Pipefitter/Steamfitter

Weston&Sampson, Inc.; Kalamazoo, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Michigan University is seeking a skilled pipefitter/steamfitter to maintain the university's heat and hot water distribution system on the WMU Kalamazoo campus. The role involves installing, repairing and replacing piping, vents, and related components for heating and domestic use. The position is full-time, first shift, with hours 7:00 a.m.

to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A high school diploma and certified welding experience are required; a registered apprenticeship or equivalent

Qualifications

• Must read and understand safety regulations and written instructions.
• Ability to prepare estimates and supply requisitions with basic writing and math skills.
• Completion of a registered apprenticeship program or validated 5 years journeyperson experience in pipefitter trade.
• Documented welding experience in a commercial application.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair and maintain piping for steam and condensate delivery and hot water systems.
• Inspect and modify piping, thread new pipe and replace fittings as needed.
• Repair underground pipes and pipes in vaults and steam tunnels.
• Bleed hydronic systems and service heat vent units and valves.
• Assist in updating drawings and train apprentices as assigned.

Skills

Reading comprehension

Safety regulations

Estimating and requisitions

Welding experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Registered apprenticeship program or certified training (5 years journeyperson)

Tools

Welding equipment

Job description

Posting Summary

College

College VP Business And Finance-DIV

Executive Area

Executive Area VP Business And Finance

Department

Department FacilMgmt-Maintenance Service

Posting Number

Posting Number S1613P

Job Type

Job Type Full Time, Regular

Pay Type

Pay Type Nonexempt/Hourly

Pay Grade

Pay Grade ST4

Campus Location

Campus Location WMU-Kalamazoo - Main Campus

Salary Range

Salary Range $40.45 per hour plus generous benefits.

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

General Summary

Provides highly skilled craft labor, working with tools to install, repair, replace and perform preventive maintenance for all elements of the University’s heat and hot water distribution system.

Major Duties

• Installs, repairs and maintains all piping and devices required for the delivery of steam and return of condensate for heating and domestic use, including air separators, expansion tanks, domestic hot water heaters, valves, strainers and traps.
• Inspects and traces piping; cuts or breaks existing fittings and removes damaged and/or deteriorated segments of piping; threads new pipe under 4" in diameter to receive new fittings; and installs new fittings to reconnect replacement pipe under 4" in diameter or welds replacement piping over 4" in diameter to existing sound piping material.
• Installs, repairs and replaces underground pipes, pipes located in vaults and steam tunnels, and pipes concealed in floors, walls and ceilings.
• Bleeds hydronic heating systems to remove excess air and correct water flow.
• Removes and replaces heat vent unit coils with the assistance of 2-3 other tradespeople.
• Repairs heating elements and wall-mounted convectors and changes building relief valves.
• Provides information required to update building and systems drawings to accurately reflect current status and, as assigned, may assist in the technical training of an apprentice.
• Organizes assigned work so as to minimize materials and manhours required for proper completion of work, and instructs others in the operation of and preventive maintenance for all related tools and equipment.
• This position performs additional duties as requested by supervisory personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and safety regulations regarding the performance of job duties, and must have sufficient writing and mathematical skills to prepare estimates and supply requisitions.
• Completion of a registered apprenticeship program, or an established, certified training program recognized by the University and/or written verification of a minimum of five (5) years experience at the journeyperson level in the pipefitter trade.
• Possess documented welding experience in a commercial application.
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job and use the tools of the trade.
• Ability to complete a physical examination administered by the employer’s designated physician.

Desired Qualifications

• State of Michigan Plumbers license.

Additional Position Information

• Effective 07/01/2026, the ST4 rate of pay is $41.46/hr.
• Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: https://wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-afscme
• Above is a summary of the description for the position of Pipefitter/Steamfitter. A complete description for this position may be reviewed upon request in the department of Human Resources, Room 1300, Seibert Administration Building or online at: https://wmich.edu/hr/descriptions-afscme
• This is a first (1st) shift position. The regular work hours for this position are 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The regular work days are Monday through Friday, with Saturday and Sunday off.

Physical requirements and working conditions

• When working in vaults, confined spaces and tunnels, the incumbent uses confined space air quality monitoring meters to monitor for the presence of toxic gases.
• Must wear MIOSHA approved safety shoes at all times and must wear a hard hat, gloves and safety glasses as required by MIOSHA rules.
• Must wear a respirator when working in vaults, tunnels and other confined spaces.
• A face shield, leather vest and MIOSHA approved leather gloves are required when using welding equipment.
• Must wear no loose-fitting clothing which might become entangled in equipment or machinery, posing a hazard to incumbent’s safety.

Equal Opportunity Statement

WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Protected veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.