Boiler Operator Apprentice

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas is seeking Boiler Operator Apprentices to learn operations and maintenance of the power plant. The six-month apprenticeship provides an opportunity for career advancement into a Boiler Operator role with a salary increase. Candidates must have a high school diploma and a valid driver's license.

Benefits

Paid vacation up to 176 hours per year

Tuition assistance for employees

State of Kansas discounts

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Eligible to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate boilers, pumps, and compressors under supervision.
• Assist with maintenance of piping systems and auxiliary equipment.
• Document daily operations and assist in trouble-shooting.

Skills

General maintenance skills

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalency

Job description

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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.

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Upon transition to Boiler Operator schedule will become Four 10-Hour Days on Shift (Tuesday through Friday), with 3 Days off. Overtime and after hours call back as needed.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.

Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

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

• High school diploma or completion of GED equivalency.
• Must have a valid driver’s license at time of hire and maintain that license throughout employment.
  
  
  

Additional Candidate Instructions

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. 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 and phone number and your previous work experience including dates of employment. Please include the name and contact information to three references with your application.

Review of applications will begin Monday, July 7th and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Robert Mills, [e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$17.20/hr

Application Review Begins

Monday July 7, 2025

Anticipated Start Date

Monday August 4, 2025

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Internship

Employment type

• Employment type

  Internship

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Higher Education

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