and geological photogeologist. Each of them study a particular part of the earth’s crust and the results are used in particular applications. In general, geologists employ other sciences to explain and identify the physical, chemical and organic processes that affect the development of the planet. Armed with knowledge and the results of their studies, they locate geothermal, underground water resources, mineral and petroleum deposits that people need to run industries. The geological data they find are used to solve engineering problems when constructing dams, large buildings and tunnels. In general, geologists are experts in the processes involved in the evolution of earth and how they affect each other. Geologists usually work in an office, preparing reports and summarizing the data gathered from the field work of other geologists. When working in the field, geologists set up equipment to take samples, measure and interpret data from samples gathered from the field, prepare reports and abstracts of all the information they have gathered.

Qualifications

Geologists must have a bachelor’s degree if they want to seek government and industry positions. Those who want to teach must have a bachelor’s degree as well as a teaching certificate, depending on the requirements of the state where they seek employment. For those who want to go into research work, government agencies and companies usually prefer candidates with an advanced degree in geology. For teaching positions in colleges and universities, a doctoral degree is required.

A Fleet and Mobile Maintenance Foreman is in charge of supervising and evaluating the work of maintenance mechanics. They do related work as needed and receives orders, assigns them to mechanics, repairers and installers.

They are in charge of ordering the necessary parts and supplies needed for repair and maintenance work on vehicles, and are responsible for overseeing preventive maintenance works.

Nature of Work

Fleet Maintenance Foremen are responsible for creating schedules and determining work assignments based on job priorities, skills of assigned personnel and availability of need tools and equipment. They monitor work areas to make sure they are safe and workers follow standard safety procedures; examine tools and equipment in use to make sure they are safe and are not defective. Maintenance foremen also monitor the work levels of personnel who are involved in routine maintenance jobs and review their work performance. They are responsible for examining vehicles and equipment in order to determine what services or repairs are needed to keep them in good working condition. They are responsible for maintaining accurate records and preparing related reports. They are in charge of coordinating vehicle use and movement between company departments, repair shops and vehicle vendors/manufacturers.

Qualifications

A candidate for Fleet and Mobile Maintenance Foreman position must have extensive experience as an automotive mechanic and some supervisory experience at a service center or garage. He or she must have completed high school or vocational course. A combination of education, training and experience is preferred by most companies. Maintenance foremen must have the ability to follow oral and written instructions, ability to plan and oversee the work performed by automotive mechanics under them. They must have excellent ability in diagnosing automotive defects and failures, and using tools and equipment to repair and maintain vehicles. They should be able to get along with others.

Fleet and Mobile Maintenance Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that the complete and proper repairs of equipment are done on time. They plan the daily manpower requirement so it meets the workload for the day.

They support team operations on all fleet maintenance related issues, and monitor/analyze possible opportunities to save on costs and improve fleet repair and maintenance procedures.

Nature of Work

Fleet and mobile maintenance supervisors are in charge of maintaining and repairing all company vehicles and equipment assigned to each of the company’s departments and divisions. They are responsible for implementing and monitoring a preventive maintenance program in order to make sure that all vehicles operate as expected and that maintenance and repairs are performed according to vehicle manufacturers’ recommendation and specifications. Maintenance supervisors keep and maintain an inventory system and record all expenditures, maintenance, repair parts and supplies, and other related issues. They also monitor and analyze each department’s vehicle utilization, enforce safety practices on vehicle operations, and make sure that employees undergo vehicle safety training. Maintenance supervisors develop and implement mechanic training programs that provide technical skills to maintenance mechanics. They are also in charge of all fleet services personnel and assist in developing the budget for fleet services; reviewing expenses for the past year and administering fleet services purchases of parts, tools and equipment needed for maintaining and repairing vehicles.

Qualifications

Fleet And Mobile Maintenance Supervisors must possess extensive knowledge of current techniques and safety practices in repair and maintenance of gas/diesel vehicles, including all vehicle components, the parts and supplies needed. They should be able to plan and direct skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled personnel in repairing and maintaining company vehicles and equipment. They should have a high level of knowledge and ability to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair vehicles and equipment accurately and quickly. Maintenance supervisors must have excellent oral and written communications skills and must be able to coordinate repair and maintenance programs, prepare related reports and keep accurate and up to date records.