Location: Kalamazoo,MI, USA
* Provides highly skilled craft labor, working with tools to install, repair, replace and perform preventive maintenance for all elements of the University's heat and hot water distribution system.
Major Duties
* Installs, repairs and maintains all piping and devices required for the delivery of steam and return of condensate for heating and domestic use, including air separators, expansion tanks, domestic hot water heaters, valves, strainers and traps.
* Inspects and traces piping; cuts or breaks existing fittings and removes damaged and/or deteriorated segments of piping; threads new pipe under 4 in diameter to receive new fittings; and installs new fittings to reconnect replacement pipe under 4 in diameter or welds replacement piping over 4 in diameter to existing sound piping material.
* Installs, repairs and replaces underground pipes, pipes located in vaults and steam tunnels, and pipes concealed in floors, walls and ceilings.
* Bleeds hydronic heating systems to remove excess air and correct water flow.
* Removes and replaces heat vent unit coils with the assistance of 2-3 other tradespeople.
* Repairs heating elements and wall-mounted convectors and changes building relief valves.
* Provides information required to update building and systems drawings to accurately reflect current status and, as assigned, may assist in the technical training of an apprentice.
* Organizes assigned work so as to minimize materials and manhours required for proper completion of work, and instructs others in the operation of and preventive maintenance for all related tools and equipment.
* This position performs additional duties as requested by supervisory personnel.
Minimum Qualifications
* High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
* Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and safety regulations regarding the performance of job duties, and must have sufficient writing and mathematical skills to prepare estimates and supply requisitions.
* Completion of a registered apprenticeship program, or an established, certified training program recognized by the University and/or written verification of a minimum of five (5) years experience at the journeyperson level in the pipefitter trade.
* Possess documented welding experience in a commercial application.
* Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license.
* Ability to perform the essential functions of the job and use the tools of the trade.
* Ability to complete a physical examination administered by the employer's designated physician.
Desired Qualifications
* State of Michigan Plumbers license.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Bid Procedures:
All University employees represented by AFSCME Local 1668, and non-AFSCME regular and temporary University employees, who have the present ability or required qualifications to satisfactorily perform the required work, may exercise bidding privileges on this position.
* Current AFSCME employees must complete the on-line WMU - AFSCME (bid) Sheet only.
* Non-AFSCME University employees must submit an on-line WMU - Internal Application only.
* Temporary University employees must submit an on-line WMU - Application only.
Additional Position Information
* Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to:
* Above is a summary of the description for the position of Pipefitter/Steamfitter. A complete description for this position may be reviewed upon request in the department of Human Resources, Room 1300, Seibert Administration Building or online at:
* This is a first (1st) shift position. The regular work hours for this position are 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The regular work days are Monday through Friday, with Saturday and Sunday off.
Physical requirements and working conditions
* When working in vaults, confined spaces and tunnels, the incumbent uses confined space air quality monitoring meters to monitor for the presence of toxic gases.
* Must wear MIOSHA approved safety shoes at all times and must wear a hard hat, gloves and safety glasses as required by MIOSHA rules.
* Must wear a respirator when working in vaults, tunnels and other confined spaces.
* A face shield, leather vest and MIOSHA approved leather gloves are required when using welding equipment.
* Must wear no loose-fitting clothing which might become entangled in equipment or machinery, posing a hazard to incumbent's safety.