Job Description

UW Facilities manages the University’s buildings, infrastructure and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a variety of fields. The Asset Management group includes Capital & Space Management, Real Estate, Sustainability and other teams responsible for planning and workload management. The Operations group includes Project Delivery, Maintenance & Construction, Campus Energy, Utilities & Operations, Building Services, Transportation Services and Safety. Supporting these groups are the Business Intelligence & Information Technology group and the Finance & Administration group. 

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Campus Utilities Pipefitter / Steamfitter.

Under the direction of the supervisor and lead, perform journey-level pipefitting and steam fitting in support of the safe and continuous operations, maintenance, and repair of high energy thermal distribution utility systems including: High pressure steam (185 PSIG/380 Deg F), low pressure steam (10 PSIG/240 Deg F), and associated condensate return systems to provide heat to the campus; High pressure Campus Chilled Water (CCW) distribution system, providing cooling to the campus; High pressure compressed air distribution system that serves much of the campus’s building controls systems; UW Natural Gas Distribution System; and other campus utility piping systems at the University of Washington Seattle Campus. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

• Troubleshoot, maintain, inspect, operate, and repair underground high energy thermal energy distribution systems, including pipelines, main service entrances/’headers’, meter-sets, pressure reducing stations or PRV’s, steam traps (F&T and Bucket), safety relief valves, isolation valves, condensate receivers and other related equipment and apparatus

• Monitor and operate isolation valves and metering systems to control and regulate the flow of thermal energy; isolate and route low pressure and medium pressure steam, condensate, and chilled water distribution as necessary for maintenance and repair

• Maintain and keep records of current and active Lock-Out/Tag-Out procedures

• Prepare thermal energy distribution systems to be worked on by contractors, including de-energizing low pressure and high-pressure steam and condensate, venting and verifying zero-energy, issuing LOTO procedures, and monitoring procedures utilized by contractors

• Repair and replace various types of steam expansion joints and steam and chilled water isolations valves. Troubleshoot ‘fail to hold’ situations to safely proceed with repairs

• Cut, fit, fabricate, and assemble variety of pipe and piping systems, including large diameter pipe; and work with a variety of piping and system components

• Construct various types of pipe joints for high or low-pressure systems, including threading, brazing, soldering, or welding. 

• Install, connect, operate and maintain a variety of mechanical equipment including pumps, condensate receivers, expansion tanks, expansion joints, isolation valves. 

• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical system and thermal energy system failures relating to steam hammer caused by failed steam traps, failed condensate receivers, or failed heat exchangers

• Safely operate ‘hot tap’ equipment on live systems including low pressure steam, condensate, and chilled water distribution systems

• Repair and/or replace isolation valves, expansion joints, other mechanical equipment and appurtenances while under a mechanical line stop or line freeze. Coordinate safe work procedures with qualified line stop or line freeze operator at all times. 

• Troubleshoot, test, and repair pressure relief systems and other safety devices in the thermal energy distribution system; prepare and implement test plans

• Maintain and update high pressure steam, low pressure steam, condensate, chilled water, and natural gas distribution system drawings and schematics

• Perform duties in accordance with safety standards and procedures outlined in WAC 296-803

• Research and coordinate technical issues related to requests for shutdowns of, campus steam distribution systems, building heating systems, and other systems to avoid or minimize disruptions of service to the campus. 

• Work collaboratively with other skilled trades’ leads, supervisors, managers and department heads, students and outside vendors in a courteous and professional manner with particular attention to customer service 

• Assist construction contractors with connection of new buildings and renovated buildings to the thermal energy distribution systems

• Perform all work in accordance with applicable safety rules, environmental regulatory requirements, and SDS documents and maintain records as required according to environmental requirements 

• Plan and execute all work in a safe and efficient manner. Prepare and execute work using Activity Work Plans, Pre-Task Plans, Group Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, and/or Job Hazard Assessments (JHA’s) to facilitate the safe completion of all work assigned

• Use safe work practices working around and be knowledgeable of asbestos and lead containing materials

• Inspect projects to ensure compliance with local standards and codes and maintain records of work performed and inspect contractors’ work to see that the work is performed to campus specifications 

• Review, initiate, and retrieve work orders using UW’s AiM Workdesk system and assigned tablet computer. Prepare service histories and fulfill other documentation requirements.  

• Field phone calls and e-mails to answer requests, questions, etc., of clients, and others 

• Monitor equipment and supply needs, coordinate with lead and supervisor, and requisition parts and materials to ensure that employees have what they require to perform job duties and for service and repair of equipment and recommend purchase of equipment and supplies for the shop operation, maintenance repairs, and for clients’ alteration projects 

• Follow and enforce adherence to safety rules, regulations, precautions, and good housekeeping practices. Comply with occupational health and safety regulations and environmental regulations that apply to work actions and conduct on the job, including the use of personal protective equipment whenever required; report safety infractions to the lead or supervisor 

• Follow and enforce adherence to all University and Facilities policies and procedures. Support all management directives and the vision and values 

• Safely and properly use and operate a variety of power tools, drill presses, grinders, band saws, hand drills, pneumatic tools, small hand tools, and specialized apparatus, and test equipment 

• Maintain service manuals, records, vehicle and tools as required 

• Operate machinery such as fork-lifts, scissor-lifts, and high rangers. Load and unload materials and supplies 

• Operate vehicles such as UW vans and trucks to transport tools, equipment and personnel to various job sites 

• Attend and actively participate in all required meetings and training and may provide intermittent training to other trade and craft workers 

• Perform other duties as assigned 

Core Competencies 

• Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness

• Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively

• Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems

• Be responsible and accountable

• Use organizational skills and provide attention to details

• Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success-oriented attitude

• Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous

• Exhibit a professional work ethic

• Continuously promote a safe work environment

Education & Experience 

Required 

• 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. Vocational training may be substituted for work experience on a year-for-year basis.

• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license may be required.

 Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. 

Desired 

• Five or more years of experience as a pipefitter/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 and systems

• Five or more years of experience working with thermal energy utility distribution systems including but not limited to companies regulated by WAC 480 – Utilities and Transportation Commission 

• 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 

• Experience working with Washington State safety rules and regulations pursuant to WAC 296-803 

• Operator Qualification (OQ) in operations and maintenance of a Natural Gas Distribution System issued by Energy World Net or similar agency 

• Demonstrated 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 

• Ability to work independently to improvise necessary system component repairs 

• 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 

Conditions of employment 

• Have knowledge and understanding of safe work practices and policies 

• Must be able 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 

• Must be able to work in a diverse workforce 

• Must be able to work in a tobacco-free and non-smoking environment 

• Must be able to work outdoors under all weather conditions 

• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license 

• Must be able to communicate effectively with staff on portable hand-held radios 

• Must be able to follow all Washington State safety rules and regulations 

• 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 

• 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. 

• Additionally, approved safety shoes must be provided at the employee’s expense and worn on the job, but reimbursed by the employer

• 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

• Must be able to respond to system emergencies during regular business hours and outside of regular business hours 

• Must be able to work both independently and as a team member 

• Must be a strong team player. Not only able to work alone, but able to work closely with other trades on a highly complex University campus 

• 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 

• Must maintain a professional appearance at all times 

• Must be able to communicate appropriately with clients, staff and students to present a professional image 

• Regular and predictable attendance is required 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$83,268.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$110,964.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

WFSE Skilled Trades

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.