Transcript Welcome! [www.trinity.edu]

Welcome!
Trinity University Physical Plant
Last Updated 5-3/2005
New Employee Orientation
Welcome to the Physical Plant at Trinity
University. Now that you have completed your
interviews and been accepted for employment, it
is time to acquaint you with the department and
your new job so you will understand your rights
and responsibilities, and the regulations and
procedures you must follow.
One Trinity Place
San Antonio TX 78212-7200
www.trinity.edu
The Physical Plant is effectively responsible for all
buildings and grounds belonging to the campus
community. This is an enormous task that involves the
coordinated effort from a large number of people.
Our mission is to provide
maintain and enhance an
aesthetic, functional and
safe physical environment
and associated services that
support the mission of the
University
Let’s take a moment to introduce you to some of the Physical
Plant personnel you will encounter on a daily basis.
Office Staff – a little more info John Greene, Director of Physical Plant, is responsible for the
effective functioning of the entire department. He oversees all
Physical Plant operations and answers directly to the Vice
President of Fiscal Affairs.
Assistant Director in charge of Crafts and Utilities, is directly
responsible for the ongoing functions of the Physical Plant as
they specifically relate to the skilled trades.
Sharon Curry, Contract and Project Coordinator, is involved in the direct, daily
contact with contract vendors as well as assisting to monitor the efforts of the
on-site custodial contractor. Sharon is also instrumental in the effective
operation of the Physical Plant Service Request System.
Mike Schweitzer, Assistant Director in charge of Landscape Services, is
directly responsible for the day-to-day operations relating to grounds and
athletic field maintenance. Mr. Schweitzer is also involved in overseeing
campus construction projects.
Office Staff – a little more info -
Roseanne Ramon handles the majority of key requests for the
University. In addition to her key duties, Roseanne also assists
with the telephone switchboard and the radio dispatching of
Physical Plant personnel.
Adan Garza III is the Physical Plant safety Technician. He is
responsible for insuring that Physical Plant personnel are properly
equipped and trained in all aspects of state and federal safety
related laws and regulations.
Office Staff – a little more info Mindy Brent is the Physical Plant Computer Design, or CAD,
Technician, and plays a valuable role in providing detailed
campus utility plans, maps and information to both Physical
Plant personnel and contractors alike.
Eleni Moncrief handles the majority of service requests generated by the
campus community. Her tasks include the creation and dispersal of
work orders and the radio communication and dispatching of Physical
Plant personnel in appropriate situations.
Sandra Castaneda is in charge of the accounting division of the
Physical Plant. All paper work regarding purchases, payments or
receipts is handled in her office.
Lets Proceed …
In general, your regularly assigned
duties will relate to your particular job
title. This is especially true in the area of
Crafts and Utilities, where employees are
hired based upon their skills or
experience in fields such as plumbing,
electrical, painting, carpentry and HVAC.
However, in regards to Landscape
Services, special departmental activities
often require that employees be
assigned different duties to meet the
needs of the University.
Landscaping Services
 Grounds employees typically work in crews to
operate and maintain tractors and attachments,
mowers, loaders and trucks. Depending on the
season, they also assist in the installation and
repair of sprinkler systems, signs, barricades,
fences and landscape construction.
Landscaping Services cont…
These are just some of the employees responsible for the care and maintenance of plants, shrubs,
lawns and the installation and maintenance of sprinkler systems. They use small power tools such as
mowers and edger's to carry out their assigned duties. Each groundskeeper is responsible for making
sure that the tools used are in good condition for the specified activities such as planting, watering,
setting sprinklers, fertilizing, spraying, preparing beds, hoeing, mowing and edging, picking up trash,
sweeping sidewalks and other tasks involved in maintaining the general appearance of the campus.
Groundskeepers who are assigned to a designated area are responsible for performing any or all of
the above duties to maintain the area in as good a condition as possible at all times.
Groundskeepers not assigned to a specific area work in crews to perform assigned tasks throughout
the campus. Positions of a specialized nature include grounds maintenance assistants who are
responsible for horticultural tasks, and tree maintenance specialists who accomplish large-scale
pruning, removal and care of trees, and brush removal.
Safety!!!
Regardless of your position of employment, the Physical Plant
is concerned for your safety and welfare. In addition to
training provided by the Safety Technician, your supervisors
and foremen will instruct you in the manner by which you are
to carry out routine duties. They will also instruct you when
special duties are assigned. If you do not completely
understand their instructions, ask questions! If you are ever
unsure as to how to operate a piece of equipment, ask for
instructions!
 Personal Protective Equipment
 Eye Protection
 Foot Protection
Ergonomics
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and the list goes on…
Safety – Inspect your Equipment
 If you believe a piece of equipment is unsafe, do not operate the
equipment and notify your leader immediately. Safety depends upon
your common sense and is your responsibility. The department has
adopted safety rules that are designed to protect and assist you in
performing a safe job. While following these rules may seem
inconvenient, they are based on sound reasoning and could save you
from a tragic accident. Always stay alert!
Safety – Eye Protection
Safety goggles must be worn when you are operating push mowers,
edger's, sprayers, chain saws, and grinders. Riding mower operators
shall wear safety glasses during mowing operations. Flying objects
can cause blindness.
All tractors, mowers, and the like shall have only one person on
them. Remember – “One seat – one rider”. In the rare occasion
where an employee is required to ride in the back of a pick-up truck,
keep your arms and legs inside the bed. Do not sit on the tailgate or
toolbox, and do not stand while the vehicle is moving.
Safety – Watch for Hazards
All employees are expected to keep a sharp lookout for hazards
that might injure any of the campus community or visitors. Keep in
mind that low hanging branches as well as holes and depressions
in lawn areas or streets could cause serious injuries. Report any
possible hazard to your leader immediately. If any type of
emergency should arise, contact the office immediately – call
210.999.8411.
For life threatening emergencies, call Campus Safety at 210.999.7070
Right to Know
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In compliance with the Texas Hazard Communication Act, we maintain for your
information Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any chemical you may be
required to use in carrying out your duties. We will also train you to use any
such chemical in a safe manner.
Material Safety Data Sheets are located in Ste. 212 and in the time clock room
located at the Physical Plant.
http://www.trinity.edu/departments/physical_plant/Material%20Safety%20Data%20Shee
ts.html
Please note the above link is a work in progress site and is updated periodically.
Authorized Drivers
All Physical Plant employees must possess and maintain a
valid Texas Drivers License and proof of insurance. You
must be cleared to drive on University business before you
can operate any University vehicle. You must obey the traffic
regulations set forth by the University, the City of San
Antonio and the State of Texas. If you receive a ticket for a
moving violation, you will pay the fine.
On the job parking.
When you park, park properly.
Service vehicles may park in the following areas which are listed in priority
order:
(1) service area/drive – must be used if the building has one
(2) visitor space or
(3) on the street.
Never park in a handicap space, a reserved space, a bus stop or in front of a
fireplug.
Dress Code
Uniform Long Sleeve shirts and uniform shorts
are appropriate when working in the Texas sun.
All employees must abide by the
departmental dress code. This dress code
is designed not only for your protection
but also to ensure that all employees
present a neat appearance to the general
public. You must not wear sandals or
canvas tennis shoes. Only steel-toed
leather shoes or boots are allowed. Until
you are a fulltime employee with benefits
(including uniforms), the dress code is as
follows: Shirts must be worn at all times.
No halter-tops, tank tops, completely
sleeveless shirts or clothing with profane
or vulgar language or emblems will be
allowed. If a shirt has tails, it must be
tucked in. If it has buttons, it must be
buttoned to the second button. No shorts
or cut-offs will be allowed. If an employee
violates the dress code, he or she will be
sent home to change.
Jewelry should be kept to a minimum and
all dangling earrings and other loose
jewelry, such as necklaces, should be left
at home. There is a danger of catching
these items in machinery while you are
working.
Job Injury - Responsibilities
Any injury you receive on the job should be reported to your foreman
and safety officer at once. This includes insect bites and allergic
reactions. Workers Compensation Insurance covers all employees for on
the job injuries. The insurance carrier will pay medical bills for on the job
injuries. If you are unable to work due to an on the job injury, you will be
compensated either through accumulated sick leave, if any, for the first
seven days and then by workers compensation payments or until all sick
leave is expended and then by worker’s compensation payments, if the
length of the disability so justifies, or through workers compensation
payments entirely. You will have the opportunity to make this choice at
the time of injury. In no case will compensation payments be made
before the eighth day of absence of work. There is an initial delay of
some three weeks before compensation payments begin. Should you be
injured, your unit coordinator will explain these items in detail. At that
time, he/she will complete a report of injury form, which will outline the
circumstances of your accident for review by the department, the
University Safety Committee, and the insurance carrier.
Any time you are unable to work due to an on the job injury, you must call
your foreman or superintendent once each week to report on your
condition. Failure to keep the department apprised of your condition
could result in termination of your employment for job abandonment.
Professionalism
You should be courteous at all times to the public and
fellow workers. Keep your tools, the shop area or your
area room neat and clean. Do not use the office area
as a gathering place. Your leader, foreman, and the
superintendent will assist you to correct any problems
you may have in carrying out your duties so that you
can become a successful regular employee here at
Trinity. The University does follow a plan whereby you
will be evaluated by your foreman and superintendent
after two, and five months of employment, and once a
year thereafter. This evaluation is designed to inform
employees on how well they are performing their
duties and responsibilities and to offer suggestions,
assistance, and support in aiding employees in
improving job performance. In general, you will get
along well if you maintain a good attitude.
Schedules and Breaks
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Our scheduled workweek is 40 hours or eight hours a day
Monday through Friday. Depending upon your duties, the
start time of your day may vary. There may be times,
however, when departmental activities will demand this
schedule be altered for brief periods.
Lunch break is taken from either 11:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m., or from 12:00 to 1:00. Employees must not leave their
designated work area to return to the shop or area room for
lunch until 10:50 a.m. or 11:50. Work will resume in the
designated work area promptly at 12:00 or 1:00 p.m.
Breaks are taken twice each day typically from 9:00
a.m. to 9:20, or from 10:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. and from 2:00
p.m. to 2:20 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. and are to be taken
at the nearest convenient location where the employee can
obtain a drink from a vending machine or water fountain. Do
not travel across campus to a favorite spot or return to the
shop unless it is nearby. Break time will include travel time
to the break area. If you are working on a project that the
foreman believes cannot be interrupted, a break will be taken
upon completion of the project, if convenient. In no case will
break time be taken at the end of the day if missed because of
a project, nor will a missed break be compensated in any
manner. Breaks are a privilege, not a mandatory event.
Assigned Areas
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You are expected to be in your designated work area at all other times. If
you must leave the job site for any reason, you must first notify your
foreman or the Physical Plant office. Failure to do so will be grounds for
disciplinary action.
If applicable, Groundskeepers who are assigned to a designated
area will report to that area each day. There will be a room in the area
assigned for the area groundskeeper’s use. He or she will be issued a
key to this room.
All other employees will report to the Physical Plant’s Maintenance
shops. Tools, supplies, and vehicles are located here. Your leader will
issue instructions, supplies and equipment for the day. Return special
tools at the end of the day. You are responsible for each item you
receive. If an item is lost or stolen, report to your leader immediately.
Take care of equipment and keep it clean.
It is important that you contact the Physical Plant office by 8:00
a.m. on any day you will not be at work or will be late for any reason. The
number to call is 210-999-8411. Also, if you become ill or cannot return to
work following the lunch break, you should contact the office by 1:00 p.m.
When you call, make sure you ask to talk to your foreman. If he is not
available, leave a message to be given to him as soon as possible.
Paid Time off
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You should be aware of the regulations governing vacation,
sick leave, holidays, and overtime. In the event of overtime work,
you will be paid for overtime at the rate of time and one half.
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Only regular employees are eligible for vacation leave.
Employees with up to two years service accrue 8 hours per month or
12 working days per year of paid vacation time. Although vacation
time is accrued from the day of employment as a regular employee,
you will not be eligible to take vacation until you have completed six
full months of work. A request for vacation must be submitted to
your leader and foreman three days in advance. A vacation leave is
granted on a first come, first served basis to ensure that
departmental needs are met. Your length of employment will
determine the number of hours of vacation time you will accrue each
year.
Paid Time off continued…
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Paid sick leave accumulates at the rate of 8 hours per
month for regular employees. Sick leave with pay may be taken
when illness or injury prevents the employee’s performance of
duty or when a member of his immediate family is actually ill.
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Immediate family is defined as individuals who reside in the
employee’s household and are related by kinship, adoption or marriage;
foster children who are certified by the Texas Department of Protective
and Regulatory Services who reside in the employee’s household; or
minor children whether or not living in the employee’s household.
An employee’s use of sick leave for family members not
residing in the employee’s household is strictly limited to the
time necessary to provide care and assistance to a spouse,
child or parent of the employee who needs such care and
assistance as a direct result of a documented medical condition.
You must call the office to report your absence due to illness.
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To be eligible for sick leave with pay during a continuous
period of more than three working days, you must submit a
doctor’s note showing the nature of the illness or injury and the
projected length of time off. In the case of extended illness, you
must call your foreman or superintendent once each week to
report your condition. Failure to keep the department apprised
of your condition will result in termination of employment due to
job abandonment.
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Sick Leave Abuse
 Sick leave is not intended to provide extra
vacation. The department monitors all
absences and maintains complete records of
all types of leaves. When a pattern of abuse
is indicated, you will be subject to disciplinary
action. If you have used all of your sick leave
and miss work, you will not be paid. Save
your sick leave until you need it!
Holiday Pay, Time Off
 Regular employees are eligible for holiday pay. Check with your foreman or
leader for a holiday schedule.
 Employees receive pay when summoned for jury duty or subpoenaed to appear
as a witness. When jury leave is necessary, notify your foreman or leader
immediately.
 Funeral leave is granted upon death of an employee’s spouse, or the parents,
grandparents, children, brothers or sisters of the employee or the employee’s
spouse. The total time allowance will not normally exceed 3 days. Other relatives
are not covered and vacation time must be used to cover time away from work.
An employee may be granted an emergency leave when it is determined that
there is good cause. An emergency leave is defined, as an unforeseen
combination of circumstances calling for immediate action, which if not
responded to, would present imminent danger to human life or substantial damage
to property.
Talk to your foreman and leader if jury duty, military reserve duty, a
funeral or the like calls you away from work. We will advise you as to
the procedure necessary to receive paid leave.
Promotions and Raises
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Employees may be under consideration for promotion as
vacancies open up. Employees will be given first consideration
for the open positions. To apply for a vacant position, log into
the University website and go to the Personnel page and follow
the instructions.
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There are two types of raises. The first type is the General
Wage Adjustment given to all University employees. Any year
the GWA is approved, it will begin as of June 1. The second
type of raise is the merit salary increase that has been
established to recognize those employees whose performances
have been meritorious. Job performance and attitude are all
factors when considering an employee for a merit increase.
Merit increases are given only when funds are available.
In Closing . . .
Problems which effect your job should be addressed
immediately, and brought to the attention of your
immediate supervisor. If he/she is unable to assist you
with a solution, follow the chain of command. We like to
sustain a happy, unified group of employees who take
pride in the beauty of our campus as well as pride in
themselves.
In conclusion, welcome to the Physical Plant at Trinity
University.
A quick note:
 Many of the pictures used in this presentation were
taken directly from the internet, if you maintain
rights to any of the pictures used, feel free to
contact me and I will remove them or add a note of
thanks for the use of your picture. – Adan –
 [email protected]