STEAM DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MECHANIC

To maintain the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the University's underground steam and condensate distribution systems through preventive maintenance, timely repairs, and adherence to established operational and safety standards. To support the continuity of campus utility services by collaborating with Facilities personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders while ensuring compliance with applicable policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Responsibilities

• Maintains underground steam and condensate distribution systems by performing preventive and corrective maintenance on piping, valves, steam traps, strainers, flanged components, threaded piping, supports, anchors, insulation, and related distribution equipment to ensure safe and reliable system operation.
• Inspects, troubleshoots, and diagnoses steam distribution infrastructure, including manholes, vaults, drainage systems, condensate return equipment, and other utility components.
• Identifies leaks, failed steam traps, water hammer, insulation deficiencies, and other system issues to minimize service interruptions.
• Repairs and fabricates mechanical components by performing threaded piping repairs, replacing flanged components, welding supports, hangers, brackets, and non-pressure piping, and preparing equipment and materials for advanced pipefitting and welding activities in accordance with applicable safety standards.
• Responds to utility system alarms, emergency service calls, outages, and equipment failures by identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and restoring steam distribution service while minimizing operational disruption.
• Documents inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, materials, and equipment history within the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) while maintaining compliance with University policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ensures compliance with confined space entry, lockout/tagout (LOTO), hot work, personal protective equipment, environmental, and other applicable safety procedures while identifying and mitigating hazards associated with underground utility systems.
• Supports utility projects, planned outages, contractor activities, and system tie-ins by providing technical expertise, monitoring work within the steam distribution system, and collaborating with Steam Generation System Mechanics and other Facilities personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and four (4) years of related experience are required.
• Confined Space Entry and Hot Work training preferred.
• Completion of welding training preferred.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification is preferred.
• Driving record should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive vehicles in performance of University business.

Skills

• Knowledge of steam distribution systems, mechanical principles, and underground utility infrastructure.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, utility maps, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and safe work practices, including confined space entry, lockout/tagout (LOTO), hot work, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Proficiency in using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), building automation systems (BAS), and standard computer applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate issues, identify solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with coworkers, contractors, and other stakeholders while maintaining accurate documentation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments, respond to changing operational needs, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Participation in on-call or emergency response activities as required.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting and carrying a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.
• Perform tasks requiring climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, pulling and/or pushing, and extensive walking significant distances between and within buildings on campus.
• Working in the rain and in unfavorable weather conditions, hot, cold, wet, etc.
• Working in confined spaces.
• Working within extreme temperature ranges.

Pay

Starting hourly rate: $24.05 - $39.10.

Schedule

Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (subject to change to meet the needs of the University).