Steam System Technician I

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.

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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 use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specification sheets, schematics, etc.
• Ability to monitor and assess performance of yourself and make improvements or take corrective action
• Ability to talk to others and convey information effectively
• Ability to manage one's own time effectively and efficiently
• Being reliable, responsible, dependable and able to fulfill obligations
• Being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks
• Ability to accept criticism and react calmly and effectively with high stress situations
• 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

• High school diploma or GED
• 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

Hourly Range: $23.64-$25.78

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, may contact the Office of Institutional Equity at 270-745-5121 for assistance. To report concerns related to WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy, No. 0.2040 and/or WKU's Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy, No. 0.2070, please complete the Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Reporting Form. Additional information regarding Title IX, including contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and reporting options, is available on WKU's Title IX website.

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

For information related to job postings, application status, or the hiring process, please email employment@wku.edu.