General Summary: UMass Boston is a major research university with highly specialized plumbing systems, including, de-ionized water, acid waste glass piping, acid neutralization systems, laboratory gas systems (including natural gas and nitrogen) and grease traps. The Plumber will repair and maintain water piping, soil waste and vent piping for all plumbing fixtures and appurtenances as per the plumbing codes for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the fire protection piping, safety equipment and grounds irrigation systems. Install and maintain fire protection systems piping and components for both wet and dry pipe systems. The incumbent will repair and maintain plumbing systems for all toilet rooms, locker rooms, laboratories, mechanical rooms, swimming pools, kitchens, distilled and de-mineralized water distribution systems, safety eye wash and deluge shower piping systems, as well as the underground sub-soil drainage, roof drainage, sewer, acid waste pipingand dilution basins and the campus water main distribution system.

Examples of Duties:

• • • Install, repair, maintain and/or alter plumbing, fire protection and gas systems by cleaning sewer drains; by operating power tools, welding equipment, sewer cleaning machines, hand tools and plumbing equipment; by laying out, cutting and fitting materials for welding; by packing joints, valves and pumps; by cutting and threading pipes; by caulking and packing lead joints, valves and pumps; by replacing seals in water closets; by cleaning filters and traps; by unplugging sinks, toilets and drains; and by insulating heat tracing wires and/or piping to ensure that equipment is in proper working order and to meet University needs; responsible for brazing and soldering piping systems;
    • Alter, repair and maintain de-ionized water systems;
    • Inspect and replace filters in potable and non-potable water systems;
    • Install, repair and maintain acid waste glass piping, gas distribution piping and industrial cafeteria systems;
    • Inspect plumbing, fire protection and related mechanical systems to determine the need for repairs;
    • Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, drawings, sketches and specifications as required to perform assigned work;
    • Constructs, troubleshoots, inspects, and repairs all fire protection system equipment for such systems as dry, pre-action and wet sprinkler, dry and wet standpipe.
    • Coordinates with outside contractors for fire protection system repairs when needed.
    • Performs preventative and corrective maintenance on building fire protection systems wet and dry fire sprinkler systems.
    • Coordinate work with other trades as required to accomplish repair, maintenance or installation projects;
    • Respond to complaints from building occupants and perform appropriate corrective action;
    • Perform related duties such as erecting scaffolding, rigging and ladders; laying out drop cloths; fabricating miscellaneous metal products; sharpening and tempering various tools; cleaning tools and equipment; preparing work reports and training other employees;
    • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Master or Journeyman Plumber license issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters is required and/or a Massachusetts Master or Journeyman sprinkler fitter and pipefitters license. The incumbent is required to maintain a current and valid license throughout the duration of employment in this classification. Valid motor vehicle driver's license preferred. Knowledge of Air, Vacuum, and Pro Press Systems preferred. The incumbent may be required to work nights, weekends and/or holidays.

• • Knowledge of the types and uses of hand tools ordinarily employed in performing plumbing and gas fitting work and the ability to skillfully use such tools in the performance of assigned duties, including, but not limited to, wrenches, hammers, saws, screwdrivers, chisels, hand-operated drills, pliers, taps and dies;
  • Knowledge of the types and uses of small measuring devices ordinarily employed in performing plumbing and gas fitting work and the ability to skillfully use such devices in the performance of assigned duties, including, but not limited to calipers, levels, rulers and steel squares;
  • Knowledge of the types and uses of hand held power tools ordinarily employed in performing plumbing and gas fitting work and the ability to skillfully use such tools in the performance of assigned duties, including, but not limited to, power drills, power saws and power hammers;
  • Knowledge of the types and uses of materials ordinarily employed in performing plumbing and gas fitting work andthe ability to skillfully use such materials in the performance of assigned duties, including, but not limited to, piping made of copper; steel; malleable, cast and galvanized iron, clay and glass;
  • Knowledge of the types and uses of equipment ordinarily employed in performing plumbing and gas fitting work and the ability to skillfully use such equipment in the performance of assigned duties, including but not limited to, blowtorches, soldering equipment and gauges;
  • Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in plumbing and gas fitting;
  • Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques of plumbing;
  • Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques of gas fitting;
  • Knowledge of sanitation methods, techniques and procedures followed in plumbing;
  • Knowledge of the methods and techniques of sprinkler fitting;
  • Knowledge of the methods and techniques of pipefitting;
  • Knowledge of the methods and techniques of pipe threading;
  • Knowledge of the applicable laws, rules, regulations and codes that govern the plumbing and gas fitting trades and the ability to apply such knowledge in the performance of assigned duties;
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as blueprints, plans, diagrams, drawings, sketches, specifications, and installation instructions as required to perform assigned duties;
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, as well as work orders;
  • Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time;
  • Ability to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 65 pounds);
  • Ability to lift and work with up to 40 pounds overhead;
  • Ability to work in cramped, confined, enclosed and permit-required confined spaces;
  • Ability to access spaces via ladders, stairways, scaffolding, catwalks, etc.;
  • Ability to write clearly and concisely;
  • Ability to interact with others in a respectful, courteous and professional manner;
  • Strong commitment to customer service.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional work references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.

Grade: 18 Hourly Rate: $31.34

This is a non-exempt union position.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the ADA/504 Coordinator Andrea Haas or 617-287-5148.