Pipefitter(Refrigeration Mechanic) Foreperson

• Inspect and approve the work of Pipefitters.
• Coordinate with other Utilities personnel when additional personnel are needed for emergency or/and routine work.
• Schedule work.
• Observe employees working habits and enforce safety rules.
• Supervise and evaluate the Pipefitter Apprentices.
• Provide technical advice for the Pipefitters.
• Gather information for and discuss personnel problems with the Director of Utilities Production.
• Counsels employees in regard to performance or workplace behavior issues.
• Works with Associate Director of Utilities and/or Human Resource personnel concerning disciplinary actions.
• Expedite personnel and materials to work locations.
• Arrange special outages for equipment repairs to prevent interruption of services.
• Assist with preparation of estimates for repairs and departmental jobs.
• Perform the necessary public relations with campus customers peers and employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• General good health.
• The job duties require employees to bend stoop reach lift 50 lbs. bags and include extended periods of standing and walking on concrete floors in both cold and hot/humid environments.
• Climbing stairs ladders and moderate labor where stamina and perseverance are needed.
• Able to move rapidly in emergency situations.
• Assignments will include working on several levels in a chiller plant which may include high work in harnesses on scaffolding or in a confined space.
• Physical stamina and strength required.
• The job duties may require the employee to move heavy objects.
• Respirators may be required while performing the duties described.
• Mental stress is a factor in this job.
• Constant is defined as performing a task 500/day or 67-100% of the work day.
• Frequent is defined as performing a task 101-500x/day or 34-66% of the work day
• Occasional is defined as performing a task 1-100x/day or 1-33% of the work day
• Standing - Constant
• Walking Frequent
• Bending Stooping or Crouching Occasional
• Kneeling Occasional
• Above Shoulder Reaching Occasional
• Forward Reaching - Frequent
• Material Handling Frequent
• Balancing Occasional to Frequent
• Climbing Occasional to Frequent
• Bilateral Pushing Occasional 188lbs to break steam valve open with wrench at chest level; 150lb initial horizontal force for empty refrigeration tanks with hands at chest level 80lb sustained force for over 100ft
• Bilateral Pulling Occasional 45lb horizontal pull force for pallet jack with full refrigerant tanks with hands at chest level over 100ft.
• Bilateral Pushing/Pulling Occasional 25lb to 125lb force to loosen or tighten bolts from various positions including above shoulde.
• Bilateral Lifting Occasional 75lbs for chain falls in bucket from 18 to overhead.
• Bilateral Above Shoulder Lifting Occasional 75lbs for chain falls
• Unilateral Lift/Carry Occasional 54lbs for porta-power kit 45lbs for vacuum pump over 100ft.
• Bilateral Lift/Carry Occasional 74lbs for tool box with large wrenches and sockets (2-person lift/carry of 148lbs) 50ft.; 65lb empty refrigerant tanks 100ft.; 50lb motors up 15 to 20 stairs
• Based on the two-hand occasional horizontal pushing of 188lbs and the two-hand occasional horizontal pushing and pulling of 125lbs the Utility Pipefitter at the Campus Chilled Water plants functions at the Very Heavy Physical Demand Level.

• Work area can be hot humid noisy and dusty.
• Certain hazards may be present in the form of radiation asbestos insulation chemicals high temperatures high noise levels severe weather dust etc.
• Outside work is required in all sea

1. A. Certificate of completion of Pipetrade apprenticeship under a registered Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training program AND four (4) years (48 months) of applicable experience.

OR

B. Experience sufficient to qualify as a journeyman Pipefitter or other Pipetrade classification with a minimum of nine (9) years (108 months) of actual work in the trade which may have included apprenticeship and/or applicable vocational training. The trade for this purpose shall include work normally performed by Pipefitters Pipefitter Welders Refrigeration Mechanics Temperature Control Mechanics Sprinkler Fitters and/or Oil Burner Mechanics.

• Ability to supervise and instruct. Knowledge of chiller and air conditioning systems including industrial chillers cooling towers pumps and boilers. Skill in mechanical drafting and reading blueprint reading. Ability to give and follow directions. Knowledge of safety procedures. Understanding of Utilities vision mission and values

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 1828 - Pipefitter (Refrigeration Mechanic) Foreman position appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 8/31/2026. The hourly rate for this position is $62.28/hr.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

For more information on Civil Service classifications please visit the SUCSS web site at Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on 8/21/2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this order to be considered as a transfer candidate you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position please contact Syed A. Arshad at For questions regarding the application process please contact .

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the states flagship public university and one of the worlds leading research institutions every staff member helps shape whats next. Founded in 1867 Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries supported by 15 colleges and instructional units more than 20 research institutes and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether youre empowering first-generation students fueling breakthrough innovation or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being growth and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized your potential is nurtured and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health Dental Vision Life Insurance a Retirement Plan Paid time Off and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy childbirth and related conditions or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at option #1 or .

Requisition ID:
Job Category: Crafts & Trades
Apply at: