Campus Utilities Pipefitter/Steamfitter

About the role

The Plumber/Pipefitter/Steamfitter leads the operation, maintenance, and repair of high-energy thermal distribution utility systems including high pressure steam, low pressure steam, condensate return systems, high pressure chilled water, high pressure compressed air, and the UW Natural Gas Distribution System.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, maintain, inspect, operate, and repair underground high-energy thermal distribution systems (steam, condensate, chilled water, natural gas), including pipelines, headers, PRVs, steam traps, meters, isolation valves, relief valves, and related equipment.
• Maintain lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) records; prepare systems for contractor work by de-energizing, venting, verifying zero energy, issuing LOTO, and monitoring contractor compliance.
• Manage materials and supplies; support safety enforcement, training participation, and perform other assigned duties.
• Repair, replace, and troubleshoot expansion joints, isolation valves, and “fail-to-hold” conditions; perform work under line stops or freezes in coordination with qualified operators.
• Install, operate, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment such as pumps, condensate receivers, expansion tanks/joints, and valves; address system failures including steam hammer and related causes.
• Test, troubleshoot, repair, and implement plans for pressure relief systems and other safety devices; maintain and update system drawings and schematics.

Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as a plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter, OR full journey status as a plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter in a union, OR four years’ applicable work experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of safe work practices and policies.
• Ability to follow written and/or verbal instructions and communicate effectively regarding the use of chemicals, supplies, and equipment; comply with safety policies and procedures.
• Basic PC and mobile tablet computer skills or willingness to learn/use computers and related software.
• Ability to use a smart phone.
• Ability to work in a diverse workforce.
• Ability to work in a tobacco-free and non-smoking environment.
• Ability to work outdoors under all weather conditions.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff on portable hand-held radios.
• Ability to follow all Washington State safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Demonstrated successful ability in taking direction, working well with others and as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills with clients, peers, supervisors, and managers in normal and adverse conditions.
• Maintain a professional appearance at all times.
• Ability to communicate appropriately with clients, staff and students to present a professional image.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience as a pipe fitter/steamfitter working on complex and critical piping distribution systems, including an understanding of how to work safely on steam systems, complex and critical piping distribution systems, with a wide variety of systems and in the repair, service, maintenance, and operations of equipment, components, systems.
• Experience with identifying, repairing, and/or replacing Float and Thermostatic (F&T) and Bucket-style steam traps.
• Experience using a Sage UMT ultrasonic steam trap testing equipment or other similar equipment.
• Experience repairing or replacing steam expansion joints, and working with thermal energy distribution systems.
• Operator Qualification (OQ) in operations and maintenance of a Natural Gas Distribution System issued by Energy World Net or similar agency.
• Experience working with Washington State safety rules and regulations pursuant to WAC 296-803.
• Experience welding piping. Pipe welding certifications are a plus, but not required.
• Certified for welding on natural gas piping systems per WAC 480-93-080. Desirable certifications include; qualification to API standard 1104 or section IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
• Experience working with Washington State safety rules and regulations.
• Experience in applicable basic desktop computer skills, maintenance work request and work order programs and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook as well as Adobe Acrobat or Bluebeam.
• Experience in applicable basic desktop computer skills, maintenance work request and work order programs and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook as well as Adobe Acrobat or Bluebeam.

Working Conditions

• This position is subject to callback outside normal working hours (nights, weekends, and holidays) and mandatory scheduled and unscheduled overtime to respond to emergencies on an as-needed, scheduled on-call, or standby basis.
• The position requires working with and around asbestos containing equipment and following proper procedures.
• This position requires the wearing of a daily uniform and personal protective equipment appropriate to the job task and area.
• Must be able to lift or carry heavy objects, work in confined spaces, restricted movement areas, mechanical/electrical spaces, and around operating equipment such as boilers, fans, pumps, and transformers, etc. for extended periods of time and be able to climb ladders and work at heights.
• Must be able to wear all proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
• Approved safety shoes must be provided at the employee’s expense and worn on the job, but reimbursed by the employer.
• Must be able to respond to system emergencies during regular business hours and outside of regular business hours.