Facility Operations Building Trades


  • Carpentry Department
  • Electrical / Electronics Department
  • Environmental Services
  • Painting Department
  • Plumbing Department
  • Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning Department

The Carpentry department at Pittsburg State University is staffed by craftsmen with many years of experience and provides a wide variety of services.  The services include, but are not limited to, cabinetmaking, carpentry, glazing, locksmithing, masonry, roofing and many other tasks that are required to ensure the maintenance and operation of Pittsburg State University. We work closely with the other Facility Operations departments, Planning, Design & Construction, as well as the individual University Departments that we serve.

The cabinet shop designs, builds, installs and maintains custom cabinets, office furnishings, classroom fixtures, storage units, and restores furniture. Other items such as picture frames, plaques, display cases and other specialized wood projects are also constructed by the cabinet shop.

Locksmithing services are also provided by the Carpentry department.  Services provided include key duplication, repair, and/or replacement of office/classroom furnishing locks, removal of padlocks on lockers as well as other professional locksmith services.  However, we do not provide car opening services.  Locksmithing also provides maintenance and repair of approximately 3,000 locks on the Best Master Key system on the Academic Campus.  Please see the Locks & Keys policy for more information regarding these services.

Estimates are available upon request with the submission of a work order on projects approved for the academic campus.  Renovation projects, structural changes and large-scale projects must also secure approval from Planning, Design & construction, the Master Planning Committee, and the Director of Facility Operations. We do not provide services for private or non-university related use.

The list of work performed by the Carpentry department ranges from small tasks such as hanging pictures to major construction projects such as the renovation of the Crimson Village Complex.  Some of the many services provided by the Carpentry department are; the installation of bulletin boards, white boards, signage, projection screens and other classroom equipment; the repair and assembly of office and classroom furniture; installation and repair of suspended ceiling systems; repair and installation of flooring and related accessories; general carpentry, construction and renovation projects: masonry duties such as repair and replacement of concrete paving and curbs, minor tuck pointing, the setting of stone, block and brick work; replacement of broken glass and window repair; installation of window coverings and blinds; minor roof repair and maintenance; and other duties that are required for the smooth operation of the campus.  If you have a question about the services the Carpentry department provides contact Construction & Repair Department Supervisor at extension 4781 for assistance.

To request services from the Carpentry department, please secure approval from your department head and fill out a "Work Order Request" including the appropriate GL string.  If it is an emergency situation, please contact the Construction & Repair Department Supervisor at extension 4781 or Facility Operations’ main extension 4779.  Please follow up with the submission of a work order request. 

Electrical

The electrical staff is responsible for installing and maintaining lighting, electrical equipment, cable systems (except for telephone), clock systems, elevators, motors, and special equipment. In addition, emphasis is placed on checking all electrical systems for compliance with NFPA 70 (National Electric Code).  Electricians also stand by at special events, such as football games and commencement, to ensure that any malfunctions in electrical equipment are quickly corrected.

The electrical staff installs, trouble-shoots, and maintains lighting control systems, ventilation fans, various types of high and low voltage switch gear, elevators, clock systems, and control circuits; just to mention some of the large quantity of electrical equipment on campus.  By monitoring the installation of electrical equipment, the electrical staff also assure compliance with the NFPA 70 by contractors.

To request services from the Electrical department, please secure approval from your department head and fill out a "Work Order Request" including the appropriate GL string.  If it is an emergency, please contact the Facility Management Department Supervisor at extension 4770 or Facility Operations’ main extension 4779.  Please follow up with the submission of a work order request.

 

Electronics

The electronics staff install, trouble-shoot and maintain computerized emergency lighting systems, complex electronic control equipment for scoreboards, message centers, public address systems (both fixed and portable) and specialized electronic circuitry in other campus equipment.

Our staff also has the responsibility of inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of the campus 2-way radio communications system, emergency standby generator systems, campus-wide energy management system, access control, fire alarm and security monitoring equipment.  Inspection and testing records for the electronic life safety equipment are maintained by the Electronics Department.  Electronics staff serve as the liaison between the University and State and local fire authorities to ensure our facilities meet the current adopted regulations of the National Fire Protection Association and the International Code Counsel.  They work closely with University Police, the Office of Planning, Design, and Construction, and other campus departments on systems administration, corrective action, policy development, and capital improvement to warrant the safety and comfort of our faculty, staff, students, and guests.

The Electronics staff also work at special events, such as football games and commencement, to ensure that all systems are operating properly and that any malfunctions in electronics equipment are quickly corrected.  They are also responsible for providing access to and facilitating operation of the mass notification systems to assist in the process of a safe and orderly evacuation of the premises should an emergency event occur such as a fire or severe weather event.  Sensors for electric, water, and natural gas utilities, HVAC, lighting, fire systems, and security monitoring have been placed in strategic locations throughout campus buildings so that temperatures, humidity, energy usage, smoke, fire, and security can be monitored and controlled by various departments on campus.  Electronics staff also monitor these building management systems and will respond to alarm events to confirm conditions, verify accuracy of information, and collaborate with other responsible entities to facilitate a timely restoral of service.

To request services from the Electronics department, please secure approval from your department head and fill out a "Work Order Request" including the appropriate GL string.  If it is an emergency, please contact the Facility Management Department Supervisor at extension 4770 or Facility Operations’ main extension 4779.  Please follow up with the submission of a work order request.

 

Rules and regulations concerning hazardous materials can be complicated. While many PSU departments regularly purchase and use hazardous materials, only Facility Operations may dispose of hazardous waste. For questions concerning the safe handling or disposal of any such materials, or for any other environmental concerns, please contact Elliott Rowland at extension 4702. If you have hazardous waste that needs to be disposed of, please submit a work order including a GL string.

In case of an environmental emergency, please contact Facility Operations directly at extension 4779. If the emergency occurs outside of normal business hours, please contact PSU Police and Public Safety at extension 4624.

Painting of all the academic buildings is the responsibility of the Facility Operations Paint Department. All painting must be completed by the Paint Department or an approved contractor.  Outside contractors must be approved by Facility Operations and/or Planning, Design & Construction prior to any work being performed.  For more policy information please see Facility Operations Policies & Guidelines.

Interior and exterior paintings are scheduled on a rotating basis, modified, when necessary, based on actual need.  Every effort is made to perform exterior painting frequently enough to avoid deterioration of facilities.  All streets, crosswalks and curbs are repainted every summer.

Each building has its' own color schemes that have been developed by the deans, architects, Planning, Design & Construction, and the Design Review Committee. When selecting colors for halls, offices, labs, etc., these are the colors you may choose from.  For questions regarding color schemes and approved colors please contact the Construction & Repair Department Supervisor at 4781.

To request services from the Paint department, please secure approval from your department head and fill out a "Work Order Request" including the appropriate GL string.  If it is an emergency, please contact the Construction & Repair Department Supervisor at extension 4781 or Facility Operations’ main extension 4779.  Please follow up with the submission of a work order request.

The Plumbing department has the responsibility to maintain the general plumbing systems on campus including maintenance of steam vents, sewage lines, water lines, gas lines and the steam piping system. All work is performed according to codes and regulations.

General plumbing duties involve repairing and installing pumps, safety valves, hot water tanks, water lines, plumbing fixtures, and various specialized kitchen and laboratory equipment. In addition to repairing all types of clogs, plumbers install, repair, and insulate water, sewer, gas, and laundry systems. The plumbing section tests for water and gas leaks, maintain signs, and is responsible for high pressure steam distribution systems.

The Plumbing department also includes welding and sheet metal work. Skilled craftsmen design and fabricate metal duct work, ventilation systems, metal roofing, flashing, vent hoods, electrical boxes, and various metal fixtures that often require a great deal of innovation and creative design. Examples include metal cages and signs, guard rails, accessories for lawn mowers, truck and tractors, door locks, handles and hardware, fence posts, gates, and brackets. Welding is also performed on steam and water lines.

To request services from the Plumbing department, please secure approval from your department head and fill out a "Work Order Request" including the appropriate GL string.  If it is an emergency, please contact the Construction & Repair Department Supervisor at extension 4781 or Facility Operations’ main extension 4779.  Please follow up with the submission of a work order request.

The Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning department is staffed by trained technicians who install, operate, maintain, and repair over 1000 pieces of HVAC/R equipment across campus.  Technicians are certified, as required, with the Environmental Protection Agency with regard to safe and proper handling of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).

Among the equipment maintained, are 17 chillers with a cooling capacity in excess of 3,500 tons.  Water from these chillers is cooled to approximately 42º and pumped through a  network of piping, to more than 85 central station air handling units and hundreds of individual fan coil units.  From there, conditioned air is distributed to classrooms and offices.  Eight of these chillers are water cooled employing the use of seven cooling towers.  Water is pumped through the chiller's condenser which absorbs heat and is then pumped outside the building and through the cooling tower.  Evaporation lowers the temperature of that water approximately 10º, and is then returned to the chiller to start the process over again.  This condenser water is treated with scale inhibitors and biocides to maintain an efficiently operating system.

Air handling units are serviced on a regular basis according to a preventive maintenance schedule.  During this process, bearings are lubricated, drive belts are replaced and more than 2,600 filters are replaced each year.

Additionally, the HVAC/R department is responsible for maintaining the following:

  • 240 split-system or package rooftop air conditioners and heat pumps.
  • 130 window air conditioners or package terminal air conditioners.
  • Approximately 55 gas-fired furnaces.
  • Nearly 400 fan-powered variable air volume terminals.
  • 70 Chilled or condenser water circulating pumps.
  • More than 100 refrigerated drinking fountains.
  • Numerous laboratory fume hoods.
  • Numerous exhaust and ventilation fans.
  • Nearly 20 ice machines.
  • More than 100 refrigerators and freezers (including walk-ins, reach-ins and prep tables).
  • Approximately 25 air compressors.
  • Hundreds of other heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration items.

To request services from the Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning department, please secure approval from your department head and fill out a "Work Order Request" including the appropriate GL string.  If it is an emergency, please contact the Construction & Repair Department Supervisor at extension 4781 or Facility Operations’ main extension 4779.  Please follow up with the submission of a work order request.

Supervisor

John Foster
620-235-4784
Randy Oertle, Carpenter - Lead
Grover Shultz, Carpenter
Ed Vanderbeck, Carpenter
Tim James, HVAC Technician - Lead
Greg Parker, HVAC Technician
Trent Wallace, HVAC Technician
Curtis Harryman - Painter - Lead
Woody Lopez - Painter
Andrew Randall - Painter
Matt Wahl - Painter
Joe Sullivan - Plumber - Lead
Bob Scott - Plumber
E. J.Torbet - Plumber

Supervisor

Ed Meyer
620-235-4770
Steve Potter, Carpenter
Matt Thompson, Carpenter
Craig Little, Electrician - Lead
Jake Keltner - Electrician
Jeremy LaRue - Electrician
Tom Dey - Electrician
Kelly Shaffer - HVAC Technician
Vacant - HVAC Technician
Mark Engle - Plumber
Tanner Schainost - Plumber
Heath Prier - Electronics Technician
Joe Sheehy - Electronics Technician Sr.
Elliott Rowland - HVAC Controls Specialist