Building Maintenance Pipefitter

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Building Maintenance Pipefitter at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

POSITION PURPOSE

Construct and maintain pipes and equipment used to provide steam, chilled water and hot water heating to University buildings utilizing a variety of techniques and equipment common to this trade.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

- Repair or replace damaged, leaking or broken steam, chilled water and hot water heating pipes and coils. Determine and obtain all supplies and equipment needed to make repairs; erect and use ladders, scaffolds and chainfalls; work above ceilings, on roof tops, in crawl spaces or pipe chases, behind walls, at any height from below ground level to several stories high and at any angle with heavy pipes and tools; ensure steam or water is shut off in work area as appropriate; remove piping and coils and size new to fit securely and without leakage; cut threads and pipe on location or in shop as conditions permit. Repair and replace pumps and related equipment as necessary. 

- Install new piping systems. Determine piping source needed to produce steam, chilled or hot water; plan piping, coils, connections and location of system based on need and space availability; weld, braze and/or solder piping; maneuver pipes, equipment and tools to access work area; run pipes above ceilings, below floors, behind walls, in pipe chases, etc. to connect system to water supply and building areas to be heated.

- Work according to blueprints, sketches and/or personal instructions. Determine where pipes and water supply are located; check steam and water pressure and flow; adjust valves and regulators as necessary to control flow; recommend changes to systems; utilize appropriate methods, procedures and equipment for worksite; work with and on cast iron, plastic, copper, black steel and galvanized pipes as dictated by current piping and/or system requirements; locate mislabeled or unidentified pipes.

- Maintain all physical plant steam, chilled water and hot water heating systems. Perform on-site inspection and needs assessment; check and test completed installations and repairs; access pipes and equipment via ladders, locked stairways or passages, man holes, exterior fire escapes, etc.; transport and use tools such as wrenches, sledge hammers, saws, thread cutters, welding equipment and tanks, etc.

- Maintain safe working conditions at all times by using supplies and equipment properly and taking necessary precautions. Perform duties in areas which may contain toxic fumes or agents using appropriate safety equipment and procedures; complete tasks requiring work in different positions and at different angles; transport tools and equipment to worksites throughout campus including stairwells, ceilings, basements, rooftops, pipe chases, crawl spaces, etc.

- All Pipefitters are considered to be “Essential Personnel,” and are required to report during a university emergency closure period.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

- Possession of an authorized journeyman's license as a pipefitter.

- Ability to read and interpret blueprints.

- Ability to transport, use and maintain heavy tools and the full range of pipefitting supplies and equipment, including different kinds of piping, wrenches, sledge hammers, soldering irons, welding torches, thread cutters, chainfalls, ladders, scaffolds, etc.

- Ability to access pipes, pumps and heating equipment located at varying heights from below ground to several stories high and in confined areas.

- Ability to work in a variety of positions and at any angle.

- Possession and maintenance of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license and satisfactory driving record as determined by University policy.

- Ability to work in hazardous working conditions utilizing appropriate safety precautions.

- Some experience as a maintenance pipefitter.

- Must obtain security clearance.

Preferred qualifications:

School/College/Division:

H42 - Facilities Plan & Manage

Primary department:

H4241 - Facilities Operations Zone 1

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category