Help Wanted: Public School Plumber (New Bedford)

FUNCTION: Performs journeyman’s level of work for the installation, maintenance, inspection, modification, remodel and repair of mechanical plumbing equipment and fixtures for water, gas, oil, steam, sewage, fire sprinkler, and refrigeration-related plumbing systems; act as lead worker to other classified staff in the area; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the Assistant Facilities Manager (Supervisor of Maintenance) and/or Director of Facilities Operations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Incumbents maintain, troubleshoot, and test plumbing systems; assemble, install and repair pumps, pipes, fittings, and fixtures; cut and thread; assemble and install valves, pipe fittings and pipes; inspect completed work for conformance with specifications, requirements and compliance with applicable building and safety codes and regulations; inspect related work performed by contractors; estimate cost, time and materials for plumbing projects; participate in the maintenance and operations of a plumbing shop; clean, maintain and service tools and equipment used in the performance of duties.

Examples of key duties are interpreted as being descriptive and not restrictive in nature. The following duties are listed both as trade specific and shared responsibilities.
1. Maintains, repairs and installs plumbing and related fixtures and components.
2. Repairs piping of various size and type.
3. Checks safety equipment and replaces components such as washers, gaskets, and filters.
4. Inspects, repairs, or replaces pumps, valves and boiler systems, including swimming pool pumps.
5. Service air compressors.
6. Works on low pressure hot water heating boilers.
7. Works on fire sprinkler system and booster pumps.
8. Adjusts building automation systems.
9. Monitors work performed by outside contractors for adherence to Plumbing Code Requirements and reports back to supervisor.
10. Assists in the writing of specifications for repairs and new construction.
11. Performs all other manual duties related to plumbing work as assigned by the Supervisor.
12. Researches, purchases and inventories equipment parts, chemicals and supplies.
13. Responds to routine and emergency calls for repairs and service.
14. May train and direct the work of other classified staff in the area.
15. Assists and serves as back up to other Facilities employees.
16. Trains and directs the work of other classified staff in the area.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: This classification requires the use of a valid Massachusetts Plumbers License. This classification requires the use of the personal or District vehicle while conducting District business, must possess a valid (Class D) Massachusetts driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. Ability to complete the following trainings as required: lock out tag out, confined space, MSDS, asbestos and lead identification, ladder safety, emergency evacuation, in-house OSHA and respirator training.

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications as detailed below. Graduation from high school, supplemented by completion of a Union, private (in-house), military, or trade school apprenticeship program that includes theory and on-the-job work. Five years as a journey-level plumber/fitter in a commercial, industrial, or facilities operations setting.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Operate and use required tools and equipment skillfully and safely; perform heavy physical labor; read and comprehend plans and blueprints as appropriate to the plumbing trade; install, maintain and repair broad range of plumbing fixtures and components, pumps, valves, boiler systems, compressors, alarm systems, and chemical treatment systems; read and comprehend plans and blueprints as appropriate to trade; analyze and respond safely and appropriately to emergency situations; train and direct the work of other classified staff in the area; follow and give oral and written instructions; maintain cooperative working relationships; demonstrate sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse population.

Thorough knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the plumbing trade; operation of building automation systems, applicable state and federal health and safety code requirements; methods and practices followed in the maintenance of tools, machinery, and equipment; safety precautions to be observed in the maintenance and installation of electronic and mechanical equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods of time, and to perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit; use ladders; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear; the employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds; while performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works in high, precarious places and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock; the noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute and employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

• REPORTS TO: Assistant Facilities Manager and/or Director of Facilities Operations
• HOURS: 7:00a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Full Year Position
• TERMS: In accordance with the AFSCME Contract, Local 641

To apply:  Please fill out a Bid Form and submit it to the Human Capital Services Office, Rm. 101, 455 County St., New Bedford, MA. 02740.

The New Bedford Public Schools do not discriminate on account of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, genetics, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions in employment for potential employees.  New Bedford Public Schools encourages people with multilingual skills, particularly in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese and/or Spanish, to apply.  Ever available opportunity will be taken in order to assure that each applicant is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit and ability.