Boiler & Chiller Technician 2nd Shift, Facility Services

EMPLOYMENT TERMS: Full-time position

PRIMARY DUTY: The Boiler & Chiller Technician 2nd Shift performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance of steam and hot water boilers and chiller equipment throughout the University campus.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Condensing boilers and associated equipment

a. Performs annual start-up on condensing boilers including, but not limited to addressing reported problems, inspecting interior and cleaning if necessary; cleaning of condensate trap and filling with fresh water; checking for leaks (i.e., water, gas, flue, condensate); verifying flue and air lines are in good condition and sealed tight; checking system water pressure/system piping/expansion tank; checking control settings; checking ignition and flame sense electrodes (sanding off any deposits and cleaning/repositioning); checking wiring and connections; performing start-up checkout and performance verification per owners manual; inspecting flame (stable, uniform); checking flame signal at high fire; cleaning of the heat exchanger if flue temperature is more than 54 degrees F above return water temperature. If combustion or performance indicates need, cleaning of heat exchanger, removing and cleaning of burner utilizing compressed air, and cleaning of blower wheel.

b. Performs owner maintenance including, but not limited to daily checks of boiler areas and checking/logging of pressure and temperature gauges; water treatment/testing, monthly checks including vent and air piping, air and vent termination screens, relief valves, condensate drain systems, and air vents; periodic checking of low water cutoff and reset buttons; bi-yearly checking of boiler piping (gas and water) for leaks, and operation of relief valve; and end of season boiler shutdown.

2. Steam heating

a. Performs work in the operation of steam heating/systems by operating boiler feed pumps, circulating pumps, and water softeners, testing water to determine degree of hardness, mixing boiler compound and treating the water to assure the appropriate degree of softness, maintaining a chemical treatment program for effluent systems, charting consumption and regulating steam flow, and inspecting and adjusting the equipment to maintain a constant steam flow.

b. Corrects equipment malfunctions when indicated by direct observation or in response to instrument indication and notifies direct supervisor when major repairs, assistance or services are required.

c. Performs preventive maintenance of steam boilers and ancillary equipment by regularly inspecting to determine their working condition, performing periodic washing and cleaning of boilers, tubes, pumps, screens, pipes, burners and strainers, replacing broken sight glasses, worn gaskets, and defective meters, and keeping accurate records on each piece of equipment indicating all repairs/breakdowns, required and performed maintenance.

3. Chillers and associated equipment

a. Perform daily tasks involving regular operation of chillers to include, but not limited to checking the temperature of chilled water and condenser water entering and leaving the systems; check the power and current being drawn by the compressors; check sump oil levels and temperatures; checking condenser and evaporator pressures; inspecting and recording of oil pressure readings; checking for any abnormal noise and vibration from the systems.

b. Perform weekly chiller maintenance checklists including, but not limited to checking sump oil level and topping off if required, checking the liquid levels using site glasses, inspecting pipes and coils for visible leakages, checking exterior condition of the condenser, observing chiller operation for unusual sounds or vibration, and checking and recording all operating temperatures and pressures. Ensuring that all numbers match normal operating conditions.

c. Perform monthly chiller maintenance checklists including, but not limited to checking components for wear and tear, checking the level of lubrication in the centrifugal pumps and motors, topping up the lubrication if required; checking the condenser and cleaning the coils; cleaning the condenser water strainers; running the chiller on full load and checking the liquid level of the evaporator; and inspecting the compressor motor for operational temperature. Ensuring motors are not overheating.

d. Perform annual chiller maintenance checklist including, but not limited to chemically washing of condenser coils, changing oil filters, changing all oil using only approved oil; straightening of fins and fans of air-cooled condensers; checking the liquid line filters and changing if required, checking the health of water strainers and replacing if needed, checking the quality of the circulating water for water-cooled condensers and changing water if required, inspecting the health of isolating valves and lubricating moving parts, inspecting and verifying operation of valve limit switches and vane dampers, inspect the physical condition of starter panels, checking contactors and tops of electrical components, checking the condition of terminal lugs and replacing if needed, and inspecting loose connections in electrical circuitry and its components.

4. Cooling towers

a. Perform daily checks including, but not limited to checking for any visible leaks, unusual noises or vibrations, inspecting water level to ensure its within the recommended range, monitoring water temperature and pressure gauges, checking fan operation and walking perimeter to inspect balance in rain zone.

b. Perform quarterly checks including, but not limited to conducting a thorough inspection of the towers exterior, including structural integrity, fan blades, and louvers, checking and cleaning water strainers or filters, inspecting and lubricating fan motor bearings and gearbox oil levels and conditions, and testing water quality parameters such as pH, conductivity, and TDS.

c. Perform semi-annual checks including, but not limited to conducting a comprehensive inspection of the water distribution system, including pipes, valves, and fittings, inspecting fill material for any signs of damage or fouling, verifying alignment couplings in the fan system, and cleaning or replacing any clogged or damaged spray nozzles.

d. Perform annual checks including, but not limited to performing a detailed inspection of the entire cooling tower system, including mechanical and electrical components, checking fan blades for cracks, balance and alignment, weighing selected fill blocks from lower levels and recording weights to measure fouling, inspecting and cleaning basins and pumps, checking and adjusting water treatment system including chemical feeders and control equipment, conducting a thorough cleaning and inspection of water piping and associated equipment.

5. Other

a. Uses the energy management system to monitor the performance of heating, cooling, and related systems by interpreting alarms and temperature and pressure differentials, troubleshoots problems, and makes adjustments, as needed.

b. Reduces the likelihood for liability regarding the University's compliance with federal regulations by complying with policies, laws, and regulations governing environmental protection, safety, hazardous waste disposal and the use of chemical substances and materials.

c. Contributes to an accident-free work environment by complying with equipment operating instructions, and using safety precautions in the use of tools, supplies, and hazardous chemicals.

d. Contributes to the overall success of the Facility Services Department by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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 professional demeanor, which includes being tactful and courteous

Exhibit a professional work ethic

Continuously promote a safe work environment

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High school diploma

Certification/License: Valid Missouri drivers license; EPA refrigerant license or the ability to obtain within first year of employment; Asbestos worker certification or the ability to obtain within first year of employment; Opacity certification or the ability to obtain within first year of employment

Skills: Knowledge of boiler and chiller systems, components, and operation; ability to read and interpret schematics and diagrams; familiarity with local, state and federal safety regulations; strong mechanical aptitude; proficiency in troubleshooting and diagnosing system issues; ability to use hand and power tools for installation, maintenance, repair; knowledge of basic electrical principles; ability to assemble, install, and maintain mechanical equipment; strong problem solving and critical thinking skills; thorough understanding of the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion; good knowledge of specialized tools for troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.

WORKING CONDITIONS: This position requires flexible work hours to include varied shifts, weekends, and holidays. when required due to sickness, vacations, or other absences. This position will periodically work in confined spaces. Exposure to hot, dirty, and loud conditions. This position is considered essential staff. Essential staff provide services that relate directly to the health, safety . click apply for full job details