Maintenance Engineer A (Plumber)

Department: Facilities Mgmt CH
Salary/Grade: 399/S3

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. Pay for this position will be $54.14 per hour. Rate is determined by collective bargaining agreement.

Job Summary

Under direction, performs journey-level work and is proficient within the building maintenance engineer trade. Operates, maintains, repairs, and replaces building infrastructure related equipment including, but not limited to, air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, plumbing, temperature controls and instrumentation. Provides limited oversight and direction to Maintenance Engineer B and Maintenance Engineer Helper staff.

The role will support the department's mission and values by exhibiting the following: inclusiveness, respect, initiative, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities and will practice safe work procedures, and follow safety rules at all times.

Please Note: Monday-Friday 3:00pm-11:00pm shift

Specific Responsibilities:

• Operates, maintains, diagnoses, repairs and replaces heating (steam and/or hot water), process, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, ventilation systems with associated components and hardware, utility distribution systems, and pneumatic piping/control systems;
• Installs, maintains, repairs, replaces and tests plumbing systems including water, drainage, and sewer lines, plumbing equipment and fixtures, associated pumps, valves and devices such as backflow preventers, reverse osmosis and deionized water systems, fire protection systems and equipment;
• Estimates time, materials, and equipment required for assigned jobs; maintains records of work performed and parts used;
• Mentors and provides technical guidance to coworkers;
• Other duties as assigned;
• Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24 hour, 7 day per week coverage.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent combination of educational training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired;
• Completion of an accredited plumbing or HVAC service technician apprenticeship program, or the equivalent education, training, and field experience;
• Five years field experience working at journeyman level
• Working knowledge of applicable codes and regulations including OSHA, BOCA, NFPA, local municipality regulations, and state and local plumbing codes;
• Must be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399 or join after 90-day probationary period;
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license recognized by the State of Illinois, provide own reliable transportation and purchase a University parking permit (as required).

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• General knowledge of steam and refrigeration cycles and their application in typical building systems;
• Working knowledge of machinery bearings, rotating machinery, bearing replacement and shaft alignment;
• Knowledge of the tools, instruments, methods and standard trade/safety practices;
• Ability to perform calculations applicable to field of experience;
• Working knowledge of the function and safe working practices related to associated electrical systems, such as motors, relays, VFD's, MCC's;
• General knowledge of building systems and equipment such as steam or hot water boilers, centrifugal chillers, refrigeration units, cooling towers, air handling units, pumps, VAV boxes, fume hoods, chilled beams, heat recovery chillers, heat recovery wheels, domestic water booster pumps, fire protection systems, and water treatment systems, with thorough proficiency and knowledge in at least one system type
• Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement;
• Helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented;
• Ability to build strong working relationships and a positive work environment;
• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect and shared purpose;
• Balances listening and talking, speaks and writes clearly and accurately, keeps others informed;
• Integrates health and safety precautions into daily activities;
• Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters or priorities may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations;
• Knowledge of JCI Metasys, Tridium, Siemens and ALC frontends;
• Thorough understanding of how to troubleshoot mechanical/HVAC/Plumbing systems;
• Successfully uses multiple software program independently. Software may include Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, CMMS systems, and Peoplesoft;
• Proficiency with mobile devices including iOS.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• 7 years of advanced plumbing or HVAC maintenance and operation experience;
• EPA Universal Certification and five years' experience with refrigeration;
• Training and/or developmental experience equivalent to full apprenticeship in pipefitting or welding;
• Illinois Department of Public Health Certified Swimming Pool Operator;
• City of Chicago Plumbing License (as required by campus site);
• Illinois CCCDI License (as required by campus site);
• Experience working in cold rooms and scientific laboratory facilities;
• Experience working in a higher education environment;
• City of Chicago stationary engineer's license
• National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II in Inspection & Testing of Water-Based Systems.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team;
• Plans ahead, manages time well and arrives on time;
• Recommends improvements and opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs;
• Exceptional customer relationship skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment;
• Analytical skills including critical thinking, decision making, trouble shooting and problem solving, reading and interpreting technical drawings;
• Achieves a standard of excellence with work processes and outcomes, honoring University and Department policies and all regulatory requirements.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

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