Plumber & Steamfitter I (Facilities Services)

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Installs, repairs, alters and maintains fluid transmission systems, sanitary fixtures, heating systems, low- and high-pressure steam lines, condensate lines, water lines, sprinkler lines, sewer lines; and performs other related work as required, including but not limited to repairs and/or initiates repairs on building systems such as; pneumatic control systems, heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems, cooling towers, pumps and related equipment. Employing the use and need of specialized testing and monitoring diagnostic equipment; works synchronously with trade personnel maintaining the building systems integrity.

Essential Functions

• Trains, advises and mentors employees, technicians and journeymen in the operation and maintenance of Auxiliary Enterprises (AE) plumbing systems, steam systems, mechanical systems, H.V.A.C. systems and their related components, including but not limited to, pneumatic controls, electronic controls, electro-mechanical controls, cooling towers, pumps, and controlled devices.
• Inspects, tests, trouble shoots, repairs and initiates repair for plumbing, steam, sanitary systems, mechanical systems, cooling towers, pumps, pneumatic and self-contain valves, hydronic systems, and their related controlled devices. This requires using microprocessor and diagnostic equipment. Interacts with contractors regarding the operation, maintenance, and repair of various systems on campus.
• Performs preventive maintenance services. Utilize computer programs that operate, maintain, calibrate, and adjust building HVAC systems.
• Assist Engineering staff in drawing review, inspection and troubleshooting as part of the acceptance of new equipment, new buildings, and upgrades and equipment replacement.
• Drive a motorized vehicle around campus to University buildings.
• Installs, repairs, alters, and maintains hot and cold-water lines, fire hydrants, steam lines, deionized water systems, sprinkler systems, industrial cafeteria systems, glass piping, sewer pipes (cast iron, plastic, ceramic), pumps, traps, valves, radiators, glass piping, toilets, sinks, showers, and other fixtures, including their associated fittings; estimates labor and materials needed to do the work. Insulates steam and water pipes. Cuts and threads pipe, using stocks and dies, power threading machines, wrenches, power saws, safety equipment, and other related tools.
• Uses oxy-acetylene torches and/or welding equipment to braze coils & pipes.
• Drills or cuts holes through floors, walls, or ceilings in performance of work assignments.
• Performs related duties such as erecting scaffolding, riggings, and/or ladders; laying out drop clothes; fabricating miscellaneous metal products; sharpening and tempering various tools; cleaning tools and equipment; preparing work reports; and training other employees on the job.
• May exercise functional supervision over other employees.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Current, valid Massachusetts Plumbing and Gas fitting License/Journeyman.
• Metasys facility operator certification (incumbent has six (6) months from date of hire to obtain).
• Possess a current, valid Class D driver's license.
• Basic knowledge of the plumbing and steam fitting trades.
• Must be willing to take an annual pulmonary function physical test.
• Ability to provide off shift coverage, as requested.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, practices, materials, and tools used in the plumbing and steam fitting trade.
• Experience as a journeyman plumber.
• Working knowledge of Massachusetts Plumbing and Gas Codes.
• Working knowledge of the general and unique hazards and safety precautions associated with the plumbing Steamfitter trade.
• Ability to read, interpret and work from plans and sketches or oral instructions.
• Ability to make basic assessments of time and materials required to work assignments.
• Ability to stand and work for long periods of time, in enclosed areas, hot areas, moist spaces, work with a respirator on, climb ladders, and work off scaffolding.
• Ability to instruct helpers in plumbing and steam fitting tasks.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, logs, etc.
• Skill and knowledge to interpret blue prints, schematics, elementary diagrams, logic diagrams associated with HVAC systems, the ability to generate, implement, understand, and respond to verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of safety practices, preventive maintenance practices and the operation of standard testing equipment.
• Skill in using the hand, power, and measurement tools of the trade.
• Skill and ability to work independently.
• Ability to use oxy-acetylene torches.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Oxy-acetylene and/or welding certification.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Requires the ability to balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, lift and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry objects weighing up to 100 lbs.

Additional Details

• This position is designated as essential personnel.
• Receives supervision from an Institutional Maintenance Foreman.

Work Schedule

• M-F; 6:30am-2:30pm; may include weekends, holidays & evenings.
• This is a maintenance function, which includes overtime and returning to work between shifts when directed or called.

Salary Information

AFSME Non-Exempt Grade 17; step 6.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.