GMW - Boiler Operator Apprenticeship

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, pipe fitting, 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.

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

• Saturday 8pm – Sunday 8am
• Sunday 8pm – Monday 8am
• Monday 8pm – Tuesday 4am
• Tuesday 8pm – Wednesday 4am

KU offers benefits including 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.

• 30% – Operation & Inspection: Under supervision, learn all aspects of operating boilers, pumps, air compressors, de-aerators, water softeners, valves, regulators and pneumatic controls to maintain proper steam pressure, temperature and water level. Assist with inspections and preventive maintenance scheduling. Record daily operations digitally.
• 30% – Piping Systems: Assist with fabrication, assembly, installation, and maintenance 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. Learn to manipulate blueprints, technical manuals, schematics and drawings for installation and repair.
• 25% – Equipment Maintenance: Assist cleaning, replacement, installation, lubrication and repacking of filters, pipes, pumps, valves, heat exchangers and auxiliary equipment. Overhaul pumps on steam generating and heating equipment. Perform routine cleanliness tasks to comply with national fire and safety codes.
• 10% – Related Duties: Assist as needed to correct problems such as water breaks, steam distribution irregularity, or other issues. Assist with snow removal and surface treatment.
• 5% – Other duties as assigned.

• 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.

• 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.

Advertised Salary Range: $18.00/hr.

Anticipated

Start Date:

Monday July 13, 2026.