Steamfitter
About The Position
The Steamfitter position plays a critical role in maintaining the reliability, safety, and efficiency of UW–Madison's steam, heating, cooling, and mechanical systems that support academic, research, and campus facilities. The successful candidate will apply strong maintenance and troubleshooting skills to diagnose equipment issues, perform preventive and corrective repairs, and ensure the continuous operation of complex mechanical systems in active, occupied buildings. Key responsibilities include inspecting, servicing, repairing, and maintaining steam distribution equipment, heating systems, piping networks, valves, pumps, and mechanical cooling equipment. The role requires advanced problem-solving abilities, mechanical aptitude, and a proactive approach to preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and extend equipment life. Working alongside other skilled trades and facilities professionals, this position offers hands-on experience supporting large-scale campus infrastructure. Success in this role depends on strong maintenance knowledge, troubleshooting expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to safely perform repairs and maintenance activities on a wide variety of complex mechanical systems in a service-focused environment. If you take pride in keeping critical systems running reliably and enjoy solving complex mechanical challenges, we invite you to bring your maintenance expertise to the team and help support the UW–Madison campus community.
Requirements
- Journeyman‑level experience as a Steamfitter or HVAC‑R technician.
- Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible service experience troubleshooting and repairing steam and heating systems, or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair mechanical systems in an institutional, commercial, or industrial environment.
- Drivers License Required - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards
Nice To Haves
- Completion of a service‑focused apprenticeship program in Steamfitting or HVAC‑R.
- Experience troubleshooting mechanical cooling systems, including chilled water and HVAC‑R equipment, in addition to steam and heating systems.
- Experience working in a large institutional or campus environment with complex mechanical systems.
Responsibilities
- Gathers materials, prepares work area, and maintains equipment and supplies needed for jobs
- Interprets blueprints and drawings to assess and verify specifications and to calculate the materials and equipment required. Discusses project plan with customer/client
- Installs, troubleshoots, and services Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVACR) systems and equipment
- Collaborates with and assists contractors as needed
- Cleans work area upon completion of projects according to established guidelines and expectations
- Reviews finished projects with client/customer. Maintains records and reports of work status and completion according to established deadlines and expectations
- Performs skilled steamfitter work according to established trade standards and applicable building and safety codes
Benefits
- Generous paid time off
- Competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
- Tax-advantaged savings accounts
- Participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
