Selection of Maintenance Supervisors

DOE-HDBK-1117-99

2. SELECTION OF MAINTENANCE SUPERVISORS

The program for developing candidates and incumbent supervisors should be developed using

a systematic approach. Using a systematic approach for the development of training programs

for maintenance supervisors should improve the quality of supervision and employee

performance. The selection of maintenance supervisors should be a careful and thoughtful

process that recognizes the responsibilities unique to the maintenance supervisor position.

Maintenance supervisors are those personnel who, as their primary job function, have direct

responsibility and authority for assigning jobs, overseeing and directing maintenance activities,

and coaching or correcting maintenance craft personnel.

2.1 Education and Experience

Educational and experience requirements should be consistent with those stipulated in DOE

Orders and in other applicable regulatory documents. As a minimum, a high school education

or General Education Development (GED) equivalent is recommended for entry into the

maintenance supervisor training program. Educational achievements should be reviewed as

part of the selection process for identifying prospective maintenance supervisors. Educational

weaknesses directly related to job responsibilities should be corrected through appropriate

training.

2.2 Evaluation and Selection of Maintenance Supervisors

The process for selecting employees for promotion to a maintenance supervisory position

should include an evaluation of the employee's behaviors that demonstrates potential

supervisory skills and characteristics. Senior line managers and incumbents (who best

understand the job) should establish criteria defining those skills and characteristics that are

expected of maintenance supervisors. The criteria should include demonstrated qualities such

as leadership, judgment, motivation, integrity, supervisory skills, and teamwork skills, as well as

technical competence. Selection of maintenance supervisor candidates should include

consideration of the following characteristics as described by the associated attributes:

Leadership and supervisory capabilities

assumes responsibility and accountabilities of the maintenance supervisor

supports and is knowledgeable of facility policies and maintenance philosophies

displays initiative and motivational skills

communicates and reinforces expectations, and interacts with personnel

demonstrates administrative and organizational abilities

demonstrates ability for coaching skills, including critical assessment of craft performance

has potential to assume further responsibilities

is a role model for maintaining high standards

Thorough technical knowledge

has working knowledge of the tasks performed by the personnel supervised

demonstrates the ability to recognize unexpected or off-normal conditions