Boiler Operator Apprentice
Boiler Operator Apprentice
FS Maintenance Services
Position Overview
The University of Kansas is searching for individuals with general maintenance skills that are interested in career growth opportunities in the area of steam, pipefitting, and basic plumbing. The selected incumbent would enter an apprenticeship opportunity to learn and be trained in boiler operations and equipment. The apprenticeship spans a six-month time period. Successful completion of the apprenticeship would result in a promotion to Boiler Operator with a rate increase.
The apprentice will be matched with a Boiler Operator providing expertise and learning opportunities in the operation, maintenance and repair of low or high-pressure steam boilers and related mechanical equipment and systems (water softeners, compressors, generators and other equipment in a central heating and power plant) at the KU Power Plant. The apprentice will learn surveillance skills such as reading gauges, meters and charts and by testing water and recording this information to ensure efficiency and safety. Work also includes assisting in minor maintenance and repair work in the power plant.
Job Description
30% - Operation & Inspection: Under supervision, learn all aspects of how to operate boilers, pumps, air compressors, de-aerators, water softeners, valves, regulators and pneumatic controls to maintain proper steam pressure, temperature and water level. Participate in and complete training program to learn procedures to check for proper operations of safety alarms, pumps, valves and piping systems and accurately read gauges, thermometers and charts to record/document information. Will assist with the inspection of boilers, pumps, valves, piping systems and associated auxiliary equipment for proper operation and to determine repair/preventive maintenance scheduling. Will assist with water testing process as needed. Will gain knowledge to assess situation and notify appropriate personnel concerning non-standard readings. Learns to record daily operations of boilers, pumps, deaerators and air compressors. Records and communicates information digitally.
30% - Piping Systems: Assists and gain knowledge with fabrication, assembling, installation and maintaining of piping systems, valves and equipment for boilers, pumps, steam, condensate, feed-water, cooling water, pneumatics and lubricating systems in accordance with National Plumbing, ASTM, and ASTE Codes. Under supervision, will learn the blueprints, technical manuals, schematics and drawings needed to install and/or repair systems using the appropriate pipe cutters, threaders and fittings.
25% - Equipment Maintenance: Assists in the cleaning, replacement, installation, lubrication and repacking of filters, pipes, pumps, valves, heat exchangers and auxiliary equipment in order to maintain the power plant in good operation condition. Will assist staff in overhauling pumps on steam generating and heating equipment by replacing defective bearings, seals, packing, shafts and other pump parts. Performs routine cleanliness tasks to keep power plant and equipment in compliance with national fire and safety codes.
10% - Related Duties: Assists as need to correct problems in the case of water breaks, steam distribution irregularity or other problems. Assist with snow removal and surface treatment.
5% - Other duties as assigned
Position Requirements
- Lift and carry up to 20 pounds constantly and up to 50 pounds occasionally with or without accommodation.
- Reach, grasp, lift, carry, and place moderately heavy loads frequently and heavy loads occasionally with or without accommodation.
- Ascend/descend multi-level stairs and vertical ladders in performance of routine duties.
- Work under a variety of temperature and weather extremes, both inside and outdoors.
- Work in environments with constant loud noise.
- Work in confined spaces.
- Work overtime as needed.
- Respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.
- Report to work during declared periods of inclement weather.
Required Qualifications
- Must have a valid driver’s license at time of hire and maintain that license throughout employment.
- High school diploma or completion of GED equivalency.
Contact Information to Applicants Robert Mills, r957m277@ku.edu
Additional Candidate Instruction
The plant supervisor will be in continuous touch with the apprentice trainee to monitor knowledge gained and determine areas for focused attention. An informal examination of the trainee’s attainment of knowledge and skills will be conducted at 3 months and each month thereafter, which will be utilized to determine further training requirements or readiness to proceed to formal completion of program.
Successful completion of the apprenticeship program will be determined by formal examination and demonstrated practical application of skills attained. Incumbents successfully completing the apprentice program will be promoted to a new position of Boiler Operator with a starting hourly rate of $17.65. The Boiler Operator position will receive additional training for the first six months within the role.
Apprentices which are not successful in moving to a Boiler Operator position may be eligible for an alternate placement within Facility Services if an opening is available and prior performance and conduct is at a satisfactory level or higher.
A complete application will include your current contact information including email, phone number and your previous work experience including dates of employment.
Review of applications will begin Monday, November 15th and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
Advertised Salary Range $13.50/hr
Application Review Begins 15-Nov-2021
Anticipated Start Date 01-Dec-2021
Primary Campus University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
FTE 1.0
Reg/Temp Regular
FLSA Status Nonexempt
Employee Class B-University Support Staff
Work Schedule Initially Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm transitioning to a 4 day work schedule, Weds-Sat.
Union 055
Job Family Facilit Plan Design&Operat-KUL
Work Location Assignment On-Site
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).