Staff Careers

The Plumber II is a skilled, journey-level position responsible for performing a wide range of plumbing duties required in the repair, installation, maintenance, inspection, and servicing of plumbing systems and related equipment across the university campus as part of the Facilities Maintenance unit within the Facilities & Operations department, which is responsible for the full lifecycle of campus infrastructure, from initial concept through ongoing maintenance and repair. This position works independently on complex tasks and may provide guidance and training to Plumber I staff or apprentices. The Plumber II will troubleshoot and resolve plumbing issues in academic buildings, residence halls, administrative offices, athletic facilities, and other university properties, ensuring compliance with all applicable plumbing codes and safety regulations while providing excellent service to the campus community.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Plumbing Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
• Assemble, install, replace, repair, and maintain appliances, pipes, fittings, and fixtures for heating, water, natural gas, and drainage systems and their connections.
• Maintain and repair domestic hot water heaters.
• Measure, cut, thread, and bend pipe to required angle, using hand and power tools or machines such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, and pipe-bending machines.
• Work with PVC, PEX, copper, and black iron pipe to make plumbing repairs.
• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair water coolers and drinking fountains.
• Troubleshoot and repair/replace damaged plumbing fixtures such as flush valves, urinals, toilets, traps, and mixing valves.
• Assist in installing, inspect, and test back-flow preventers; ensure that there are no cross connections between water and sewer lines.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair safety showers and eyewash stations.
• Repair pumps including circulators, sumps, and boosters.
• Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
• Inspect completed work for leaks and stoppages.
Leadership, Communication, and Support Responsibilities
• Respond to emergency calls during non-business hours and determine corrective measures.
• Assist supervisor in planning and organizing work assignments.
• Process & complete all job-related documentation in a timely manner on a daily basis.
• Work with computer/tablet devices to interact with daily service requests.
• Support outside contractors during times of renovation or construction of new facilities.
• Handle complaints by talking with the complaining party and addressing the issue as needed.
• Estimate repair jobs and recommend needs.
• Interpret plans, specifications, and blueprints.
• Instruct and train plumbers of a lower grade and “spot-check” work completed or in progress as requested.
• Oversee and coordinate plumbing work done by external contractors ensuring work aligns with project specifications, building codes, and safety regulations.
Preventive Maintenance and System Optimization
• Perform preventive maintenance and other job-related duties as requested.
• Perform annual inspections of grease traps. Clean, maintain, and repair grease traps.
• Contribute to improvement of the Preventive Maintenance Program. Assist in assuring that the scope of plumbing work becomes progressively more proactive as opposed to reactive.
Inspection and Diagnostic Maintenance
• Conduct periodic inspections of University buildings in accordance with established guidelines. Report inspection results and any building deficiencies orally or in writing, as requested. Add building deficiencies to the preventive maintenance schedule.
• Utilize auger machine for clearing out drains.
Safety and Worksite Preparation
• Observe closely and adhere to all safety rules and regulations as directed.
• Participate in safety-related training and exercises as directed.
• Prepare the work site by setting up necessary equipment and protecting area from damage that might otherwise result from work activities. Leave the work site clean and orderly upon task completion. Ensure that all tools and equipment are clean and in safe working order and all materials are secured.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the plumbing trade (this may include a combination of experience & trade specific education) or four years satisfactory performance in Plumber I classification.
• Must be physically capable of performing all duties.
• Thorough knowledge of plumbing principles & techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and specifications.
• Ability to use job-related tools or equipment.
• Must possess great customer service skills and have a “can do” attitude.
• Must possess good verbal and written skills
• High degree of independent judgment.
• Must participate in an on-call rotation.
• This employee will be a regular driver as defined in the UAH Vehicle Safety Management Program, which includes, but is not limited to, possessing a valid driver’s license and maintaining an acceptable MVR in the judgment of the University’s insurance company.

• Graduate of trade or vocational school is desired.
• Journeyman’s License is preferred.
• Backflow Prevention Certification is desired.
• Knowledge of how to braze/solder pipe is preferred.

$63,000 to $66,240