STEAM DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MECHANIC

University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 33,131 - 53,864; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama at Birmingham is seeking a Steam Distribution System Mechanic to maintain underground steam and condensate networks, perform preventive and corrective work, and ensure safe, reliable campus utilities. This role collaborates with Facilities, contractors, and other teams, adheres to safety standards, and participates in on-call rotations; onsite schedule is standard daytime hours.

Starting hourly rate is listed for Birmingham, AL, reflecting market norms for campus

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and four (4) years of related experience are required.
• Confined Space Entry and Hot Work training preferred.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintains underground steam and condensate distribution systems by performing preventive maintenance on piping, valves, steam traps, and supports.
• Inspects and diagnoses leaks, failed steam traps, and insulation deficiencies to minimize service interruptions.
• Repairs and fabricates mechanical components, including threaded piping and welding supports.
• Responds to alarms and outages, identifies root causes, and restores steam distribution with minimal disruption.
• Documents inspections, maintenance, and repairs in CMMS per University policies.
• Ensures safety compliance with LOTO, confined space, hot work, PPE, and other procedures.
• Supports utility projects and contractor activities with technical expertise.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Steam systems knowledge

Blueprints & schematics interpretation

OSHA safety practices

CMMS & BAS proficiency

Analytical problem solving

Communication & teamwork

Time management

On-call readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Four years related experience

Tools

CMMS

BAS

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Job description

Steam Distribution System Mechanic

The primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

JOB SUMMARY

To maintain the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the University's underground steam and condensate distribution systems through preventive maintenance, timely repairs, and adherence to established operational and safety standards. To support the continuity of campus utility services by collaborating with Facilities personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders while ensuring compliance with applicable policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS TO INCLUDE

• Maintains underground steam and condensate distribution systems by performing preventive and corrective maintenance on piping, valves, steam traps, strainers, flanged components, threaded piping, supports, anchors, insulation, and related distribution equipment to ensure safe and reliable system operation.
• Inspects, troubleshoots, and diagnoses steam distribution infrastructure, including manholes, vaults, drainage systems, condensate return equipment, and other utility components. Identifies leaks, failed steam traps, water hammer, insulation deficiencies, and other system issues to minimize service interruptions.
• Repairs and fabricates mechanical components by performing threaded piping repairs, replacing flanged components, welding supports, hangers, brackets, and non-pressure piping, and preparing equipment and materials for advanced pipefitting and welding activities in accordance with applicable safety standards.
• Responds to utility system alarms, emergency service calls, outages, and equipment failures by identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and restoring steam distribution service while minimizing operational disruption.
• Document inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, materials, and equipment history within the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) while maintaining compliance with University policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ensures compliance with confined space entry, lockout/tagout (LOTO), hot work, personal protective equipment, environmental, and other applicable safety procedures while identifying and mitigating hazards associated with underground utility systems.
• Supports utility projects, planned outages, contractor activities, and system tie-ins by providing technical expertise, monitoring work within the steam distribution system, and collaborating with Steam Generation System Mechanics and other Facilities personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Knowledge of steam distribution systems, mechanical principles, and underground utility infrastructure.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, utility maps, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and safe work practices, including confined space entry, lockout/tagout (LOTO), hot work, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Proficiency in using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), building automation systems (BAS), and standard computer applications.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to evaluate issues, identify solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with coworkers, contractors, and other stakeholders while maintaining accurate documentation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments, respond to changing operational needs, and work independently or as a part of a team.
• Participation in on-call or emergency response activities as required.

Starting Hourly Rate: $24.05 - $39.10 (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Work Schedule: Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30p.m. (subject to change to meet the needs of the University).

QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED and four (4) years of related experience are required. Confined Space Entry and Hot Work training preferred. Completion of welding training preferred. OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification is preferred.

Licenses/Certifications/Registrations:

Driving record should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive vehicles in performance of University business. Current underwriting guidelines include possession a valid driver's license, issued in the United States; at least 21 years of age; at least three years of driving experience; maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Personal:

Possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to safely perform the duties and responsibilities of this position to include:

• Lifting and carrying a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.
• Perform tasks requiring climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, pulling and/or pushing, and extensive walking significant distances between and within buildings on campus.
• Working in the rain and in unfavorable weather conditions, hot, cold, wet, etc.
• Working in confined spaces
• Working within extreme temperature ranges

For more information about UAB Facilities, please visit: http://www.uab.edu/facilities/.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Organization 112802021 Decentralized Boilers

Employee Status Regular

Shift Day/1st Shift

Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager) Onsite