Western Kentucky University
Steam System Technician, Plant Operations- Department of Facilities Mgmt.
Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States, 42103
Location: Bowling Green, KY Category: Staff Posted On: Wed May 21 2025 Job Description:
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.
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
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
Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels
Install, connect and adjusts various boiler controls
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
Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment
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
Bolt or arc weld pressure vessel structures and parts together, using wrenches or welding equipment
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
Secondary Duties and Responsibilities
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 one's 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 one's
Job Requirements:
High School Diploma or GED equivalency
At least two years of experience in steam generation/production and distribution, or five years of experience in plumbing and/or mechanical repair
Should be knowledgeable in operation of heating equipment
Must possess and maintain a valid Kentucky driver's license
Additional Information:
Hourly Rate: $23.00
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 individuals. In 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, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.
Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php
For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.
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
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
Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels
Install, connect and adjusts various boiler controls
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
Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment
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
Bolt or arc weld pressure vessel structures and parts together, using wrenches or welding equipment
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
Secondary Duties and Responsibilities
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 one's 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 one's
Job Requirements:
High School Diploma or GED equivalency
At least two years of experience in steam generation/production and distribution, or five years of experience in plumbing and/or mechanical repair
Should be knowledgeable in operation of heating equipment
Must possess and maintain a valid Kentucky driver's license
Additional Information:
Hourly Rate: $23.00
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 individuals. In 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, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.
Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php
For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.