Campus Utilities Pipefitter/Steamfitter

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

3d•$83,268 - $110,964•Onsite

About The Position

Campus Energy, Utilities & Operations has an outstanding opportunity for a Campus Utilities Pipefitter/Steamfitter. Reporting to the Plumber/Pipefitter/Steam Fitter lead, the Plumber/Pipefitter/Steam Fitter is responsible for performing 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. 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, as well as the separate Emergency Management team, are the Business Intelligence & Information Technology group and the Finance & Administration group.

Requirements

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 and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
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 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

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of experience as a pipe fitter/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, 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

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot, maintain, inspect, operate, and repair underground high‑energy thermal distribution systems (steam, condensate, chilled water, natural gas), including pipelines, headers, PRVs, steam traps, meters, isolation valves, relief valves, and related equipment.
Monitor, operate, and regulate metering systems and isolation valves; route and isolate systems as needed for maintenance and repair.
Coordinate shutdowns and technical issues to minimize service disruptions; collaborate professionally with trades, contractors, vendors, clients, and campus personnel; assist with new/renovation system connections.
Safely operate tools, machinery, test equipment and vehicles (forklifts, lifts, vans, trucks); manage materials and supplies; support safety enforcement, training participation, and perform other assigned duties.
Repair, replace, and troubleshoot expansion joints, isolation valves, and “fail-to-hold” conditions; perform work under line stops or freezes in coordination with qualified operators.
Cut, fit, fabricate, assemble, and join piping systems (including large diameter) using threading, brazing, soldering, and welding techniques.
Install, operate, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment such as pumps, condensate receivers, expansion tanks/joints, and valves; address system failures including steam hammer and related causes.
Safely perform hot tapping on live low-pressure steam, condensate, and chilled water systems.
Test, troubleshoot, repair, and implement plans for pressure relief systems and other safety devices; maintain and update system drawings and schematics.
Maintain Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) records; prepare systems for contractor work by de‑energizing, venting, verifying zero energy, issuing LOTO, and monitoring contractor compliance.
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards (WAC 296-803, SDS, PPE, asbestos/lead awareness); plan work using AWP, PTP, JHA, and LOTO procedures. Attend and actively participate in all required meetings and training and may provide intermittent training to other trade and craft workers
Inspect projects and contractor work for compliance with codes and campus standards; manage work orders (AiM system), maintain records, service histories, manuals, and documentation; respond to communications.