MAINTENANCE PLUMBER (PLUMBER/PIPE/STEAMFITTER)

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Facilities Maintenance & Construction (FMC) is responsible for general maintenance, repair and renovations of all University of Washington (UW) main campus facilities including building interiors, exteriors and grounds.

Maintenance & Construction has an outstanding opportunity for a Maintenance Plumber (Plumber/Pipe/Steamfitter).

Duties & Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the supervisor and lead, perform journey-level plumbing work in the maintenance, repair and construction of a wide variety of complex and sophisticated plumbing systems.

Inspect, diagnose malfunctions; repair, maintain, test and inspect backflow devices, heating, cooling, and other process piping systems; clear plugged waste lines.

Remove and replace or install all types of plumbing fixtures, such as water closets, sinks, drinking fountains, showers, kitchen, laboratory, and other equipment.

Maintain and repair piping, tanks, and pressure vessels for fuels, steam, water, air, gas, and draining systems; install, service, repair and adjust pumps, ejectors, valves, dishwashers, stills, heat exchangers and coils.

Construct various types of pipe joints for high or low-pressure systems, including threading, brazing, soldering, welding or lead-wiping of joints.

Cut, fit, fabricate, and assemble a wide variety of articles, materials, and devices, including steel, copper, brass, glass, plastic, cast iron, corrosion-resistant pipe, tile, concrete and transite.

Read and interpret plans, blueprints, and sketches; construct, lay out or plan piping assemblies with respect to walls, structures, and other obstructions, allowing for expansion and contraction and alignment in accordance with pipefitting practice.  Work with Lead to discuss any proposed project changes before construction.

May develop cost estimates for installation and repairs.

Keep leads and supervisors informed of project status/work progress, needed materials and equipment.

Operate machinery such as fork-lifts, scissor-lifts, and high rangers. Load and unload materials and supplies.

Operate vehicles such as UW vans and trucks to transport tools, equipment and personnel to various job sites.

May instruct semiskilled workers.

Communicate and coordinate with other Facilities Services shops and other business partners such as EH&S, Engineering Services, Design Services, Capital Planning & Development and UW Information Technology to facilitate work.

Know and comply with occupational health and safety regulations specific to the work and conduct on the job, including Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) instructions, Hazard Review Checklists (HRCs) and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Comply with all UW and Facilities Services policies and procedures, FMC protocols, i.e. Individual Accountability Protocols (IAP). Support all management directives and the vision and values of FMC.

Participate in and follow through with FMC process improvement initiatives, including Balanced Scorecard (BSC), incorporating metrics and Lean principles into internal work processes, and promoting employee engagement in continuous improvements and innovation.

Actively participate in meetings and training as scheduled.

Provide excellent customer service through effective, courteous and professional interactions with clients, colleagues and the campus community.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrate strong personal integrity and trustworthiness.
• Possess the ability to effectively handle stressful situations and changing priorities.
• Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems.
• Demonstrate responsibility and accountability.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to details.
• Demonstrate a positive, optimistic, success-oriented attitude.
• Demonstrate professional demeanor which includes being tactful, civil and courteous.
• Demonstrate professional work ethics.
• Continuously promote a safe work environment.

Requirements include:

• Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as a plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter,

OR full journey status as a plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter in a union,
OR four years' applicable work experience.

Vocational training may be substituted for work experience on a year-for-year basis.

Additional Requirements include:

• Washington State Department of Health Backflow Assembly Tester Certification or obtain certification within 90 days of employment.
• Demonstrated successful ability in taking direction, working well with others and as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated excellent effective verbal and written communication skills.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Desired:

• Knowledge and practical experience with WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety & Health Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) regulations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with standard productivity software including Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent products
• Pipe Welding Certification and/or demonstrated experience welding pipes.
• Experience in plumbing maintenance of institutional, industrial and/or commercial environments.
• Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Journey-level Plumber Certification.
• Experience in steam distribution/heat exchangers and closed loop piping systems in an institutional, industrial or commercial environment

Conditions of Employment:

• Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s License or a license recognized as valid by the State of Washington.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• May be required to accept variable work shift.
• Work may require access to confined spaces and heights using approved safety precautions. Must be able to work in a smoke-free environment.
• Ability to lift and move heavy material may be required.
• Approved footwear must be provided at the employee’s expense and worn on the job.
• Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job. A tuberculosis (TB) test is required for work assignments in nonhuman primate areas and in the University of Washington Medical Center.

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.