EMPLOYMENT TERMS: Full-time position

PRIMARY DUTY: The Boiler & Chiller Technician – 2nd Shift performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance of steam and hot water boilers and chiller equipment throughout the University campus.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Condensing boilers and associated equipment

a. Performs annual start-up on condensing boilers including, but not limited to addressing reported problems, inspecting interior and cleaning if necessary; cleaning of condensate trap and filling with fresh water; checking for leaks (i.e., water, gas, flue, condensate); verifying flue and air lines are in good condition and sealed tight; checking system water pressure/system piping/expansion tank; checking control settings; checking ignition and flame sense electrodes (sanding off any deposits and cleaning/repositioning); checking wiring and connections; performing start-up checkout and performance verification per owner’s manual; inspecting flame (stable, uniform); checking flame signal at high fire; cleaning of the heat exchanger if flue temperature is more than 54 degrees F above return water temperature. If combustion or performance indicates need, cleaning of heat exchanger, removing and cleaning of burner utilizing compressed air, and cleaning of blower wheel.

b. Performs owner maintenance including, but not limited to daily checks of boiler areas and checking/logging of pressure and temperature gauges; water treatment/testing, monthly checks including vent and air piping, air and vent termination screens, relief valves, condensate drain systems, and air vents; periodic checking of low water cutoff and reset buttons; bi-yearly checking of boiler piping (gas and water) for leaks, and operation of relief valve; and end of season boiler shutdown.

2. Steam heating

a. Performs work in the operation of steam heating/systems by operating boiler feed pumps, circulating pumps, and water softeners, testing water to determine degree of hardness, mixing boiler compound and treating the water to assure the appropriate degree of softness, maintaining a chemical treatment program for effluent systems, charting consumption and regulating steam flow, and inspecting and adjusting the equipment to maintain a constant steam flow.

b. Corrects equipment malfunctions when indicated by direct observation or in response to instrument indication and notifies direct supervisor when major repairs, assistance or services are required.

c. Performs preventive maintenance of steam boilers and ancillary equipment by regularly inspecting to determine their working condition, performing periodic washing and cleaning of boilers, tubes, pumps, screens, pipes, burners and strainers, replacing broken sight glasses, worn gaskets, and defective meters, and keeping accurate records on each piece of equipment indicating all repairs/breakdowns, required and performed maintenance.

3. Chillers and associated equipment

a. Perform daily tasks involving regular operation of chillers to include, but not limited to checking the temperature of chilled water and condenser water entering and leaving the systems; check the power and current being drawn by the compressors; check sump oil levels and temperatures; checking condenser and evaporator pressures; inspecting and recording of oil pressure readings; checking for any abnormal noise and vibration from the systems.

b. Perform weekly chiller maintenance checklists including, but not limited to checking sump oil level and topping off if required, checking the liquid levels using site glasses, inspecting pipes and coils for visible leakages, checking exterior condition of the condenser, observing chiller operation for unusual sounds or vibration, and checking and recording all operating temperatures and pressures. Ensuring that all numbers match normal operating conditions.

c. Perform monthly chiller maintenance checklists including, but not limited to checking components for wear and tear, checking the level of lubrication in the centrifugal pumps and motors, topping up the lubrication if required; checking the condenser and cleaning the coils; cleaning the condenser water strainers; running the chiller on full load and checking the liquid level of the evaporator; and inspecting the compressor motor for operational temperature. Ensuring motors are not overheating.

d. Perform annual chiller maintenance checklist including, but not limited to chemically washing of condenser coils, changing oil filters, changing all oil using only approved oil; straightening of fins and fans of air-cooled condensers; checking the liquid line filters and changing if required, checking the health of water strainers and replacing if needed, checking the quality of the circulating water for water-cooled condensers and changing water if required, inspecting the health of isolating valves and lubricating moving parts, inspecting and verifying operation of valve limit switches and vane dampers, inspect the physical condition of starter panels, checking contactors and tops of electrical components, checking the condition of terminal lugs and replacing if needed, and inspecting loose connections in electrical circuitry and its components.

4. Cooling towers

a. Perform daily checks including, but not limited to checking for any visible leaks, unusual noises or vibrations, inspecting water level to ensure it’s within the recommended range, monitoring water temperature and pressure gauges, checking fan operation and walking perimeter to inspect balance in rain zone.

b. Perform quarterly checks including, but not limited to conducting a thorough inspection of the tower’s exterior, including structural integrity, fan blades, and louvers, checking and cleaning water strainers or filters, inspecting and lubricating fan motor bearings and gearbox oil levels and conditions, and testing water quality parameters such as pH, conductivity, and TDS.

c. Perform semi-annual checks including, but not limited to conducting a comprehensive inspection of the water distribution system, including pipes, valves, and fittings, inspecting fill material for any signs of damage or fouling, verifying alignment couplings in the fan system, and cleaning or replacing any clogged or damaged spray nozzles.

d. Perform annual checks including, but not limited to performing a detailed inspection of the entire cooling tower system, including mechanical and electrical components, checking fan blades for cracks, balance and alignment, weighing selected fill blocks from lower levels and recording weights to measure fouling, inspecting and cleaning basins and pumps, checking and adjusting water treatment system including chemical feeders and control equipment, conducting a thorough cleaning and inspection of water piping and associated equipment.

5. Other

a. Uses the energy management system to monitor the performance of heating, cooling, and related systems by interpreting alarms and temperature and pressure differentials, troubleshoots problems, and makes adjustments, as needed.

b. Reduces the likelihood for liability regarding the University's compliance with federal regulations by complying with policies, laws, and regulations governing environmental protection, safety, hazardous waste disposal and the use of chemical substances and materials.

c. Contributes to an accident-free work environment by complying with equipment operating instructions, and using safety precautions in the use of tools, supplies, and hazardous chemicals.

d. Contributes to the overall success of the Facility Services Department by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness

Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively

Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems

Be responsible and accountable

Use organizational skills and provide attention to details

Maintain a positive, optimistic and success-oriented attitude

Exercise professional demeanor, which includes being tactful and courteous

Exhibit a professional work ethic

Continuously promote a safe work environment

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High school diploma

Certification/License: Valid Missouri driver’s license; EPA refrigerant license or the ability to obtain within first year of employment; Asbestos worker certification or the ability to obtain within first year of employment; Opacity certification or the ability to obtain within first year of employment

Skills: Knowledge of boiler and chiller systems, components, and operation; ability to read and interpret schematics and diagrams; familiarity with local, state and federal safety regulations; strong mechanical aptitude; proficiency in troubleshooting and diagnosing system issues; ability to use hand and power tools for installation, maintenance, repair; knowledge of basic electrical principles; ability to assemble, install, and maintain mechanical equipment; strong problem solving and critical thinking skills; thorough understanding of the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion; good knowledge of specialized tools for troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.

WORKING CONDITIONS: This position requires flexible work hours to include varied shifts, weekends, and holidays. when required due to sickness, vacations, or other absences. This position will periodically work in confined spaces. Exposure to hot, dirty, and loud conditions. This position is considered essential staff. Essential staff provide services that relate directly to the health, safety, and welfare of the University, ensure continuity of key operations, and maintain and protect University properties. Should the University close for any reason, essential staff will report to work as usual.

EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS USED: Gas leak detector, blow torch, pipe cutting and flaring tools, mineral de-scaler, pipe bender, digital multimeter, flue gas analyzer, pressure gauge manometer, grinder, tube cleaner and tester, refrigerant gauges and recovery equipment, leak detection tools, vacuum pumps, pressure and temperature sensors, torque wrenches, various hand tools, and laptop or iPad.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis and up to 100 pounds on an occasional basis, prolonged standing and frequent bending, stooping, and reaching on a daily basis. Requires a full range of physical motion in order to operate valves, manual and electrically powered tools and boiler room equipment. Ability to work while wearing a respirator and personal protective equipment (PPE).

COMMUNITY: Northwest Missouri State University is located in Maryville, Missouri, a community of 12,000 with a diverse economy and a strong industrial base. Maryville is located 45 miles north of St. Joseph, Missouri, 90 miles north of Kansas City, Missouri, and 110 miles southeast of Omaha, Nebraska. For more information visit the city’s website at www.maryville.org.

UNIVERSITY: With an enrollment of about 10,000 students, Northwest is a coeducational, primarily residential four-year university that offers a broad range of undergraduate and selected graduate programs on its Maryville campus as well as its Northwest-Kansas City location at the Northland Innovation Center and through Northwest Online.

Founded in 1905 and ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the top public regional universities in the Midwest, Northwest places a high emphasis on profession-based learning to help graduates get a jump start on their careers. Students have opportunities to build their résumés with experiences on campus in nearly every area of study, including the Horace Mann Laboratory School, National Public Radio affiliate KXCV, the R.T. Wright Farm, Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area and Knacktive, a student-driven integrated digital marketing communications agency.

The University is a national model for student success and career placement. In addition, 97 percent of Northwest bachelor’s degree earners and 99 percent of master’s degree earners secure employment or continue their education within six months of graduation, according to the most recent data.

Furthermore, its vibrant and diverse learning community offers more than 150 student organizations, and textbooks and a laptop are included in tuition, which is among the lowest in the nation, saving students an estimated $6,800 over four years. Northwest also offers 1,200 student employment positions, allowing students to build professional skills through its internationally benchmarked student employment program. Designated the Missouri Arboretum, the Northwest campus was named one of the “50 Most Amazing University Botanical Gardens and Arboretums in the U.S.”

For more information about Northwest and its performance, visit www.nwmissouri.edu.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Until the position is filled

DATE AVAILABLE: Immediately

TO APPLY: Please fill out a Northwest application online by clicking https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/nwmissouri to reach our employment opportunities listing. You will also need to submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for three references in order for your application materials to be complete. Please contact the Office of Human Resources at 660-562-1127 or email mdrake@nwmissouri.edu for more information.

Compensation details: 41187 Yearly Salary

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