Utility Plant Engineering Foreman

Department ​
 
Facilities Central Utility Plant Shop

About the Department

​

Facilities Services supports the mission of the University of Chicago through efforts to maintain and enhance the University campus and environment and provide superior client service to our community including faculty, students, staff, neighbors and visitors.

Job Information ​
 

Job Summary:
In support of management, the Utility Plant Engineering Foreman plans, schedules, assigns, distributes and monitors workload of the Steam & Chiller Plant Engineering staff, journeyperson unionized trades staff and outside contractors. Performs duties throughout the Steam & Chiller Plants, Steam and Chilled Water Distribution, and related facilities, in accordance with University standards and procedures. This position does not require the Foreman to hire, fire, promote or discipline employees.

Responsibilities:

• Foreperson for crew operating in Steam & Chiller Plants and for steam and chilled water distribution system.

• Performs all duties of all Steam & Chiller Plant staff positions as required in accordance with shop practices as part of leading assigned mechanics.

• Plans, schedules, assigns, distributes and monitors work to assure timely performance of the work assigned to the employees reporting to him/her, and for assuring the work is completed in accordance with industry and University standards.

• Schedules and oversees planning of assigned workload(s).

• Keeps supervisor current with issues and impediments to the progress of work assignments.

• Documents test results, 'as-builts' prints and prepares daily reports as required by Management.

• Orders and inventories needed materials.

• Introduces new employees to the work environment. 

• Identifies and provides training to employees on an ongoing basis.

• Uses computers to enter and access job-related information. 

• As required by work issues, will be required to carry and respond to pager after hours. 

• In the absence of both the manager and assistant manager, will substitute for them as needed.

• In absence of supervisor, may be expected to access systems from home in order to adjust, troubleshoot or give instructions to the Operator or Engineer on duty. 

• Wears and/or uses appropriate safety equipment.

• Undertakes training related to job responsibilities and duties as deemed necessary by the University.

• Performs job-related duties as may be assigned.

Additional Requirements ​​
 

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED), required.

• Completion of job-related apprenticeship or equivalent vocational training, preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of five years’ journeyman-level experience in high-pressure steam boiler operations and maintenance and chilled water systems operation and maintenance required.

• Previous lead or foreman experience that included planning and building steam & chiller plant systems maintenance, repairs and operations, directing a work crew and/or in providing skilled training in technical plant maintenance, required.

• Working knowledge of the use of computerized maintenance management and building automation systems, required.

• Chilled water systems experience is preferred and an equivalent combination of position related education and experience will be considered preferred.

• Some welding experience preferred.

• Chiller plant operation experience or the ability to acquire these skills through extensive training and testing preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

• City of Chicago Stationary Engineer’s License, required.

• Current valid driver's license, other licenses or certificates needed for this position as required by law, required.

• Universal EPA Refrigerant Certification, required.

• ASME Welding Certification, preferred.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Working familiarity with Chicago Building and Boiler Code requirements for plant systems and operations.

• Demonstrated ability to access computer programs and use or learn basic computer operations related to position requirements. 

• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents including: blue prints, plans, drawings and schemata.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

• Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical functions relevant to the position.

• Demonstrated ability to solve problems.

• Demonstrated ability to work with steam and chilled water systems as they are being transitioned from construction to operations.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Must demonstrate mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity and be physically capable of strenuous activity over extended periods of time. 

• Must be able to lift and move loads appropriate to job requirements and be able to bend and work in a kneeling position for periods of time.

• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders.

• Must be capable of working at heights as required.

• Must be able to enter and work within tight spaces.

• Must be able to withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures.

Pay Range:

• $48.90 per hour.

Required Documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• List of References

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefit Eligibility ​
 
Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

No

Pay Frequency ​
 
Hourly

Pay Range
 
Please refer to Additional Requirements to see the pay ranges

Scheduled Weekly Hours ​
 
40

Union ​
 
042 - Local 73, S.E.I.U. Skilled Trades - Real Estate Operations

Job is Exempt
 
No

Drug Test Required
 
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 
Yes

Health Screen Required
No

Posting Date ​
 
2023-02-23-08:00

Remove from Posting On or Before ​
 
2023-08-23-07:00

Posting Statement: ​​
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity /Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.