Job Description

Pipefitter(Refrigeration Mechanic) Foreperson

F&S-Utilities & Energy Services

To supervise and perform duties requiring a high degree of skill in the installation, maintenance, repair and operation of equipment and piping systems, including but not limited to air conditioners, refrigeration, and chiller equipment/systems.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Inspect and approve the work of Pipefitters.
• Coordinate with other Utilities personnel when additional personnel are needed for emergency or/and routine work.
• Schedule work.
• Observe employee’s working habits and enforce safety rules.
• Supervise and evaluate the Pipefitter Apprentices.
• Provide technical advice for the Pipefitters.
• Gather information for and discuss personnel problems with the Director of Utilities Production.
• Counsels employees in regard to performance or workplace behavior issues.
• Works with Associate Director of Utilities and/or Human Resource personnel concerning disciplinary actions.
• Expedite personnel and materials to work locations.
• Arrange special outages for equipment repairs to prevent interruption of services.
• Assist with preparation of estimates for repairs and departmental jobs.
• Perform the necessary public relations with campus customers, peers and employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Requirements

• General good health.
• The job duties require employees to bend, stoop, reach, lift 50 lbs. bags, and include extended periods of standing and walking on concrete floors in both cold and hot/humid environments.
• Climbing stairs, ladders and moderate labor where stamina and perseverance are needed.
• Able to move rapidly in emergency situations.
• Assignments will include working on several levels in a chiller plant, which may include high work in harnesses, on scaffolding, or in a confined space.
• Physical stamina and strength required.
• The job duties may require the employee to move heavy objects.
• Respirators may be required while performing the duties described.
• Mental stress is a factor in this job.
• Constant is defined as performing a task 500+/day or 67-100% of the work day.
• Frequent is defined as performing a task 101-500x/day or 34-66% of the work day
• Occasional is defined as performing a task 1-100x/day or 1-33% of the work day
• Standing - Constant
• Walking – Frequent
• Bending, Stooping, or Crouching – Occasional
• Kneeling – Occasional
• Above Shoulder Reaching – Occasional
• Forward Reaching - Frequent
• Material Handling – Frequent
• Balancing – Occasional to Frequent
• Climbing – Occasional to Frequent
• Bilateral Pushing – Occasional – 188lbs to break steam valve open with wrench at chest level; 150lb initial horizontal force for empty refrigeration tanks with hands at chest level, 80lb sustained force for over 100ft
• Bilateral Pulling – Occasional – 45lb horizontal pull force for pallet jack with full refrigerant tanks with hands at chest level, over 100ft.
• Bilateral Pushing/Pulling – Occasional – 25lb to 125lb force to loosen or tighten bolts from various positions including above shoulde.
• Bilateral Lifting – Occasional –75lbs for chain falls in bucket, from 18” to overhead.
• Bilateral Above Shoulder Lifting – Occasional – 75lbs for chain falls
• Unilateral Lift/Carry – Occasional – 54lbs for porta-power kit, 45lbs for vacuum pump, over 100ft.
• Bilateral Lift/Carry – Occasional – 74lbs for tool box with large wrenches and sockets (2-person lift/carry of 148lbs), 50ft.; 65lb empty refrigerant tanks, 100ft.; 50lb motors, up 15 to 20 stairs
• Based on the two-hand occasional horizontal pushing of 188lbs, and the two-hand occasional horizontal pushing and pulling of 125lbs, the Utility Pipefitter at the Campus Chilled Water plants functions at the Very Heavy Physical Demand Level.

Work Environment

• Work area can be hot, humid, noisy and dusty.
• Certain hazards may be present in the form of radiation, asbestos, insulation, chemicals, high temperatures, high noise levels, severe weather, dust, etc.
• Outside work is required in all sea

Minimum Qualifications

1. A. Certificate of completion of Pipetrade apprenticeship under a registered Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training program AND four (4) years (48 months) of applicable experience.

OR

B. Experience sufficient to qualify as a journeyman Pipefitter or other Pipetrade classification with a minimum of nine (9) years (108 months) of actual work in the trade, which may have included apprenticeship and/or applicable vocational training. The trade for this purpose shall include work normally performed by Pipefitters, Pipefitter Welders, Refrigeration Mechanics, Temperature Control Mechanics, Sprinkler Fitters, and/or Oil Burner Mechanics.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• • Ability to supervise and instruct.
  • Knowledge of chiller and air conditioning systems, including industrial chillers, cooling towers, pumps, and boilers.
  • Skill in mechanical drafting and reading blueprint reading.
  • Ability to give and follow directions.
  • Knowledge of safety procedures.
  • Understanding of Utilities vision, mission and values

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 1828 - Pipefitter (Refrigeration Mechanic) Foreman position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 8/31/2026. The hourly rate for this position is $62.28/hr.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on 8/21/2026 Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Syed A. Arshad at sarshad4@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu

Requisition ID 1037289
Job Category Crafts & Trades
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu