FIRE SPRINKLER INSPECTOR (PLUMBER/PIPEFITTER/STEAM FITTER); 2 OPENINGS

Tired of working in the rain, the heat and the cold…Looking for stability with year-round employment? Our Fire Sprinkler Technician / Inspector (Plumber/Pipefitter/Steam Fitter) position will provide you with one main job site, all tools provided, multiple retirement plans, health, life and long-term disability insurance coverage, pre-tax savings opportunities, vacation AND sick leave, 12 paid holidays, assistance with child and elder care, a free regional transit pass and active commute support, tuition exemption, no sales pressure, an employee health program, work/life balance, and more!

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

UW Facilities manages the University’s buildings, infrastructure and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a variety of fields. The Asset Management group includes Capital & Space Management, Real Estate, Sustainability and other teams responsible for planning and workload management. The Operations group includes Project Delivery, Maintenance & Construction, Campus Energy, Utilities & Operations, Building Services, Transportation Services and Safety. Supporting these groups are the Business Intelligence & Information Technology group and the Finance & Administration group.

Maintenance & Construction has an outstanding opportunity for a Fire Sprinkler Inspector (Plumber/Pipefitter/Steam Fitter to perform work in the operation, inspection, testing, servicing and maintenance of complex fire protection sprinkler systems and life safety systems on the University of Washington Seattle Campus.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the supervisor and lead, perform journey-level pipefitting/sprinkler fitting work in the maintenance, repair and construction of fire protection sprinkler systems
• Perform and assist in five year and annual confidence testing and certification of wet and dry fire sprinkler systems, winterization of systems, with UW personnel or contractors as required
• Maintain, repair, and inspect fire sprinkler systems, piping, tanks, pressure vessels, and compressed air systems
• Troubleshoot complex operational problems related to fire sprinkler systems; develop and implement solutions to these problems
• Research and coordinate technical issues related to requests for shutdowns of fire sprinkler systems and other systems to avoid or minimize disruptions of service to the campus
• Read and interpret plans, blueprints, sketches and specifications; construct, lay out or plan piping assemblies with respect to walls, structures, and other obstructions, allowing for expansion, and contraction, and alignment in accordance with pipefitting practice
• Work collaboratively with other skilled trades’ leads, supervisors, managers and department heads, students and outside vendors in a courteous and professional manner with attention to customer service
• Coordinate with EH&S Fire Protection Engineers, department heads, campus engineering, construction coordinators, contractors, facilities trades, building occupants and other clients to schedule and plan required work
• Respond to emergencies such as fire sprinkler systems in trouble condition in order to minimize or prevent loss of property, damage to research activities, and disruption to life-safety systems
• Perform all work in accordance with applicable safety rules, environmental regulatory requirements, and SDS documents and maintain records as required according to environmental requirements
• Prepare Pre-Task Plans and/or Job Hazard Assessments (JHA’s) to facilitate the safe completion of all work assigned
• Use safe work practices working around and be knowledgeable of asbestos and lead containing materials
• Inspect projects to ensure compliance with local standards and codes and maintain records of work performed and inspect contractors’ work to see that the work is performed to campus specifications
• Perform duties assigned per UW’s preventive maintenance program on equipment, components, and systems
• Review, initiate, and retrieve work orders using UW’s AiM Workdesk system and assigned tablet computer
• Prepare service histories and fulfill other documentation requirements
• Field phone calls and e-mails to answer requests, questions, etc., of clients, and others
• Monitor equipment and supply needs, coordinate with lead and supervisor, and requisition parts and materials on hand to perform job duties and for service and repair of equipment
• Recommend purchase of equipment and supplies for the shop operation, maintenance repairs, and for clients’ alteration projects
• Work with Facilities Services Stores to determine parts inventory
• Participate in equipment identification programs
• Participate in and follow through with Maintenance and Construction (M&C) process improvement initiatives
• Comply with occupational health and safety regulations and environmental regulations that apply to work actions and conduct on the job, including the use of personal protective equipment whenever required; report safety infractions to the lead or supervisor
• Safely and properly use and operate a variety of power tools, drill presses, grinders, band saws, hand drills, pneumatic tools, small hand tools, and specialized apparatus, and test equipment
• Maintain service manuals, records, vehicle and tools as required
• Coordinate with Campus Engineering, Capital Projects Office, contractors, Facilities Services trades, building occupants, and other clients regarding status of problems and repairs
• Operate machinery such as fork-lifts, scissor-lifts, and high rangers
• Load and unload materials and supplies
• Operate vehicles such as UW vans and trucks to transport tools, equipment and personnel to various job sites
• Follow all University and Facilities Services policies and procedures
• Support all management directives and the vision and values
• Attend and actively participate in all required meetings and training and may provide intermittent training to other trade and craft workers
• Other duties as required

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 professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.
• Exhibit a professional work ethic.

Requirements include:

• Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as a plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter,
OR full journey status as a plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter in a union,
OR four years' applicable work experience.

Vocational training may be substituted for work experience on a year-for-year basis.

• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license may be required.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Desired:

• Experienced Fire Sprinkler Technician / Inspector working with complex and critical life-safety fire piping distribution systems, for repair, service, maintenance, and operations of equipment, components, etc.
• Have experience working independently as a Fire Systems technician for a licensed fire sprinkler contractor or as an employee of a public agency
• Demonstrated ability to work with clients for scheduling building fire system shutdowns and inconveniences
• Ability to work independently to improvise necessary system component repairs
• Experience in applicable basic desktop computer skills, maintenance work request and work order programs and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook as well as Adobe Acrobat or Bluebeam

Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Seattle Fire Dept AS-3 Certification and all applicable licenses and successfully retest as long as employed as a Fire Sprinkler Technician / Inspector in UW Facilities, M&C
• Have possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license recognized by the State of Washington and have a good driving record
• Familiarity with performing SFD Compliance Engine confidence testing
• Demonstrated successful ability in taking direction, working well with others and as a team player or individually and with other trades in complex environment
• Must be able to work in a diverse workforce
• Have knowledge and understanding of safe work practices and policies
• Must be able to work outdoors under all weather conditions
• Must be able to communicate effectively with staff on portable hand-held radios with the Seattle Fire Department, University Police Department, and other Facilities Services staff
• Must be able to lift or carry heavy objects, work in confined spaces, restricted movement areas, mechanical/electrical spaces, and around operating equipment such as boilers, fans, pumps, and transformers, etc. for extended periods of time and be able to climb ladders and work at heights
• Experience working with Washington State L&I safety rules and regulations
• Must always maintain a professional appearance
• This position requires the wearing of a daily uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to the job task and area
• Must be willing to work in BL2 and BL3 labs (shower in – shower out facilities)
• Additionally, approved safety shoes must be provided at the employee’s expense and worn on the job
• This position is subject to callback outside normal working hours (nights, weekends, holidays) and mandatory scheduled and unscheduled overtime to respond to emergencies on an as-needed, scheduled on-call, or standby basis
• Standard work hours are Monday through Friday 6:30AM – 3:00PM
• Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job
• Must participate in medical screening/monitoring (such as TB screening and proof of measles inoculation) required for work assignments in locations, including but not limited to, nonhuman primate areas, the Animal Research and Care Facility, and the University of Washington Medical Center
• Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment
• Regular and predictable attendance is required

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.