Position: Plumber Apprentice

Position Summary:

Under the direction of a licensed master plumber or a WSSC certified plumber, the Plumber Apprentice performs skilled work in installing and maintaining water, plumbing, sewer, kitchen, heating and cooling systems in school facilities and performing incidental applications of related building trades. Licensed plumbers will provide detailed instructions as to the manner of performing each and work is checked by routine inspections.  The Plumber Apprentice provides assistance to licensed plumbers while improving their skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Installs, inspects and repairs hot and cold water lines, oil, steam or gas pipes and makes all necessary connections;
• Installs and services water and sewer utility piping;
• Installs and repairs fixtures such as lavatory facilities, drinking fountains, sprinkler systems and various kitchen equipment;
• Repairs heating lines, radiators, valve traps, heating and cooling coils, circulating pumps, boilers and hot water heaters;
• Cuts, bends and threads metal and plastic pipes and fittings;
• Assists workmen of related trades in various construction/renovation work;
• Maintains plumbing tools and equipment, requisitions materials as needed, and operates shop vehicles and equipment; and
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Good knowledge of the common practices, tools, terminology, codes and safety precautions of the trades;
• Ability to work from plans and specifications and to follow rough sketches and oral instructions;
• Ability to estimate time and materials needed;
• Ability to lay out work when called upon;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Knowledge of technology (computer and/or mobile device) to enter materials, labor hours, status and details of the work done into the online work order management system;
• Within one year of employment, possession of an appropriate and valid Maryland Motor Vehicle Operator’s License with driving record indicating five (5) or fewer current points, of which no more than three (3) shall have been accumulated as a result of traffic violations while operating a Board of Education vehicle; and
• Deemed as essential personnel; and may be required to work day, night or weekend hours to meet the operational needs of the department.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Completion of a high school apprenticeship program with some experience as a plumber.

Certification:

Must be registered with the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Division of Labor and Industry and/or WSSC jurisdiction.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing duties of this job, the employee must have the strength and dexterity to perform all required tasks including the ability to climb a 40' vertical ladder, work from scaffolding and a bucket truck, the ability to lift and carry a minimum of 80 lbs., work in cramped interior spaces, and the ability to do extensive walking, bending, stooping, crawling and kneeling in the course of completing daily work assignments. The employee is required to maintain sustained physical effort and some exposure to dust, dirt, chemical solutions, solvents, odors, and adverse weather conditions.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

The Plumber Apprentice will have five years to complete the apprenticeship program and test for a plumbing license and obtain WSSC certification. If after five years and the apprentice fails the first license exam, the apprentice will have one year to prepare for and pass the exam. If the test is failed a second time, the apprentice will be separated from the apprenticeship program.