Assistant Steam Distribution Operator - Facilities & Services

Illinois International; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana seeks an Assistant Steam Distribution Operator within the Facilities & Services division to monitor and maintain campus steam, chilled water, gas, and HVAC systems. You will assist in operations, inspections, and daily system checks across utilities.

The role requires a high school diploma and at least 1 year of mechanical work experience, with a valid Illinois driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of mechanical work experience.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Assist in operation and inspection of steam distribution components on campus.
• Assist in operation/inspection of natural gas transmission systems and associated equipment.
• Operate and adjust PRV stations for building heating systems and control HVAC operations.
• Check cleaning, pumps, condensate meters, and ventilation in equipment rooms and tunnels.
• Record utility meter readings and report malfunctions or needed repairs.
• May drive university vehicles as required.

Skills

HVAC knowledge

Steam distribution

Blueprint reading

OSHA safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Facilities & Services

Job Summary

Operation and surveillance of the campus steam distribution and condensate return systems, chilled water centers and distribution systems, natural gas transmission and distribution systems and building heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.

Assistant Steam Distribution Operator - Facilities & Services

Facilities & Services

Job Summary

Operation and surveillance of the campus steam distribution and condensate return systems, chilled water centers and distribution systems, natural gas transmission and distribution systems and building heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in the operation and/or investigation/inspection of valves, traps, pumps, PRV’s expansion joints, piping, supports, tunnels, entries, insulation, lighting, etc. on the campus steam distribution and condensate return system.
• Assist in operation and/or inspection/investigation of natural gas transmission and distribution systems, valves, piping, supports, regulator stations, and associated equipment.
• Assist in the operation and adjustment of PRV stations for building heating systems. Turn heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems on or off in accordance with operating schedules, and conditions at Abbott Power Plant. Operate systems to avoid damage to Abbott Power Plant equipment.
• In building equipment rooms and tunnels: check for cleanliness, clean as directed, check condensate return pumps for proper operation and normal condensate temperature, discharge pressure and vacuum; check condensate meters, sump pumps, ventilation, lighting and security for proper operation.
• Check temperature controls on heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems to be sure proper conditions are being maintained in the most efficient manner. Check ventilating and exhaust fan units for proper operation of components: motors, bearings, fans, heating and cooling coils, dampers, ductwork, valves, traps and controls. Check the condition of coils, ductwork, dampers, louvers, grilles, etc., for damage and cleanliness. Clean that which is Steam Distribution responsibility as directed. Report damage to supervision.
• The operation of isolated heating plants as directed by supervision. Maintaining proper temperatures, checking boilers and furnaces, inspecting controls, support equipment and reporting needed maintenance or repair. Maintain an operating log as directed.
• Report all malfunctions or need for repairs to supervision so service requests can be initiated.
• Periodic inspection of ventilation system filters. Determine when filters need to be cleaned or replaced, and report to supervision as directed. Periodic inspection and/or lubrication of all grease and oil bearing on mechanical equipment, including sump pump motor bearings in tunnels, valves and expansion joints as directed. Motor bearings, except as noted, will be lubricated by others.
• Scheduled inspection of sewage lift stations.
• Assist in scheduled outages as directed by supervision.
• Record monthly utility meter readings as directed utilizing automated reading devices.
• Serve as campus eyes and ears during evenings, weekends, and holidays to check out, identify, and investigate off normal conditions, and if necessary, call for appropriate craft to take corrective action.
• As 2nd and 3rd year Assistant Steam Distribution Operator may perform locating service for campus steam distribution system, natural gas distribution system, and other utilities as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned. May be required to drive university vehicles.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

1. May work in extreme weather conditions.
2. Must be aware of potential danger from moving parts and equipment.
3. May be exposed to dust, loud noise, smoke, and cleaning compounds.
4. May work in temperature extremes ranging from freezing weather to steam tunnels.
5. May work at heights to inspect equipment located on platforms or hung above tall ceilings.
6. May work amid hazards of work sites such as dust, noise, and in areas such as coal-fired power plants, animal rooms, and laboratories.
7. May be exposed to radiation and chemical fumes. Use of Personal Protective Equipment is required when hazards exist.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

1. Work is assigned through the Foreperson, Sub-Foreperson, Work Management Group, Service office, or via the Director of Building Maintenance & Grounds or his Designee in oral or written form. The Assistant Steam Distribution Operator is expected to support the Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and management operational directions and philosophies of Facilities and Services. The Assistant Steam Distribution Operator must exemplify high standards of professionalism, loyalty, craftsmanship, and dedication.
2. Interacts with Campus Customers, Supervision, and peers. Creates a work environment which develops accountability for performance and develops team work and unity within the shop and throughout the University campus.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. One (1) year (12 months) of mechanical work experience.

3. Possession of a valid State of Illinois driver's license at time of hire and maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Possesses a general knowledge of heating ventilating, air conditioning, and other mechanical equipment in buildings and campus utility distribution systems.
• Possesses a general knowledge of Steam Distribution work and University Standards.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, schematics, etc.
• Thorough general knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and proper use of Steam Distribution tools and equipment.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 2972 - Assistant Steam Distribution Operator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 1/4/2027. Starting salary is $30.56/hour.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Deadline

November 20, 2026.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Champaign-Urbana