Plumber, Facilities Management - Western Kentucky University

Location: Bowling Green, KY Category: Staff Posted On: Fri Jun 21 2024 Job Description:

Purpose of Position

Under general supervision of the Area Supervisor, the Plumber works in a multi-functional team made up of plumbers, electricians, and other skilled maintenance team members to provide complete maintenance to a group of buildings across campus. A person participating in this dynamic team environment performs skilled work in the maintenance and repair of plumbing, heating, natural gas equipment and accessories. In addition, as a part of the area team, the plumber may also be called upon to assist the team in performing other general maintenance functions. These duties are normally performed on 1st shift; however, weekend or other alternative shifts may be required.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Installs, maintains and repairs valves, faucets, traps, sinks, wash bowls, sewers, vents and other sanitary fixtures

• Maintains piping systems by opening clogged drains and replacing washers on leaky faucets

• Fills pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observes pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks

• Operates pipe cutters, reamers, threading machines, sewer tapes, cables and other related tools and equipment

• Locates and marks the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes or fixtures in structures using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels

• Cuts openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings using hand or power tools

• Measures, cuts, threads or bends pipe to required angle using hand or power tools or machines such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines or pipe bending machines

• Estimates time and materials for jobs and orders materials

• May act as team leader for area maintenance plumbers/technicians

• Promotes safe work practices within team and across campus

• Operates University vehicles

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains excellent communication/customer service with Building Coordinators and all other DFM team members

• Communicates bi-laterally with other DFM team members to coordinate work activities between groups

• Assists area team with other general maintenance functions as needed

• Performs other duties as assigned by management

Knowledge and Skills Essential for Success

• Mechanical & operational knowledge of all machines & tools related to the plumbing trade

• Installation skills for installing plumbing systems and components to meet specifications

• Ability to diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus or components using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem

• Skill to repair machines or systems using the needed tools

• Skill to perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed

• Ability to provide on-the-job training/coaching to other electricians and area technicians in your field of expertise

• Basic computer skills to access/send emails and perform data entry into the maintenance work order system

• Active listening skills by giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times

• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

• Ability to read blueprints

• Ability to monitor and assess performance of yourself to make improvements or take corrective action

• Ability to talk to others and convey information effectively

• Ability to manage one's own time effectively and efficiently

• Must be familiar with and have experience in the use of radio protocol

• Ability to work effectively in a service-oriented environment subject to frequently changing priorities.

• Ability to work well individually and as a team member

• Being reliable, responsible, dependable and able to fulfill obligations

• Being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks

• Ability to accept criticism and deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations

• Possess basic computer skills, familiar with web/internet navigation, and willingness to learn and utilize new technology based products as applicable

• Adhere to all University policies and regulations

Physical Abilities Required

• Ability to bend, crawl, reach, kneel, climb ladders & scaffolding, and able to navigate tight spaces, as well as working in hot, noisy mechanical rooms

• Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor, which includes heavy lifting, carrying up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position

• Ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate or assemble very small objects

• Ability to coordinate two or more limbs while sitting, standing, or lying down

• Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet from the observer)

• Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate or assemble objects

• Must work rotational "on-call" work assignments as assigned by management

• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather

• Must be able to wear protective eye wear, gloves, ear wear and foot wear during work times for one's safety as the task dictates

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency

• Must possess and maintain a current Ky Journeyman or Master Plumbing License

• At least 3 years of experience in plumbing repair work

• Must possess and maintain a valid Kentucky driver's license

Additional Information:

Salary Range: $18.46- $23.46/hr

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.