Roofer

About the role

The position is within the roofing series at Western Washington University, a public university with over 15,000 students across seven colleges and a graduate school. Located in Bellingham, Washington, the campus overlooks Bellingham Bay and the North Cascades. Western is nationally recognized for its educational programs and is committed to excellence through inclusive success and sustainable practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance on roofing systems, including inspections, gutter cleaning, roof sweeping, drain cleaning and repair, roof patching, emergency repairs, and parapet maintenance.
• Install and repair a variety of roofing materials and systems, including insulation, built-up roofing, metal roofing, tile roofing, TPO, EPDM, flashing, drain basins, spray coatings, and related components.
• Remove and dispose of existing roofing materials, including flashing, insulation, aggregate, composition roofing, drain basins, metal roofing, and tile.
• Inspect, service, maintain, and repair roofing tools and equipment.
• Prepare material and labor estimates and submit accurate roofing material lists to supervisors.
• Apply caulking and sealants as needed using industry best practices.
• Maintain inventory of roofing materials and load and unload supplies and equipment.
• Clean and maintain roofs, job sites, and roofing equipment.
• Identify needed repairs and recommend corrective actions.
• Update roofing maintenance and service records as required.
• Set up and operate specialized equipment, including aerial work platforms (AWPs), and safely use hand and power tools.
• Provide technical information and support to estimators, engineers, designers, and architects.
• Follow safe work practices, including fall protection, fall arrest, Lockout/Tagout procedures, and all applicable safety regulations.
• Absorb and provide technical information and support to estimators, engineers, designers, and architects.
• Assist in maintaining and updating fall protection plans.
• Drive service vehicles and obtain a commercial driver's license when required.
• Perform physically demanding work, including standing, walking, lifting, carrying, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, and accessing confined spaces, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Lead, instruct, and assist others as needed.
• Work primarily outdoors, often at heights using ladders, lifts, scaffolding, and other access equipment, while complying with all safety and PPE requirements.
• Safely use a full-body harness and other required fall protection equipment.
• Communicate daily with supervisor and colleagues using a two-way, hand-held radio.
• May be required to operate a computer, printer, fax machine, photocopier, digital camera, and other data-processing equipment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a recognized apprenticeship, journey-level status in a roofing union, or four years of applicable work experience in a commercial or industrial environment.
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to employment.
• Skilled in journey-level roofing product application and the use of specialized trade equipment.
• Basic knowledge of carpentry and sheet metal work as related to roofing.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read and understand written information and instructions.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a positive, friendly, and cooperative approach when working with students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Ability to read blueprints, plans, and sketches and estimate materials and time required for project completion.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to work under pressure while meeting schedules and deadlines.
• Ability to work safely alone while recognizing when additional assistance is needed and notifying a supervisor in advance.
• Ability to safely use and maintain hand and power tools required for the trade.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with built-up roofing (torch-down), bituminous, 3-tab, TPO, EPDM, Hypalon, and metal roofing systems.
• Good working knowledge of related trades, including carpentry, welding, sheet metal, insulation, and painting, gained in a commercial or industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of applicable Washington Administrative Code (WAC) regulations and local building codes.
• Strong knowledge of Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations, standard job safety practices, and the proper use of a respirator.