Lead Senior Plumber - Uncommon Schools

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing, public charter schools providing an outstanding K-12 education in historically under-resourced communities. We have proudly built schools that reflect our student population, with more than 60% of our teachers and staff across our network identifying as a person of color. Uncommon currently manages 53 schools serving 20,000 students in five cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. We are proud that Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at five times the rate of their peers nationally. We achieve this by offering strong academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional learning that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

Uncommon Schools is seeking a Lead Senior Plumber to join the charter network’s New Jersey Facilities team. This position provides an opportunity for a journeyman-level plumber with at least five (5) years' relevant experience to work with a dedicated facilities group, taking the lead on resolving and completing projects, putting your deep technical skills to work, mentoring junior staff, and helping ensure that Uncommon provides well-maintained, comfortable, and safe educational facilities for our students and staff.  

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Facilities Management Team, the Lead Senior Plumber will perform all plumbing work necessary to inspect, maintain, repair, modify, and install plumbing, heating, water, utility, drainage, and other related systems. 

Uncommon values candidates who have the drive and ability to work hard, are highly motivated, and are eager to take on and implement assignments and projects.  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

At Uncommon Schools, we recognize that safe, efficient, healthy, clean, comfortable, and reliable buildings are integral to our mission of delivering an excellent education to our students.

As a vital member of the NJ Facilities Team, the Lead Senior Plumber will be entrusted with the following responsibilities:

• Compliance: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the National Standard Plumbing Code and other relevant building codes. Execute all plumbing and heating tasks in accordance with these codes, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
• Diagnosis and Solutions: Proficiently diagnose plumbing system issues, evaluate potential solutions, and offer well-founded recommendations to supervisors.
• Emergency Response: In emergency situations, take swift action to contain problems and restore systems to optimal working condition, prioritizing the safety and well-being of building occupants.
• Installation and Repair: Assemble, install, modify, and repair various plumbing fixtures such as sinks, commodes, water heaters, hot water tanks, and gas-fired commercial heating systems.
• Piping Expertise: Skillfully assemble and install valves, pipe fittings, and pipes composed of different materials including various metals and plastics. Cut and thread pipes, employing a range of joining methods such as screwed, bolted, soldered, caulked, or plastic solvent joints.
• System Testing: Conduct pressure tests on piping systems to ensure leak-free operation and optimal performance of all system components. Maintain, troubleshoot, test, and inspect backflow prevention devices.
• Familiarity with Equipment: Demonstrate familiarity with the nomenclature, use, and installation of a wide range of valves, unions, sleeves, bushings, reducers, and other fittings and valves.
• Precision Work: Responsible for accurate measuring and fitting of piping and facilities to ensure seamless integration within the building infrastructure.
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of corrective and preventive work assignments received through our automated work order system (SchoolDude).
• Collaboration: Collaborate closely with onsite Facilities Managers and General Maintenance Workers to support work projects or special assignments as needed.
• Emergency Response: Be available to respond to campus emergency calls after hours, providing timely assistance as required.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisors, contributing to the overall success and functionality of our facilities.

• Significant journeyman-level plumbing experience along with the trade knowledge to effectively understand and perform all facets of the plumbing trade in accordance with the National Standard Plumbing Code and other applicable codes
• Strong background in commercial heating projects small and large, including installations, boiler repair, gas furnaces, etc.
• Able to investigate routine and emergency problems with plumbing and heating systems, evaluate alternative solutions and provide sound recommendations to FM and/or Senior Facilities Manager; able to safely and effectively carry out corrective actions
• Able to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, submittals, cut sheets, layouts, technical manuals, and other plumbing trade-related documentation. 
• Able to properly and safely use the tools of the trade and carry out all tasks expected of a plumber
• Knowledge of building codes, safety regulations, and safety practices
• Familiarity with PVC, CPVC, PEX, cast iron, and copper
• Excellent ability to work both independently and with other trades personnel and staff. 
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements listed below. 
• Certification as a Licensed Master Plumber in the State of New Jersey preferred, or willingness to obtain license 
• Completion of a State recognized four-year apprentice training program in plumbing preferred

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements outlined below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. 

• Stand or walk up to 2 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day
• Sit for less than 2 hours during an 8-hour day 
• Lift or carry up to 35 pounds frequently and 100 pounds occasionally  
• Lift up to 100 pounds to waist height and up to 35 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead
• Frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling 
• Occasionally climb stairs or ladders, dig, or pull with forces up to 100 pounds 
• Frequently bend, squat, kneel, knee stand, lift overheard, reach overhead, push, or pull 
• Work outdoors in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions 
• Possess ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance  

Required Skills 

• Bachelor’s Degree equivalent or five plus (5+) years of experience in plumbing 
• Three (3) or more years’ progressive responsibility in facilities management 
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Familiarity with key building systems (HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing) 
• Familiarity with OSHA and other Life Safety codes, etc. 
• Computer skills necessary to operate BMS system  
• Facility with Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in basic mathematics and conversion of measurement
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through 
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and electronically with facilities staff, school staff, and vendors  
• Available to work nights and weekends when necessary 
• Extreme flexibility, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate high level of responsibility and multiple priorities. 
• New Jersey low pressure black seal boiler, HVAC or other certificate, training, or licenses a plus. 
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle 
• Capacity to operate independently 

 Mission-Alignment 

• Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of school 
• Demonstrate a commitment to the schools’ rules, regulations, and safety procedures
• Implement and enhance the school’s systems and culture
• Create high accountability for oneself as well as building staff and vendors

Our people are what make us uncommon. It’s important to us that our compensation practices align with our values and enhance our ability to attract and retain talent.  Our compensation philosophy is focused on equity and fairness, retaining our talented staff and valuing their expertise, and transparency and clarity.

Compensation for this position: Candidates who meet all job description requirements will likely receive an offer of $34.28 per hour.  The starting compensation for this role is between $32.36 to $38.08 per hour.  The starting pay will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.  To receive an offer at the top of the range, candidates will need significant experience beyond the job description requirements.  Because we value staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges for current staff members. 

Other Benefits:

• 19 days of paid time off in addition to three weeks of paid winter and summer org-wide holidays
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development  
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Financial planning & wellness
  • 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
  • 529 college savings program
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness application assistance
  • Financial  planning tools and assistance
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts, pet care insurance
• Paid leave of absence 
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Fully paid medical leave
  • Additional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance 
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.