Plumber

Under direction, performs skilled plumbing work, including maintenance, repair, installation, alteration and construction of District plumbing fixtures systems and equipment; installs and maintains gas and reclaimed and potable water piping; performs preventative maintenance work; responds to work orders, plumbing emergencies and system shut downs; provides recommendations on the design and installation of plumbing systems for new construction and existing facilities; maintains inventory of plumbing supplies, equipment and tools, and performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision

Works under the direct supervision of a department manager.   

Does not directly or indirectly supervise other employees but may provide work direction to lower-level employees and temporary employees.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties and responsibilities are typical of those performed in this classification.

• Performs skilled plumbing work, including maintenance repair, installation, alteration and construction of District plumbing fixtures systems and equipment, contacts vendors as needed. 
• Installs and maintains gas and water piping in compliance with building code
• Performs preventive maintenance work, monitors gas, water and sewer lines; coordinates installation, repairs, testing, and certification of backflow prevention devices, replaces pumps as necessary. 
• Responds to work orders and plumbing emergencies and system shut downs; inspects and troubleshoots systems to diagnose problems and performs repairs.  Prioritizes jobs and determines project timelines.  
• Provides recommendations on the design and installation of plumbing systems for new construction and existing facilities; sketches layouts based on blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Maintains inventory of plumbing supplies, equipment, and tools; estimates labor, materials, and equipment needed for assigned work; submits requisitions for orders.
• Clears drains and removes clogs and obstructions from water and sewer systems and plumbing fixtures using chemicals and/or tools (e.g., plungers, pipe threading machines and snakes). 
• Ensures correct use of washers and O-rings based on the pump type and water temperature, alignment with flanges, and grounding to reduce corrosion and turbulence.
• Prepares reports and maintains records of work performed and materials used. 
• Cleans, maintains, secures and organizes work areas, tools, and equipment; performs minor repairs on tools and equipment.
• Operates vehicle (s) to transport tools, equipment, and materials.
• May provide work direction to lower-level employees and/or temporary employees. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 

The education, training, and experience qualifications are considered likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities to perform the above essential duties.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent and completion of an apprenticeship or specialized plumbing training program. 

Four (4) years of skilled work in the plumbing trade.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California driver’s license is required.
• A current, valid Certificate of Registration as a Journeyman Plumber from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

Knowledge of:

• Basic plumbing theory, including the principles of general operation, installation, and maintenance of plumbing fixtures. 
• Function and design of plumbing apparatuses. 
• General fluid dynamics.
• Methods for clearing obstructions in plumbing systems.
• Backflow protection methods, practices, and devices.
• Operation and maintenance of tools and equipment used in the plumbing trade.
• Safe practices for handling plumbing include personal protective equipment and lockout and tagout procedures to ensure pipelines are disconnected before work is performed.
• Protection and safety requirements applicable to working with plumbing equipment and hazardous or toxic material.
• Laws, regulations, standards, and requirements applicable to areas of assignment.  
• Office practices and procedures, including the use of personal computers and standard business software.
• Principles and practices of customer service. 
• Standard formats for business letters and other communications.
• Methods of prioritizing, planning, and organizing work.
• Correct use of the English language, including spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Basic arithmetic. 
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Recordkeeping and filing techniques and practices.

Ability to:

• Performs skilled plumbing installations, repairs, and maintenance.  
• Design and install plumbing systems including reading and interpreting sketches of layouts based on blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Identify defects and problems in plumbing systems and test equipment and materials
• Cut, thread, solder, and braze pipes for gas and liquid plumbing systems.
• Conduct and evaluate pressure tests on pipes and plumbing systems.
• Remove obstructions from plumbing systems using chemical and manual methods.
• Estimate costs, labor, and materials required for installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing fixtures and systems.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure safety and compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Prepare and maintain thorough and accurate records.
• Use and operate various vehicles, tools and equipment applicable to the plumbing trade.
• Monitor and maintain inventory. 

• Operate a variety of office equipment including computers and printers/copiers.
• Utilize standard office software (e.g., email, word processing, and spreadsheet software).
• Prepare correspondence and other documents using standard business formats.

• Prioritize work and complete assignments accurately within established deadlines.
• Provide and obtain detailed information to/from others. 
• Provide customer service with a high level of sensitivity, tact and patience.
• Exercise reasonable judgment in performing job duties. 
• Work and perform duties independently. 
• Perform and prioritize multiple tasks. 
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with all employees and others encountered in the course of work. 
• Demonstrate a sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of students, the public, faculty, and staff.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STANDARDS:

The following physical and mental standards are identified as necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.   However, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Mobility: frequent walking, standing, climbing, and pushing, pulling, crouching, and kneeling; occasional reaching above and below shelf levels.
• Dexterity: frequent use of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to grasp, hold, and operate hand and power tools and grounds equipment. 

• Lifting: frequent ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Visual Requirements: frequent use of vision to see close, distant, and peripheral objects; adjust focus as necessary; and perceive depth and colors. 

• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and speaking in person and on the telephone. 
• Emotional/Psychological Factors: frequent contact with others, including extensive team and supervisory contact; frequent deadlines and time-limited assignments.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The Plumber classification salary range is R - 41.

Starting salary: Step 1 $6,444.56  to Step 3 $7,105.12 per month, based on training and experience.
Salary range: Step 1 $6444.56 to Step 6 $8,225.07 per month (including longevity steps).

• Resume
• Scanned copy of current, valid Certificate of Registration as a Journeyman Plumber from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
• Scanned copy of proof of completion of an apprenticeship or specialized training program
• List of three (3) professional references, including one supervisor. Please provide names, telephone numbers, and e-mail address for each reference.

Salary : $6,445 - $7,105