Purpose of Position

Under general supervision of the Central Heating Plant Supervisor, the Steam System Technician performs skilled work at the experienced trade level in the maintenance and repair of boilers, repair of pumps, fans and compressors, as well as being responsible for the steam distribution system campus wide.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Operate or tend steam distribution systems, boilers, and auxiliary equipment such as pumps, compressors, and related equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for University buildings
• Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly
• Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits
• Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners
• Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels
• Install, connect and adjusts various boiler controls
• Monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely
• Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems
• Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work
• Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
• Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment
• Assemble or secure pipes, tubes, fittings, or related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, or threading joints
• Turn valves to shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches
• Remove and replace worn components
• Examine boilers, pressure vessels, tanks, or vats to locate defects, such as leaks, weak spots, or defective sections, so that they can be repaired
• Bolt or arc weld pressure vessel structures and parts together, using wrenches or welding equipment
• Inspect assembled vessels or individual components, such as tubes, fittings, valves, controls, or auxiliary mechanisms, to locate any defects
• Repair or replace defective pressure vessel parts, such as safety valves or regulators, using torches, jacks, caulking hammers, power saws, threading dies, welding equipment, or metalworking machinery
• Install manholes, handholes, taps, tubes, valves, gauges, or feedwater connections in drums of water tube and fire tube boilers, using hand tools
• Study blueprints to determine locations, relationships, or dimensions of parts
• Straighten or reshape metal parts, using hammers, jacks, or torches
• Other general maintenance to include: disassembling machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs, reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing or repairs
• Clean, lubricate or adjust parts, equipment or machinery

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains excellent communication/customer service with Building Coordinators and all other DFM Supervisors
• Communicates bi-laterally with other DFM team members to coordinate work activities between groups
• Performs other duties as required

Knowledge and Skills Essential for Success

• Mechanical & operational knowledge of all machines & tools related to steam and hot water equipment
• Troubleshooting skills to determine causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it
• Skill to repair machines or systems using the needed tools
• Skill to perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed
• Ability to provide on-the-job training/coaching to other steam system technicians regarding proper maintenance of boilers and steam distribution systems
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specification sheets, schematics, etc.
• Ability to manage one's own time effectively and efficiently
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with peers, customers, public, etc.
• Ability to demonstrate active listening skills to build trust and establish rapport with employees and customers.
• Being reliable, responsible, dependable and able to fulfill obligations
• Possess basic computer skills, familiar with web/internet navigation, and willingness to learn and utilize new technology based products as applicable
• Adhere to all University policies and regulations

Physical Abilities Required

• Installation skills for installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications
• Ability to bend, crawl, reach, kneel, climb ladders & scaffolding, and able to navigate tight/confined spaces, as well as working in hot, noisy mechanical rooms
• Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor, which includes heavy lifting, carrying 50 lbs. or more on a regular basis
• Requires working outdoors in all types of weather conditions
• Must be able to wear protective eye wear, gloves, ear wear and top of head during work times for one's safety as the task dictates

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency
• Must possess and maintain a valid Kentucky driver's license

Salary:  $17.44 - $23/hr

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO). To request an accommodation, report/express a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Mr. Joshua Hayes, EEO Director/Title IX Investigator/University ADA Coordinator, via email at joshua.hayes@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-5121.

The University is also required to investigate complaints of sex and gender-based harassment, also a form of discrimination, and has designated the Title IX Coordinator as the individual responsible for coordinating the investigation and response to such complaints. The Title IX Coordinator for the University is Ms. Andrea Anderson, who can be contacted via email at andrea.anderson@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-5398. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

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