Pipefitter(Refrigeration Mechanic) Foreperson

To supervise and perform duties requiring a high degree of skill in the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of equipment and piping systems, including but not limited to air conditioners, refrigeration, and chiller equipment/systems.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and approve the work of Pipefitters.
• Coordinate with other Utilities personnel when additional personnel are needed for emergency or routine work.
• Schedule work.
• Observe employee’s working habits and enforce safety rules.
• Supervise and evaluate the Pipefitter Apprentices.
• Provide technical advice for the Pipefitters.
• Gather information for and discuss personnel problems with the Director of Utilities Production.
• Counsel employees regarding performance or workplace behavior issues.
• Work with Associate Director of Utilities and/or Human Resource personnel concerning disciplinary actions.
• Expedite personnel and materials to work locations.
• Arrange special outages for equipment repairs to prevent interruption of services.
• Assist with preparation of estimates for repairs and departmental jobs.
• Perform necessary public relations with campus customers, peers, and employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Requirements

• General good health.
• Bend, stoop, reach, lift 50 lbs. bags, and include extended periods of standing and walking on concrete floors in both cold and hot/humid environments.
• Climb stairs, ladders, and perform moderate labor requiring stamina and perseverance.
• Able to move rapidly in emergency situations.
• Work on several levels in a chiller plant, which may include high work in harnesses, on scaffolding, or in confined spaces.
• Physical stamina and strength required to move heavy objects.
• Respirators may be required.
• Mental stress is a factor in this job.

Frequency Definitions

• Constant: Performing a task 500+/day or 67-100% of the work day.
• Frequent: Performing a task 101-500x/day or 34-66% of the work day.
• Occasional: Performing a task 1-100x/day or 1-33% of the work day.

• Standing - Constant
• Walking – Frequent
• Bending, Stooping, or Crouching – Occasional
• Kneeling – Occasional
• Above Shoulder Reaching – Occasional
• Forward Reaching - Frequent
• Material Handling – Frequent
• Balancing – Occasional to Frequent
• Climbing – Occasional to Frequent
• Bilateral Pushing – Occasional – 188 lbs to break steam valve open with wrench at chest level; 150 lb initial horizontal force for empty refrigeration tanks with hands at chest level, 80 lb sustained force for over 100 ft.
• Bilateral Pulling – Occasional – 45 lb horizontal pull force for pallet jack with full refrigerant tanks with hands at chest level, over 100 ft.
• Bilateral Pushing/Pulling – Occasional – 25 lb to 125 lb force to loosen or tighten bolts from various positions including above shoulder.
• Bilateral Lifting – Occasional – 75 lbs for chain falls in bucket, from 18” to overhead.
• Bilateral Above Shoulder Lifting – Occasional – 75 lbs for chain falls.
• Unilateral Lift/Carry – Occasional – 54 lbs for porta-power kit, 45 lbs for vacuum pump, over 100 ft.
• Bilateral Lift/Carry – Occasional – 74 lbs for tool box with large wrenches and sockets (2-person lift/carry of 148 lbs), 50 ft.; 65 lb empty refrigerant tanks, 100 ft.; 50 lb motors, up 15 to 20 stairs.

Based on the two-hand occasional horizontal pushing of 188 lbs, and the two-hand occasional horizontal pushing and pulling of 125 lbs, the Utility Pipefitter at the Campus Chilled Water plants functions at the Very Heavy Physical Demand Level.

Work Environment

• Work area can be hot, humid, noisy, and dusty.
• Certain hazards may be present in the form of radiation, asbestos, insulation, chemicals, high temperatures, high noise levels, severe weather, dust, etc.
• Outside work is required in all seasons and weather conditions.

Requirements

A. Certificate of completion of Pipetrade apprenticeship under a registered Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training program AND four (4) years (48 months) of applicable experience.

OR

B. Experience sufficient to qualify as a journeyman Pipefitter or other Pipetrade classification with a minimum of nine (9) years (108 months) of actual work in the trade, which may have included apprenticeship and/or applicable vocational training. The trade for this purpose shall include work normally performed by Pipefitters, Pipefitter Welders, Refrigeration Mechanics, Temperature Control Mechanics, Sprinkler Fitters, and/or Oil Burner Mechanics.

Skills

• Ability to supervise and instruct.
• Knowledge of chiller and air conditioning systems, including industrial chillers, cooling towers, pumps, and boilers.
• Skill in mechanical drafting and reading blueprints.
• Ability to give and follow directions.
• Knowledge of safety procedures.
• Understanding of Utilities vision, mission, and values.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 1828 - Pipefitter (Refrigeration Mechanic) Foreman position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 8/31/2026.

Pay

The hourly rate for this position is $62.28/hr.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents