Sheet Metal Worker - Facilities & Services

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a Sheet Metal Worker for the 100% full-time Civil Service role. The incumbent will install, repair, and maintain interior and exterior sheet metal, including HVAC ductwork, gutters, and metal enclosures, across campus facilities.

The job requires a valid journeyman card or equivalent experience, high school diploma, and a valid Illinois driver's license. The role involves reading blueprints, welding, and assisting apprentices in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Journeyman card through SMART or 4 years of sheet metal work experience.
• Valid State of Illinois driver’s license at time of hire.

Responsibilities

• Installs, maintains, and repairs HVAC sheet metal systems (ductwork, air balancing).
• Fabricates, maintains, repairs, and installs guttering and metal decks.
• Reads blueprints and takes measurements.
• Welding of sheet metal (acetylene, mig, tig).
• Assist and train apprentices.

Skills

Blueprint reading

OSHA safety

Sheet metal mastery

Communication

Train apprentices

Ventilation systems

Education

Journeyman card or 4 years experience

Job description

Building Maintenance & Grounds

Job Summary

Fabrication, installation, service, and repair of interior and exterior sheet metal including, but not limited to, HVAC, fume hoods, exhaust, gutters, and food service systems.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Installs, maintains, and repairs air conditioning and ventilation systems (ductwork, air balancing, etc.)
• Fabricates, maintains, repairs, and installs guttering, cornice work, and metal decks.
• Reads blueprints and takes measurements.
• Installation, repair, and replacement of metal roofs.
• Performs sheet metal layout work (plans, measures, draws, forms up, etc.).
• Welds sheet metal (acetylene, mig, tig, and straight arc).
• Installs, repair, and replacement of metal lockers.
• Installation, repair, and replacement of metal shelving.
• Installation, repair, and replacement of metal toilet partitions.
• Installation, service/repair, and replacement of furnaces.
• Is responsible for tools, equipment and materials assigned to employee.
• Employee to be available through callback assignment to respond to emergency work during off normal working hours to handle problems relating to the building HVAC needs.
• Installation, repair, and replacement of bearings and sheaves.
• Assists and trains apprentices.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

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

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

Work is assigned through the Foreperson, Sub-Foreperson, Superintendent of Building Maintenance, Work Management Group, Service office, or via the Director of Building Maintenance and Grounds or Designee in. There is very limited supervision provided. The Sheet Metal Worker is responsible for assuring their work is completed properly in accord with statutes and codes in a safe and timely manner. The Sheet Metal Worker is expected to support the Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and management operational directions and philosophies of Facilities and Services. The Sheet Metal Worker must exemplify high standards of professionalism, loyalty, craftsmanship, and dedication.

• Interacts with Campus Customers, Supervision, and peers. Creates a work environment which develops accountability for performance and develops teamwork and unity within the shop and throughout the University campus.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A current/valid journeymen card through the Sheet, Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation International Association Union (SMART) OR (4) years (48 months) of work experience as a sheet metal worker.
• Possession of a valid State of Illinois driver’s license at time of hire and maintained throughout employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Air Balance Certification.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• A working knowledge of air conditioning, ventilation, exhaust, and kitchen equipment systems.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, schematics, etc.
• Thorough knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and safe and proper use of tools and equipment.
• Possess journeyman-level skills in sheet metal work.
• Ability to take directions to complete assigned work.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, sketches, and blueprints.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of all sheet metal work and University Building Standards.
• Ability to communicate, and possess sufficient knowledge of trade to assist and train apprentices.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4273 - Sheet Metal Worker position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 11/9/2026. Salary is $48.00/hour. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization

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].

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first‑generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far‑reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana