Plumber, Facilities

About the role

The Plumber serves as the senior technical expert for all plumbing systems across Lipscomb University's campus, providing skilled maintenance, repair, installation, and emergency response services. This position combines hands-on technical expertise with supervisory responsibilities, ensuring the reliable operation of plumbing infrastructure that supports the university's academic mission and residential community.

Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Operations and Maintenance

• Perform expert-level installation, maintenance, and repair of all plumbing systems including water supply, drainage, waste systems, and fixtures
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex plumbing issues using advanced technical knowledge and problem-solving skills
• Install, maintain, and repair water heaters, boilers, pumps, backflow preventers, and related equipment
• Conduct preventive maintenance on plumbing systems to minimize downtime and extend equipment life
• Respond to emergency plumbing situations including after-hours, weekends, and holidays as required
• Perform all plumbing-related repairs independently with minimal supervision

• Regulatory Compliance and Safety

• Maintain certification on backflow prevention devices and work in cooperation with Metro Water Services
• Ensure all plumbing work complies with local, state, and federal plumbing codes and regulations
• Maintain current knowledge of International Plumbing Code (IPC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and applicable building codes
• Implement and enforce safety regulations and best practices for plumbing operations
• Conduct safety training for plumbing team members
• Maintain proper documentation for regulatory compliance and inspections

• Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise all personnel in the plumbing division as the department grows
• Plan, schedule, organize, and direct plumbing work assignments across campus
• Train and mentor plumbing staff on technical skills, safety procedures, and university standards
• Evaluate employee performance and recommend personnel actions including hiring, discipline, or termination
• Foster a collaborative team environment focused on quality service delivery
• Cookordination plumbing activities with other trades, project managers, and external contractors

• Project Management and Planning

• Estimate costs, materials, and labor requirements for plumbing projects
• Cookordinate plumbing aspects of construction and renovation projects
• Monitor job quality to ensure proper compliance with specifications and standards
• Recommend improvements, new techniques, and procedural enhancements
• Participate as needed in campus master planning for plumbing infrastructure upgrades

• Administrative and Operational Support

• Order and purchase tools, equipment, and supplies for plumbing operations
• Maintain accurate records of jobs performed, departmental charge codes, and employee hours
• Ensure proper equipment and supplies are stocked and available for various jobs
• Manage inventory of plumbing materials and equipment
• Dispose of obsolete or unused plumbing equipment in accordance with environmental regulations
• Utilize computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) for work order tracking and documentation

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Perform other duties as assigned, including working with other departments
• Support special university events requiring plumbing services or coordination

Position Qualifications

• Education:

• A high school diploma or equivalent required
• Completion of an accredited plumbing apprenticeship program preferred
• Vocational training in plumbing trades preferred

• Experience:

• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in commercial or institutional plumbing
• Demonstrated experience in higher education, healthcare, or large commercial facilities preferred
• Proven track record of supervisory or lead experience
• Experience with large-scale plumbing systems, boilers, and mechanical equipment

• Licensure/Certification:

• Backflow Prevention Certification preferred

• Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity for working with tools and small components
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb for extended periods
• Visual acuity for reading technical drawings and inspecting work
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)