Unit: Facilities Operations Admin

Department: Facilities Ops Admin

VCU’s Facilities Management Department is seeking to hire a Steamfitter/Industrial Mechanic in the Steam Plant.

The Steamfitter is responsible for maintenance and repair of MCV and MPC steam plants and distribution systems, ensuring that each plant operates reliably, efficiently, and at all times in compliance with safety and environmental regulations. In addition, the Steamfitter provides technical expertise to other departments and interfaces with customers to ensure their needs are met should problems arise.

The steam plant is a 24/7/365 day operation. The main steam plant consists of three 125,000 lbs/hour boilers with typical loads ranging from 35,000 lbs/hour (summer) and up to 135,000 lbs/hour (winter).

Primary Purpose and Duties include (but are not limited to):

• Responsible for maintenance and repair of MCV and MPC steam plants and distribution systems, ensuring that each plant operates reliably, efficiently, and at all times in compliance with safety and environmental regulations
• Maintain, repair boilers and mechanical equipment providing utilities for Hospital, Academic, and State buildings
• Ensure long equipment life, operating efficiency, and equipment availability by following accepted procedures
• Use solid inspection techniques to detect and correct problems at an early stage to avoid costly problems later
• Utilize troubleshooting skills to remedy malfunctions and return equipment to full functionality in minimum time, maximizing revenue and profitability, and minimizing maintenance costs
• Work assigned shifts including weekends and overtime as required; work during inclement weather
• At times, work other than normal shifts; 24-hour rotational on-call status is required
• Make repairs and perform preventive maintenance tasks as needed
• Follow safety procedures to guard against burns, electric shock, noise, dangerous moving parts, and exposure to hazardous materials
• Interface with customers ensuring needs are met should problems arise
• Demonstrate competency through successful completion of maintenance tasks and repair situations

Responsibilities include:

Core Skills Knowledge

• Proper use of hammers, saws, levels, pullers, clamps, etc.
• Proper use of drills, saws, grinders, sanders, etc.
• Use and interpret drawing dimensions, symbols, components, etc.
• Proper use of ropes, chains, hoists, loaders, cranes, signaling, etc.

Level 1 Steamfitter Knowledge

• Proper use of tools to grip, level, fabricate, cut, and bend materials
• Proper use of tools to cut, grind, thread, and shape all types of materials
• Proper types, positioning, fall arrests, assembly and care

Level 1 Industrial Mechanic Knowledge

• Proper use of hand and power tools, safety procedures, and techniques
• Proper use of hardware systems, applications, and installation
• Proper use and fabrication of gaskets, packing, and O-rings
• Proper operation and installation of various pump and driver types
• Installation, storage, and handling of various valve types
• Lubrication selection, storage, equipment use, classifications, and safety

Level 1 Combined Knowledge

• Perform a variety of routine, unskilled, or semi-skilled tasks to performing a wide variety of skilled repair, installation, and maintenance tasks on steam distribution lines with hot water, cold water, boilers, and diverse institutional fixtures and related equipment
• Knowledge of the installation, repair, and maintenance practices, equipment, and materials used in steam distribution operations, including procurement procedures, and applicable building requirements
• Work as a member of multi-craft teams responsible for providing all repair and maintenance service required in all assigned campus and building areas
• Us technical manuals, understanding of industrial equipment, and observations to determine causes of, and solutions to problems

Steam Plants and Distribution Systems Safety and Environmental

• Follow proper safety procedures at all times. Practice safety habits that reduce the possibility of personal injury, injury to others, and damage to equipment
• Understanding of all potential hazards and the safety systems that provide protection
• Practice required Lockout/Tagout procedures when performing maintenance and repairs
• Know the locations of all fire extinguishers, emergency showers, and eyewash stations

Essential Qualities

• Ability to diagnose and repair complex systems and machines
• Must use precise motions to control, maintain, or repair machines. Grasp tools and use hands to perform many tasks. A steady hand and good coordination.
• Must know how to use tools and work with piping, machines, and accessories. Must be able to operate, maintain, and repair equipment.
• Must figure out how things work and quickly solve problems
• Good work ethic and responsible attitude
• Must be able to lift and move heavy tools and materials
• Ability to direct work, plan schedules, and talk to customers/clients

Work Environment

• Typically work in areas containing piping, valves, and associated machinery
• May be exposed to high temperatures, dust, dirt, and loud noise from equipment
• Maintenance and repair duties may require contact with oil, grease, fuel, oil, and smoke
• Much time is spent on feet lifting heavy materials, climbing ladders, and work in tight spaces
• May have to crawl inside boilers, vessels, tanks, etc. and work while crouched, or kneel to inspect, clean, or repair equipment

Training

• Train on-the-job under the supervision of experienced steamfitters and maintenance mechanics
• OJT may be supplemented by courses at trade, vocational, or technical schools
• After demonstrated competence, move on to more complicated tasks. Use each task to refine knowledge and skills
• Update skills in the profession regularly, especially when new equipment is introduced
• NCCER Training Workbook: Core Curriculum - Introductory Craft Skills
• NCCER Training Workbook: Pipefitting (Vol 1)
• NCCER Training Workbook: Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (Vol 1)

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• General maintenance knowledge or experience in steam or industrial settings
• General computer skills
• Familiarity with basic safety and environmental rules and procedures
• Good interpersonal communication, role model, operational and professional excellence skills
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Valid Driver’s license required
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years knowledge and experience in steam boiler or industrial steam plants preferred
• Pipe or steam fitting training or education program completed preferred
• Engineering, miliary, or combined experience
• Experience in University, Boiler Plant, Power Plant, or Central District Heating systems
• Combined education and experience repairing steam systems
• Previous mechanical, technical, welding experience
• Strong technical abilities for analyzing, repairing, and working on various systems
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with colleagues and interact with clients

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Shift/Workdays: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:00pm

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 17101N - Steamfitter/Industrial Mechanic FM 1