Steam System Technician I

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906 WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16293 students and nearly 2612 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students faculty and staff to become effective scholars contributors and leaders in our ever-evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville TN and just over 100 miles south of Louisville KY WKUs main campus is in Bowling Green KY - a city with approximately 70000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKUs strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays vacation and sick leave and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at Description:

Under general supervision of the Central Heating Plant Supervisor the Steam System Technician performs skilled work at the experienced trade level in the maintenance and repair of boilers repair of pumps fans and compressors as well as being responsible for the steam distribution system campus wide.

• Operate or tend steam distribution systems boilers and auxiliary equipment such as pumps compressors and related equipment to supply and maintain steam or heat for University buildings
• Observe and interpret readings on gauges meters and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly
• Monitor and inspect equipment computer terminals switches valves gauges alarms safety devices and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely
• Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems
• Maintain daily logs of operation maintenance and safety activities including test results instrument readings and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work
• Assemble or secure pipes tubes fittings or related equipment according to specifications by welding brazing cementing soldering or threading joints
• Turn valves to shut off steam water or other gases or liquids from pipe sections using valve keys or wrenches
• Remove and replace worn components
• Examine boilers pressure vessels tanks or vats to locate defects such as leaks weak spots or defective sections so that they can be repaired
• Inspect assembled vessels or individual components such as tubes fittings valves controls or auxiliary mechanisms to locate any defects
• Repair or replace defective pressure vessel parts such as safety valves or regulators using torches jacks caulking hammers power saws threading dies welding equipment or metalworking machinery
• Install manholes handholes taps tubes valves gauges or feedwater connections in drums of water tube and fire tube boilers using hand tools
• Study blueprints to determine locations relationships or dimensions of parts
• Straighten or reshape metal parts using hammers jacks or torches
• Other general maintenance to include: disassembling machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs reassemble equipment after completion of inspections testing or repairs
• Clean lubricate or adjust parts equipment or machinery
• Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits
• Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers to adjust supplies of combustion air and to control the flow of fuel into burners
• Maintains excellent communication/customer service with Building Coordinators and all other DFM Supervisors
• Communicates bi-laterally with other DFM team members to coordinate work activities between groups
• Performs other duties as required

Knowledge and Skills Essential for Success

• Mechanical & operational knowledge of all machines & tools related to steam and hot water equipment
• Troubleshooting skills to determine causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it
• Skill to repair machines or systems using the needed tools
• Skill to perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed
• Ability to provide on-the-job training/coaching to other steam system technicians regarding proper maintenance of boilers and steam distribution systems
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints specification sheets schematics etc.
• Ability to monitor and assess performance of yourself and make improvements or take corrective action
• Ability to talk to others and convey information effectively
• Ability to manage ones own time effectively and efficiently
• Being reliable responsible dependable and able to fulfill obligations
• Being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks
• Ability to accept criticism and react calmly and effectively with high stress situations
• Possess basic computer skills familiar with web/internet navigation and willingness to learn and utilize new technology based products as applicable
• Adhere to all University policies and regulations

Physical Abilities Required

• Installation skills for installing equipment machines wiring or programs to meet specifications
• Ability to bend crawl reach kneel climb ladders & scaffolding and able to navigate tight/confined spaces as well as working in hot noisy mechanical rooms
• Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor which includes heavy lifting carrying 50 lbs. or more on a regular basis
• Requires working outdoors in all types of weather conditions
• Must be able to wear protective eye wear gloves ear wear and top of head during work times for ones

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to bend crawl reach kneel climb ladders & scaffolding and able to navigate tight/confined spaces as well as working in hot noisy mechanical rooms
• Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor which includes heavy lifting carrying 50 lbs. or more on a regular basis
• Requires working outdoors in all types of weather conditions
• Must be able to wear protective eye wear gloves ear wear and top of head during work times for ones safety as the task dictates

Hourly Range:$23.64-$25.78

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Revised 1992 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race color ethnicity national origin creed religion political belief sex sexual orientation gender identity/expression marital status age uniformed services veteran status genetic information pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process may contact the Office of Institutional Equity at for assistance. To report concerns related to WKUs Discrimination and Harassment Policy No. 0.2040 and/or WKUs Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination Harassment and Retaliation Policy No. 0.2070 please complete the Discrimination Harassment and Retaliation Reporting Form. Additional information regarding Title IX including contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and reporting options is available on WKUs Title IX website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: information related to job postings application status or the hiring process please email.

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system:

• Resume

You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate review process will generally begin as materials are received.