Plumber

ONPRC is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus on 162 acres featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, and a 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health through nonhuman primate research that advances knowledge of disease causes, preventions, treatments, and cures.

Responsibilities

• Operate, adjust, and maintain plumbing systems across campus, including water heaters, pumps, drain systems, water systems, medical gas systems, plumbing fixtures, and valves.
• Monitor equipment, record readings, and take corrective action as needed.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on assigned equipment.
• Install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems, including animal drinking water and housing wash-down systems.
• Install or replace pipes, valves, drain systems, and pumps; repair pipe breaks; clean and open drains; repair water pumps and heaters; occasionally install and repair steam and gas systems.
• Maintain RO/DI watering systems, take daily logs, and make system adjustments.
• Troubleshoot a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks.
• Repair and maintain equipment and systems such as chillers, evaporators, boilers, cage washers, pumps, and motors.
• Perform preventive maintenance inspections and repairs, including checks on belts, sheaves, fans, and bearings for wear and vibration.
• Clean, lubricate, and adjust equipment and machinery, including electric and gas-powered motors, water heaters, fan units, and pumps.
• Assist in fabricating tools, machinery, and machine parts for metal, wood, plastic, and sheet metal.
• Maintain inventory of shop equipment and supplies, including sharpening tool bits, lubricating and adjusting machine shop equipment, and maintaining hydraulic pumps.
• Coordinate work of other trades, vendors, and contractors.
• Lead and instruct lesser-skilled facilities staff and coordinate with contractors for renovation projects.
• Provide technical advice and assistance to other departments regarding plumbing, design problems, and maintenance repairs.
• Identify and report deteriorating equipment and facilities for long-range maintenance planning and immediate actions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A valid Oregon Plumber's license.
• One of the following:
  • One year of experience as a journey-level plumber; or
  • Completion of an approved apprenticeship program.
• A valid driver’s license.

Skills

• Demonstrated mechanical ability.
• Analytical ability to resolve complex mechanical problems.
• Ability to lay out work for others and direct them.
• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and work from shop drawings, sketches, blueprints, and diagrams.
• Ability to keep accurate records (written and electronic) and communicate effectively with technical and professional staff.
• Basic computer skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to navigate various research and office buildings, animal housing areas (indoor/outdoor), and outdoor facilities.
• Ability to perform duties while considering scheduling conflicts with animal care staff and researchers.
• Ability to drive ONPRC vehicles on and off campus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Trade-school, technical, or military training in plumbing operations and maintenance.
• Backflow tester certification.
• Medical gas and air experience.

Schedule

Regular shifts are Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM but may include weekends and require overtime. This position participates in the facilities on-call program, rotating weekly with other designated staff.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in all seasons, both indoors and outdoors, including administrative offices, research laboratories, and animal housing areas.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, zoonotic diseases, biological agents, steam pipes, electrical wiring, icy roofs, and power machines/tools.
• Occasional work in cramped or uncomfortable spaces (e.g., crawl spaces, roofs), narrow corridors, wet/slick surfaces, climbing stairs, and prolonged standing or working on high ladders.

Physical Conditions

• Lift and carry objects weighing up to 75 lbs. to approximately shoulder height.
• Climb ladders and work from elevations.
• Wear appropriate PPE while working around biohazards and zoonotic diseases.

Benefits

• Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost.
• Two above-market pension plans to choose from.
• Vacation: up to 200 hours per year (dependent on length of service).
• Sick leave: up to 96 hours per year.
• 9 paid holidays per year.
• Substantial discounts on Tri-Met and C-Tran public transit.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Childcare service discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts to local and national businesses.