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 program 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.

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 8 PM – Sunday 8 AM
• Sunday 8 PM – Monday 8 AM
• Monday 8 PM – Tuesday 4 AM
• Tuesday 8 PM – Wednesday 4 AM

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.

• 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 needed to correct problems in the case of water breaks, steam distribution irregularity or other problems. Assist with snow removal…