Job Description
Campus Energy, Utilities & Operations has an outstanding opportunity for a Campus Utilities Pipefitter/Steamfitter [Plumber/Pipefitter/Steam Fitter (NE S WFSE Trades)].
About this Opportunity
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.
Key Responsibilities
System Operation & Maintenance
- 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.
Piping Fabrication & Repairs
- 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.
Safety, LOTO & Compliance
- 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.
Core Competencies
- Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.
- Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively.
- Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems.
- Be responsible and accountable.
- Use organizational skills and provide attention to details.
- Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success-oriented attitude.
- Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.
- Exhibit a professional work ethic.
- Continuously promote a safe work environment.
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.
- 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.
Additional Qualifications
- 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
Preferred Qualifications
- 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
Working Conditions
- This position is subject to callback outside normal working hours (nights, weekends, and holidays) and mandatory scheduled and unscheduled overtime to respond to emergencies on an as-needed, scheduled on-call, or standby basis.
- The position requires working with and around asbestos containing equipment and following proper procedures
- This position requires the wearing of a daily uniform and personal protective equipment appropriate to the job task and area.
- Must be able to lift or carry heavy objects, work in confined spaces, restricted movement areas, mechanical/electrical spaces, and around operating equipment such as boilers, fans, pumps, and transformers, etc. for extended periods of time and be able to climb ladders and work at heights
- Must be able to wear all proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required
- Additionally, approved safety shoes must be provided at the employee’s expense and worn on the job, but reimbursed by the employer.
- Must be able to respond to system emergencies during regular business hours and outside of regular business hours
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$83,268.00 annual
Pay Range Maximum:
$110,964.00 annual
Other Compensation:
-
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit:
WFSE Skilled Trades
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.