Journeyman Plumber

About the role

The journeyman plumber performs or oversees all plumbing work accomplished in-house by the facilities department staff, and performs day-to-day maintenance, project work, special events, preventive and unscheduled maintenance as directed by the Associate Director Facilities Management.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate own and others' work between plumbing, electrical, general maintenance, HVAC, and carpentry departments, as well as administration and outside vendors.
• Plan, organize and layout all components of plumbing work through the use of blueprints, schematics, schedules, or sketches.
• Engage and interact with consultants, contractors, architects, etc. by providing assistance at all stages for the design and construction of college projects by determining/advising on requirements and standards for plumbing fixtures and systems.
• Respond to routine and emergency calls for repairs and service.
• Maintain all aspects of college systems up to and including drainage (storm and sanitary), water distribution systems (including irrigation), domestic systems, steam distribution, and science chemical drains.
• Knowledge of water treatment and distribution systems including repair, inspections, and maintenance.
• Knowledge and ability to diagnose and repair plumbing fixtures and appliances including water filtration, purification and culinary appliances.
• Repair, replace and maintain commercial plumbing equipment, fixtures, and appliances.
• Maintain plumbing drainage, waste, and vent systems including cleaning of stoppages in drain piping systems.
• Knowledgeable, and able to perform booster pump inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
• Complete backflow inspections. Make repairs as needed. Send reports to the city.
• Knowledge and ability of steam distribution and repairs.
• Cut, bend, thread, and fit pipes with adjoining pipe assemblies.
• Complete all work orders assigned and provide appropriate documentation in relation to completion of work.
• Achieve all work in accordance with MIOSHA/OSHA guidance, applicable City, County and State building codes and regulations.

Requirements

• High school degree or GED diploma required.
• MI Master Plumber with city of Grand Rapids contractor's license preferred.
• MI Journeyman Plumber with city of Grand Rapids contractor's license required.
• Journeyman plumber with two (2) years experience preferred.
• Three (3) years of plumbing experience in an academic/institutional setting preferred.
• Knowledgeable in steam, condensate, domestic water, and waste systems.
• ASSE backflow certified preferred.
• Certified and knowledgeable in cross-connections, ability to repair all sizes of devices.

Skills

• Ability to troubleshoot all types of plumbing problems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics.
• Welding and fabrication skills.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations.
• Familiar with lock out/tag out procedures and compliance.
• Able to plan, layout and organize work with minimum supervision in a commercial and/or industrial environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate through written and oral communications.
• Basic computer skills.
• Valid Michigan driver license.

Physical Demands

• Be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Bend, stoop and stand for extended periods of time in completing work assignments.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull a variety of tools, equipment and materials.
• Must be able to operate hand and power tools.
• May be required to work in the vicinity of labs containing biohazardous substances.
• Ability to work from ladders, lifts or scaffolding.
• Ability to work inside or outside in hot or cold conditions.
• Possession of a forklift/Hi-lo license within one (1) year after date of hire required.

Mental Demands

• Adjust to a flexible schedule.
• Interface with a staff at various levels.
• Provide courteous customer service to students, faculty, staff and the general public.
• Accessible and available to meet overtime/emergency commitments to fulfill the college mission and objectives.