Journeyman Steam Engineer

The USC Facilities Planning & Management (FPM) division is seeking a Journeyman Steam Engineer to join its team!

The Work You Will Do:

Provides leadership and guidance to journeymen and Zone Maintenance Technicians. Performs standard engineering procedures for all boilers and related equipment on heating and ventilation systems. Determines the need to repair and/or replace equipment. Estimates materials required for specific job components. Performs all appropriate tasks independently or as part of a team, as assigned by the supervisor. Trains other employees on specific skills and tasks as required. Under supervision, incumbents perform operational-level duties in the operation, maintenance and repair of gas and oil-fired high/low-pressure boilers, compressor and auxiliary equipment used in the manufacture and distribution of steam. Engineers stand boiler watch; feed and regulate fires; maintain proper pressures, temperatures, water levels and concentrates; inspect, adjust and make normal and emergency repairs to boilers, burners, piping and pumps; report breakdowns requiring outside repair; assist in making major repairs to steam lines; maintain and clean boilers regularly; clean fire tubes and flues by the use of blowers and rods; service compressors, vacuum pumps and other equipment by oiling parts and packing valves; do boiler water chemical tests and treat water as tests indicate; keep log of steam plant operations; may operate and/or maintain associated steam/condensate equipment such as a water still, or air conditioning and ventilating equipment, and may perform the duties of a maintenance plumber or steamfitter. We work on and not limited to sump pumps, generators, diesel driven fire pumps, electric fire pumps, jockey pumps, steam boilers, water tube steam boilers, building heat boilers, DHW boilers, IHW boilers, all heat ex-changers, air compressors, vacuum pumps, return circulating pumps, boiler pumps, condensate tanks and pumps, feed tanks, DA tanks, steam control valves, all electrical and plumbing components for the boilers, exhaust fans and fume hoods, replace motor starters/contactors, some electrical work, booster pump systems, sewer ejector pumps, building heating pumps, softeners, and any equipment affiliated with the equipment above.

The Journeyman Steam Engineer:

• Provides leadership and guidance to others who perform similar work. Sets priorities and timelines and monitors the work of others.

• Repairs, replaces and adjusts pumps, fans, motors, steam valves, heat exchangers, mechanical seals, and building stationary equipment. Works from blueprints, specifications and schematic diagrams.

• Inspects exhaust fans and motors, chemical fume hoods, sump pumps, sewage ejectors, air compressors, condensate pumps, circulating pumps, cooling water system, furnaces, heat exchangers and reverse osmosis units (distilled water system).

• Performs routine safety check on boilers, heating furnaces and all heating and ventilating equipment.

• Monitors and maintains emergency generators, fountains, water softeners and swimming pool equipment. Conducts analysis of water system (boiler water, condensate water, cooling water, soft water system, heating and hot water system, lab equipment and city water) and adjusts chemical levels as required.

• Identifies and resolves operational and safety problems pertaining to heating and ventilating system.

• Installs equipment and fabricates components for system and equipment.

• Estimates materials required for specific job components.

• Maintains clean job site throughout duration and cleans up job site following work completion. Maintains safe working conditions for self and others. Stores and maintains supplies, tools and equipment.

• Trains other journeymen, Zone Maintenance Technicians, or other employees’ specific skills and tasks, as required. Identifies additional training or defines needs for new or continuing training which would benefit staff.

• Prepares reports and/or maintenance records, as needed.

• Responds to on-call emergencies.

Job Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years Minimum Field Expertise: Three to Four years’ experience as a trade-related trainee may substitute for completion of a four-year apprenticeship program.

• Additional five years minimum experience must be as a journeyman. Experience performing standard trade-related procedures.

• General knowledge of trade-related methods, materials, tools, and equipment. Familiar with city and state building codes, OSHA rules and regulations, standard safety practices and equipment, and other requirements for workplace safety. Thorough comprehension of job components for all projects, including other trades.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a diverse workforce. Direct the work of installing, operating, maintaining heating, ventilating and other mechanical systems; lead the work of skilled craftsmen; keep accurate records and prepare reports; think and act quickly in emergencies. Knowledge of proper repair procedures for plumbing, heating, ventilating, central heating and electrical systems. Comprehensive knowledge of effective personnel management practices and supervisory skills, including recruitment, training, performance assessment including establishment and monitoring of goals and objectives, motivation and professional development, corrective actions and progressive discipline.

• 500 (HP) License (HSC Engineers).

• Valid California driver's license.

• Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information, please visit the policy website.

The hourly rate range for this position is $42.97 - $46.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

About USC FPM

FPM (formerly named Capital Construction & Development/Facilities Management Services) is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining the breadth of the facilities at USC, and is also dedicated to creating a safe environment for our USC community. Woven into every service, safety is of upmost importance. As FPM, this diverse group of innovative and talented professionals provide high quality facilities construction, operations and maintenance services at USC and serve as dedicated stewards of USC and FPM core values. FPM values employee recognition, accountability, collaboration, respect, and trust.

Come and join the FPM team – a team that works as trusted partners shaping an environment of innovation and excellence. Apply today!

Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent and completion of four year apprenticeship program Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 5 years Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Four years experience as a trade-related trainee may substitute for completion of a four year apprenticeship program. Additional five years minimum experience must be as a journeyman. Experience performing standard trade-related procedures. General knowledge of trade-related methods, materials, tools, and equipment. Familiar with city and state building codes, OSHA rules and regulations, standard safety practices and equipment, and other requirements for workplace safety. 500 (HP) License (HSC Engineers). Valid California driver's license.