Plumber

Class Characteristics

Under direction to perform the full range of journey level plumbing functions. Work includes the installation, design, alteration, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems within County owned buildings and operated facilities; and to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Facilities Management Division is responsible for planning, directing and administering comprehensive programs for space planning, commercial leasing, construction, remodeling, maintenance, utilities, security, environmental safety and general support services for County-owned and leased buildings and grounds.

The Plumber is a journey level classification responsible for routine and complex installation, maintenance and repair of plumbing projects for County owned/leased buildings and related plumbing systems. Incumbent works with considerable independence in a variety of locations and conditions, including inclement weather, varying outside temperatures, elevated work places, and confined spaces.

Plumber is distinguished from other Facilities Maintenance Specialist classifications which may perform limited, semi-skilled plumbing repairs but are not expected to have completed the equivalent of a structured apprenticeship program and to hold the appropriate trade license or card.

Tyical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Installs, maintains, trouble-shoot and repairs back flow assemblies, toilets, sinks, faucets, drains, water heaters, pipes, fittings, fixtures, fountains, and other plumbing systems within the County; installation of piping and fixtures in new construction and remodels.
2. Cleans drains by using cable or high pressure water jetting on main drains or secondary drains; performs pipe inspections with cameras; unclogs sewers, kitchen sinks, bathrooms sinks, toilets, etc. using snakes and/or plumbing tools/machines; removes and resets toilets and related piping.
3. Inspects structures, locates and marks pipes, connections and passage holes for pipes in walls and floors; cuts openings in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings; assembles and installs valves and fittings; repairs fixtures by repacking, reseating or repairing valves, cutting and threading pipe, bending pipe, flaring and brazing copper tubing, and testing valves and other equipment; cleans basins and unplugs pipes.
4. Inspects and repairs plumbing associated with heating/cooling systems; maintains and repairs piping, tanks, and pressure vessels for fuels, water, air, gas, and draining systems; constructs pipe joints.
5. Reads and interprets blueprints and written instructions; confers with supervisor concerning construction, alteration, maintenance, and repair projects; lays out jobs and estimates labor and material requirements, submits material and time estimates on construction, alteration, and repair projects; locates and sources vendors; obtains price quotes.
6. Coordinates construction projects with contractors, architects, engineers or other stakeholders. Designs, engineers, and modifies relevant components of remodel projects within County buildings.
7. Cleans, maintains, and repairs power and hand tools; uses plumbing tools and equipment such as manual and power pipe cutting and threading machines, sewer cleaners, propane torches, and hand tools including drill motors, saws, chain pipe (snap) cutters; pipe, basin, strap and torque wrenches, and other, depending on piping materials, in completing work.
8. Maintains detailed records, inventory and equipment; determines materials needs; carries out all required safety procedures; accurately completes paperwork for permits, records, asset management, billing purposes, and time keeping.
9. Works independently and may oversee the work of assigned staff or building maintenance workers; coordinates work with other trade areas such as electricians; may train/mentor assigned workers.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Thorough knowledge of: Principles and practices of plumbing; applicable laws, codes, policies and procedures; materials, equipment, and tools used in plumbing work; County, State, and general business safety rules and regulations as it applies to plumbing maintenance, and construction; basic and complex plumbing repair work; terminology used in the plumbing trade; office practices and procedures, and general recordkeeping to maintain plumbing records; computer systems; general construction; proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, goggles, safety hat, etc.; safe work practices.

Skill to: Use materials, tools and equipment common to the plumbing trade; troubleshoot plumbing problems; work on tall ladders, in confined spaces and underneath buildings; operate heavy sewer machine equipment; prepare basic layouts and estimates for plumbing projects; perform basic mathematical calculations, and write simple reports; read, understand, and apply existing codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures; read, understand and work from blueprints and layouts and maintain simple records; establish and maintain professional, effective, and cooperative relationship with others; provide assistance and/or confer with other County departments/staff as needed; communicate clearly and work effectively with supervisor, other employees and a variety of internal and/or external stakeholders; meets schedules and deadlines; operate and use all tools and equipment safely and efficiently; operate computers, and other basic office equipment.

Working Conditions

Within Finance Department's Facilities Management Division, duties require frequent to continuous standing, walking, squatting, kneeling, crawling, bending, twisting, balancing, climbing, reaching forward/overhead, repetitive grasping and fine motor control. The ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to 75 pounds. Duties also involve exposure to electrical hazards, confined spaces, loud noises, vibration, paint fumes, exhaust, cleaning chemicals and dust, slippery and/or uneven surfaces, working at heights, and adverse weather conditions.

Subject to 24 hour "on call" availability.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the minimum experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications required for employment in the classification. The following minimum qualifications are established for this classification. Additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a specific position within this classification and will be stated on the job announcement.
Experience: None required.
Licenses/Certifications:
The following licensure/certifications are required at the time of hire.

• General Journeyman Plumber License issued by the State of Oregon. Licensure from another state may be accepted at time of hire as long as incumbent obtains licensure by the State of Oregon within 3 months of hire.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Must successfully pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.

Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer physical assessment. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Classification No. 922
Established: 5/21
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEO: 7