Duties
DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Performs tasks in connection with the fabrication, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems. Performs the full range of journeyman level plumbing tasks including estimating material requirements; i.e., pipe, fittings, and fixtures in the sizes, types, or lengths needed; locating and marking spots for openings through which pipes are to pass or in which equipment will be installed; threading, and pipe bending operations; determining and marking guide lines; placing and connecting air, natural or manufactured gas, sewage, and water fixtures and facilities such as hydrants, water mains, water closets, lavatories, showers, sinks, dish-washing machines, domestic size water heaters, unit gas heaters, stoves, and air compression equipment; clearing difficult stoppages in drain pipe; directing or performing assembling of pipe section and fittings, and hanging or laying of assemblies into position; testing joints and piping for leaks; directing or laying and joining concrete, clay or iron pipe into ditches; installing and repairing valves; inspecting and testing piping after completing repairs, alterations, or additions periodically checking piping, fittings, and fixtures for defective parts or connections; and disassembling and repairing damaged sections or fabricating replacements and covering pipes with insulating material. When required, assists lower-grade workers by supplying the necessary guidance. Uses appropriate hand and power tools commonly used in the trade.
SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE:
Must know how various supply, disposal, and utility systems and equipment, such as water and gas systems, fire sprinkler equipment, and water closets, are installed. Must be able to plan and lay out the installation and modification of various systems and equipment. Must be able to interpret and apply building plans and blueprints, use shop mathematics, and lay out angles, arcs, and circles. Must be able to utilize all accepted trade methods, procedures, and techniques. Must be able to use all appropriate hand and power tools of the trade.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Works from oral instructions, preventive maintenance program plans, work orders, emergency calls, layout sketches, blueprints, drawings, specifications, or similar guidance. Is expected to plan work sequence, select tools and materials, and otherwise carry assignments through to completion, referring only to the unusual and challenging problems to the supervisor. Work is checked upon completion for compliance with instructions and to ensure that workmanship meets acceptable standards of quality.
PHYSICAL EFFORTS:
Makes repairs from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, with some work in hard-to-reach areas. Required to stand, stoop, kneel, bend, climb, reach, and work in tiring positions. Frequently lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 40 pounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is done both inside and outside, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. Employees are often exposed to dirt, dust, grease, and sometimes foul odors and fumes. Is exposed to the possibility of scrapes, cuts, burns, bruises, infections, and broken bones.