WATER PLANT STEAMFITTER HVACR MECHANIC

Recruitment #2305-0823DC-001

Introduction

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed historic charm with a breathtaking art museum, top-flight cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.  

Purpose

These first shift positions are within the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) treatment plants and pumping stations.

Under the general direction of the Water Plant Maintenance Manager and Maintenance Supervisor, the Water Plant Steamfitter/Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Mechanic performs HVACR system maintenance and repair and installs and repairs water piping systems.

Essential Functions

HVACR Maintenance and Repair

  • Perform preventive maintenance, new installations, and repairs such as cleaning, burner adjustments, and gasket replacements for heating, air conditioning and other systems throughout the MWW water plant facilities.
  • Maintain and test low pressure boilers and propane fuel systems.
  • Repair or replace assemblies such as valves, gauges, pumps, pressure and flow regulators and heating fixtures.
  • Schedule repair, replacement, testing and inspection of completed work; provide detailed documentation and recordkeeping.
  • Recharge air conditioning systems.
  • Handle refrigerants according to state and federal regulations.
  • Test boiler water samples, conduct boiler chemical adjustments and fill boiler chemical feed pots.
  • Test and inspect completed work.
  • Maintain documentation of maintenance activities in the MWW computerized maintenance management system.

Steamfitting and Plumbing  

  • Perform repair, preventive maintenance and new installation of various sizes and types of piping throughout the water treatment plants, pumping stations and booster stations.
  • Conduct welding, soldering, pipe sweating and compression assembly of piping systems conveying air, gas, water, steam, chemical, refrigeration, cryogenic and other fluids and gases.
  • Perform visual and physical checks of valves, gauges, controls, regulators and related assemblies.
  • Evaluate piping systems for functionality, safety and improvements.
  • Plan and carry out projects, including researching materials and parts, planning job staging, securing equipment, tools, and materials, and coordinating work with others.
  • Record and document maintenance and repair activities in the MWW computerized maintenance management system.

Shop Maintenance and Repair  

  • Perform custodial tasks, snow removal and minor repairs to the buildings, grounds, and equipment.
  • Maintain shop equipment and tools in good order.
  • Order stock materials and maintain electronic inventory.

Technical Development and Safety  

  • Safely drive and operate departmental vehicles and equipment in order to navigate in and out of shop spaces and to commute to field locations to conduct repairs. 
  • Participate in technical development activities to keep current with industry relevant practices and standards in welding and fabricating.
  • Adhere to all federal, state, departmental, and steamfitting and/or plumbing safety laws, rules, practices, and procedures.
  • Execute safe work practices and promote workplace safety.  

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

  • Successful candidates must complete a Milwaukee Water Works background check.
  • Subject to mandatory call-in for emergency duty during non-standard business hours.
  • Must be able to perform physical activities in the work environment that require agility, including ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps or poles, walking and standing, crawling, crouching, stooping, kneeling, reaching, balancing, pushing and pulling.
  • Must be able to work at heights in excess of 100 feet.
  • Must be able to perform heavy physical work, exerting up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally and lifting and moving objects weighing 50 lbs. frequently.
  • Must be able to withstand prolonged exposure to variable and extreme weather conditions.
  • Must be able to tolerate vibration and noise.
  • Must be able to work in confined spaces.
  • Must be able to work in proximity to moving mechanical parts.
  • Must be able to use hand tools and welding equipment related to the steam fitting and plumbing profession.
  • Must wear and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) standard to steam fitting, including the use of common and specialized safety equipment (i.e., shoes, gloves, glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, welding jacket, welding hood, harness, protective suits and the use of a respirator), as required.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Four years of experience in steam fitting, two years of which must be repairing and maintaining HVACR/ boiler equipment and controls, performing duties related to the essential functions of this position.
  2. Valid driver’s license at time of application and throughout employment.
  3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) required Lift-Truck Operator certification within six months of appointment and throughout employment. Note: Training provided in-house by DPW Driving Instructors. 
  4. Fourth Class Stationary Engineer’s permit within six months of appointment and throughout employment.
  5. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) section 608 Universal Technician Certification (refrigeration handling) within six months of appointment and throughout employment.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Journey level certification in Steamfitting.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

  • Knowledge of steamfitting, plumbing, pipe sweating, repairs and maintenance.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and repair control systems for HVAC and boiler systems.
  • Ability to perform open set-up welding, brazing and soldering.
  • Knowledge of and ability to use steamfitter tools and equipment.
  • Knowledge of the operation of cranes and hoists, proper rigging and lifting techniques and safe handling of loads; ability to safely perform minor rigging and crane/hoist-assisted lifting procedures.
  • Knowledge of and ability to apply safety principles and practices as they apply to all components of this job.
  • Knowledge of mathematics, including decimals, fractions, geometry, and measurement.
  • Knowledge of the operation, repair and replacement of boilers, heating, cooling, and ventilating equipment.
  • Knowledge of building automation systems and related controls.
  • Ability to learn and utilize applicable computer hardware and software, including Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) programs.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose issues and make repairs.
  • Ability to learn to safely and effectively use shovels, snow blowers, snowplows and bobcats.
  • Ability to mechanically operate and understand pneumatic and electric/electrical controls, compressors and various HVAC equipment, including reciprocating compressors, chillers and boilers.
  • Ability to read, understand and interpret manuals, policies, procedures, instructions, blueprints and shop drawings.

Time Management and Judgment  

  • Ability to accomplish work within deadlines.
  • Ability to maintain accurate work records.
  • Ability to work well independently.
  • Honesty and ability to safeguard all departmental property.  

Interpersonal

  • Ability to display tact and diplomacy with co-workers and the public.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with coworkers and residents whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Current Salary

The current salary range (PR 7RN) is $85,501-$86,409 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $88,066-$89,002 annually.  Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

  • APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting, http://city.milwaukee.gov/jobs.
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is located at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO 704

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.