Department: Facilities Mgmt EV
Salary/Grade: 399/S2

Job Summary:

Under direction and guidance, performs skilled maintenance and operation activities within the building maintenance engineer trade.  Operates, maintains, repairs, and replaces building infrastructure related equipment including, but not limited to, air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, plumbing, temperature controls and instrumentation.  Has sufficient knowledge and capability to provide limited guidance and mentoring to other Maintenance Engineer B and Maintenance Engineer Helper staff.

The role will support the department’s mission and values by exhibiting the following: inclusiveness, respect, initiative, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities and will practice safe work procedures, and follow safety rules at all times.

Please note: Must be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399, or join after a 90-day probationary period. Physical ability to lift and maneuver heavy weights, climb and descend ladders, and work in hot, cold, cramped and confined quarters.  Ability to work safely and at heights on ladders, lifts and scaffolding.  Dexterity necessary for the use of tools and manipulation of materials. Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24 hour, 7 day per week coverage.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Operates, maintains, repairs and replaces heating (steam and/or hot water), process, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, ventilation systems with associated components and hardware, utility distribution systems, and pneumatic piping/control systems;
  • Installs, maintains, repairs, replaces and tests plumbing systems including water, drainage, and sewer lines, plumbing equipment and fixtures, associated pumps, valves and devices such as backflow preventers, reverse osmosis and deionized water systems, fire protection systems and equipment;
  • Performs limited diagnoses of systems;
• Estimates time, materials, and equipment required for assigned jobs; maintains records of work performed and parts used;
• Mentors and provides technical guidance to coworkers;
• Other duties as assigned;
• Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24 hour, 7 day per week coverage.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent combination of educational training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired;
• Completion of an accredited plumbing or HVAC service technician apprenticeship program, or the equivalent education, training, and field experience;
• Familiarity with applicable codes and regulations including OSHA, BOCA, NFPA, local municipality regulations, and state and local plumbing codes;
• Must be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399 or join after 90-day probationary period;
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license recognized by the State of Illinois, provide own reliable transportation and purchase a University parking permit (as required).

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• General knowledge of steam and refrigeration cycles and their application in typical building systems;
• General knowledge of machinery bearings, rotating machinery, bearing replacement and shaft alignment;
• Knowledge of the tools, instruments, methods and standard trade/safety practices;
• Ability to perform calculations applicable to field of experience;
• Knowledge of electrical distribution and safe working practices;
• Working familiarity with building systems and equipment such as steam or hot water boilers, centrifugal chillers, refrigeration units, cooling towers, air handling units, pumps, VAV boxes, fume hoods, chilled beams, heat recovery chillers, heat recovery wheels, domestic water booster pumps, fire protection systems, and water treatment systems;
• Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement;
• Helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented;
• Ability to build strong working relationships and a positive work environment;
• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect and shared purpose;
• Balances listening and talking, speaks and writes clearly and accurately, keeps others informed;
• Integrates health and safety precautions into daily activities;
• Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters or priorities may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations;
• Knowledge of JCI Metasys, Tridium, Siemens and ALC frontends;
• General understanding of how to troubleshoot mechanical/HVAC/Plumbing systems;
• Successfully uses multiple software program independently. Software may include Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, CMMS systems, and Peoplesoft;
• Proficiency with mobile devices including iOS.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge and experience in the troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of a typical building HVAC or plumbing system;
• Three years of advanced plumbing or HVAC maintenance and operation experience;
• EPA Universal Certification and three years’ experience with refrigeration;
• Training and/or developmental experience equivalent to full apprenticeship in pipefitting or welding;
• Illinois Department of Public Health Certified Swimming Pool Operator;
• City of Chicago Plumbing License (as required by campus site);
• Illinois CCCDI License (as required by campus site);
• Experience working in cold rooms and scientific laboratory facilities;
• Experience working in a higher education environment;
• City of Chicago Stationary Engineer’s License
• National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II in Inspection & Testing of Water-Based Systems.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team;
• Plans ahead, manages time well and arrives on time;
• Recommends improvements and opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs;
• Exceptional customer relationship skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment;
• Analytical skills including critical thinking, decision making, trouble shooting and problem solving, reading and interpreting technical drawings;
• Achieves a standard of excellence with work processes and outcomes, honoring University and Department policies and all regulatory requirements.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.