Assistant Steam Distribution Operator - Facilities & Services

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Steam Distribution Operator supports the operation and surveillance of campus steam distribution and condensate return systems, chilled water centers and distribution systems, natural gas transmission and distribution systems, and building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The role assists with operating and inspecting system components and equipment, monitoring building and tunnel conditions, and reporting malfunctions or repair needs to supervision. The operator may help operate isolated heating plants, maintain operating logs, inspect ventilation filters and mechanical equipment, assist with scheduled outages, and record utility meter readings using automated devices. During evenings, weekends, and holidays, the position may serve as a campus observer to identify and investigate abnormal conditions and contact the appropriate craft staff when corrective work is needed. Second- and third-year operators may locate campus utilities as assigned. The position may require driving university vehicles and performing other assigned duties. Work is assigned by the Foreperson, Sub-Foreperson, Work Management Group, Service office, or the Director of Building Maintenance & Grounds or designee. The position interacts with campus customers, supervisors, and peers and is expected to support the mission and operational direction of Facilities and Services while promoting professionalism, accountability, craftsmanship, and teamwork.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year (12 months) of mechanical work experience.
Valid State of Illinois driver's license at time of hire, maintained throughout employment.
General knowledge of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and other building mechanical equipment and campus utility distribution systems.
General knowledge of steam distribution work and University Standards.
Ability to read and understand blueprints and schematics.
Thorough general knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and proper use of Steam Distribution tools and equipment.

Responsibilities

Assist with operating, investigating, and inspecting campus steam distribution and condensate return system components, including valves, traps, pumps, pressure-reducing valves, expansion joints, piping, supports, tunnels, entries, insulation, and lighting.
Assist with operating and inspecting natural gas transmission and distribution systems, including valves, piping, supports, regulator stations, and associated equipment.
Assist in operating and adjusting pressure-reducing valve stations for building heating systems.
Turn building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems on or off according to operating schedules and conditions at Abbott Power Plant; operate systems to avoid damage to power plant equipment.
Inspect building equipment rooms and tunnels for cleanliness and clean as directed; check condensate return pumps, condensate meters, sump pumps, ventilation, lighting, and security for proper operation.
Check heating, ventilation, and air conditioning temperature controls to ensure suitable and efficient conditions.
Inspect ventilating and exhaust fan components, including motors, bearings, fans, coils, dampers, ductwork, valves, traps, and controls; check coils, ductwork, dampers, louvers, and grilles for damage and cleanliness, clean assigned items, and report damage to supervision.
Operate isolated heating plants as directed; maintain temperatures, check boilers and furnaces, inspect controls and support equipment, and report needed maintenance or repairs.
Maintain an operating log as directed and report malfunctions or repair needs to supervision so service requests can be initiated.
Periodically inspect ventilation system filters, determine when they need cleaning or replacement, and report findings as directed.
Periodically inspect and/or lubricate grease and oil bearings on mechanical equipment, including tunnel sump pump motor bearings, valves, and expansion joints as directed; motor bearings are generally lubricated by others, except as noted.
Conduct scheduled inspections of sewage lift stations and assist with scheduled outages as directed.
Record monthly utility meter readings using automated reading devices.
During evenings, weekends, and holidays, check for, identify, and investigate abnormal campus conditions and call the appropriate craft staff for corrective action when necessary.
As a second- or third-year Assistant Steam Distribution Operator, locate campus steam distribution systems, natural gas distribution systems, and other utilities as assigned.
Drive university vehicles when required and perform other duties as assigned.