Steam Fitter

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO)

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) offers building & landscape maintenance, and custodial services to Harvard faculties and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with customer-determined standards. As such, FMO operates as an in-house alternative to contractor services and therefore must manage itself under the same principles that guide any successful maintenance service business. 

• Installs, modifies, and repairs all types of boilers, heating systems, cooling systems and auxiliary equipment.  
• Fabricates, installs, modifies and repairs high and low pressure piping systems.  
• Interprets mechanical plans and prints and updates as necessary.  
• Assists and advises customers on progress / status of work and provides responsive and effective customer support in all phases of building maintenance operations.  
• Performs all installation, maintenance, inspection and testing in accordance with applicable standards and requirements of the Massachusetts State Building Code and/or established compliance requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.  
• Performs other core skills of the trades and related duties as required.  
• May be assigned to work independently or as part of a multi-trade team under the guidance and direction of the Area Supervisor and/or Working Foreperson.  
• Required to wear/use appropriate safety clothing/equipment at all times. 
• Required to properly wear a uniform and maintain a professional image at all times.

Working Conditions:

• Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel (required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management).

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stoop and bend for long periods of time and work on hands and knees and other awkward positions for extended periods, routinely walk to and from various buildings carrying tools, equipment and other essentials to the job site.  
• Must be able to lift up a minimum of 50 lbs. and to push, pull and transport piping and equipment in excess of 200 lbs. with others (may use chain falls and come along for heavier lifting).  
• Must be able to work alone, in confined spaces and extreme temperatures, climb multiple sets of stairs, work off ladders, staging, lifts or other elevated platforms.

Basic Qualifications (and ongoing conditions of employment):

• Minimum five years of experience installing and maintaining commercial or institutional-scale heating and cooling systems.  
• Must be skilled in the performance of all aspects of steamfitting/pipefitting work, with particular experience in the maintenance of district heating and cooling systems.  
• Massachusetts State License required, Journeyman or Master Pipefitter’s license (preferred) for minimum period of five years.
• Must have five years’ experience maintaining Steam or Hot Water Systems.
• Valid State driver’s license and driving history satisfactory to meet Campus Services standards.

Additional Qualifications:

• Required to pass a Respiratory Physical and certification for use of a respirator.
• Must observe and comply with all standard safety codes and practices and perform all work in accordance with recognized trade and University standards.
• Must possess demonstrated proficiency in the use of industry-recognized diagnostic testing and troubleshooting equipment.  
• Must be able to perform mathematical calculations required to accurately size and install system components and devices.  
• Must be able to read and interpret detailed plans, specifications, operating manuals and other written materials associated with this trade.  
• Must be able to effectively communicate and interact with peers and customers.  
• Must be willing to work in research laboratory environments and around hazardous materials.
• Must be willing and able to accept a reasonable amount of overtime in support of group business needs.
• Required to receive specialized training in the inspection and testing of steam traps or other devices 
• Basic keyboard proficiency and understanding of Windows® based software. 
• Required to supply a complete set of hand tools.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Massachusetts State License required, Journeyman or Master Pipefitter’s license (preferred) for minimum period of five years.
• Valid State driver’s license and driving history satisfactory to meet Campus Services standards.

Location:

• River Area, Cambridge, MA (USA) 

Standard Hours/Schedule:

• 40 hours per week
• Sunday:              Off
• Monday:              7:00 am - 3:30 pm
• Tuesday:             7:00 am - 3:30 pm
• Wednesday:        7:00 am - 3:30 pm
• Thursday:            7:00 am - 3:30 pm
• Friday:                 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
• Saturday:            Off

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):

• $50.82/hour

Visa Sponsorship Information:

• Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening:

• Identity
• Criminal
• Certification(s) / License(s)
• Motor Vehicle Record
• Drug Test
• CORI
• Employment

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.