Organization Overview

The Energy & Utilities Division within Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Facilities & Operations Directorate operates and maintains the Lab's electric transmission & distribution systems, site fire detection systems, central steam facility, central chilled water facility, potable water treatment facility, waste treatment facility, site energy management control systems, energy metering systems, and is responsible for the purchase of all bulk liquid fuels, natural gas and electricity.

Position Description

• The Energy & Utilities Division, within the Facilities and Operations Directorate, has an opportunity to fill the position of a Steamfitter (heating maintenance technician) to join their team. Under minimum supervision lays out, constructs, or installs, repairs and maintains heat, steam and hot water distribution systems, related facilities and auxiliary equipment and piping and equipment utilizing heat, steam and hot water distribution services.

The employee will be assigned to the day shift M-F 8am-4:30pm.   Steamfitters shall work overtime as required. This position reports to the Steam Shop Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform routine and corrective maintenance and repairs as necessary to keep the steam distribution system operating at optimal efficiency.
• Identify potential hazards, environmental concerns, and unsafe conditions or practices in work or at work site, and implement or suggest controls to minimize risk.
• Perform maintenance of  low horsepower fuel fired industrial boilers and burners.
• Operate equipment in a safe and conscientious manner following safety rules, procedures, and actively participating in safety programs, such as confined space, lock-out/tag-out, etc.
• Operate, monitor, and recognize abnormal conditions to take corrective action.
• Assist in maintaining a high level of housekeeping, inventory, and maintenance of tools.
• The above list of duties is not all inclusive of every duty performed by this position, but it does include the major elements in the job.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High School diploma or GED.
• 6-yrs total related experience composed of 4-yrs apprenticeship plus 2-yrs experience; or
• 6-8 yrs. total related experience composed of formal trade school plus minimum 2-yrs experience, or
• 8-yrs related experience (no formal training).
• Knowledge of underground high and low-pressure saturated steam distribution systems, condensate return systems, related equipment, and various steam related heating systems
• Some working knowledge of pump maintenance and repairs.
• Possess good written and verbal communication skills, including:
  • Ability to follow written instruction procedures, work orders, and similar documents.
  • Ability to sufficiently write/complete work orders and other required documents.
  • Ability to communicate verbally with fellow workers and supervisors.
• Must have a telephone and provide the number to BNL for callout and contact purposes.
• Must be able to complete all the requirements of the Job Training Assessment.
• Possess a valid NYS driver's license.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Plumbing experience.
• Oil burner maintenance and repair experience.
• Troubleshooting and repairing equipment such as steam traps, steam stations, pressure reducing valves, control valves, etc.
• Knowledge of hot water heating systems, heat exchangers, piping, and chemical treatment systems.
• Basic knowledge of industrial electrical and control systems.
• Knowledge of lock-out/tag-out procedures.

Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements:

Must meet medical requirements of the position, including but not limited to…

• Standing, bending, and lifting, up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to work in confined spaces in an active steam manhole.
• Ability to work in excavations.
• Ability to climb fixed and portable ladders and work at heights greater than 5 feet.
• Able to use of a respirator and other related safety equipment.
• Able to work outdoors/cold and warm environments.
• Some rigging and hoisting.
• Able to use aerial lifts and trucks.
• Able to use power and air operated hand tools.
• Able to work with machinery including benchtop grinders and similar.
• Ability to act as a primary authorized employee for Complex Lock-out/Tag-out.
• Ability to wear proper PPE such as safety glasses, safety shoes and hearing protection.

Other information:

The successful applicant will be required to join IBEW Local 2230 and maintain membership within 30 days of their start date.

The Lab’s placement policy is to select the best qualified candidate for an available position.  With respect to Bargaining Unit positions, candidates are considered in the following order: (1) present benefits-eligible employees within the department/division and/or appropriate bargaining unit, with preference for those within the immediate work group; (2) present benefits-eligible employees within the Laboratory; and (3) outside applicants. The starting salary for this position is $42.41.