Plumber, (B253154-1), 204, Construction Maintenance

Performs skilled plumbing work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems and equipment throughout the City. Inspects and troubleshoots systems; tests, locates problems, and repairs. Reads sketches and blueprints, as necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. 

• Installs water, gas, steam, and other pipe systems and fixtures; repairs to existing plumbing and gas system installations.
• Replaces, cleans, and makes repairs to flush valves, radiator valves, and faucets.
• Tests installations for leakage of liquid or gas.
• Removes stoppages from sewer lines with augers and snakes.
• Cuts, seams, threads, and caulks pipes.
• Prepares layouts and sketches of plumbing to be installed, to include irrigation systems.
• Tests and repairs water tempering valves, photo panels, metering valves, reduced pressure backflow prevention devices, pressure regulators, and other specialty plumbing valves, pumps, fixtures, and equipment.
• Installs and repairs irrigation systems.
• Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors and other business contacts.
• Must follow all rules of telephone courtesy in all telephone communications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of the standard practices, methods, tools, and material of the plumbing trade.
• Knowledge of plumbing practices in laying out and installing water, gas, steam, and other pipe systems and fixtures.
• Knowledge of uniform plumbing codes.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.
• Knowledge of the laws and regulations regarding sanitary plumbing and gas and steam installations.
• Knowledge of hydraulics as it relates to flow rates, pipe sizes and pressures.
• Knowledge of building and fire codes as they relate to residential and commercial buildings.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to prepare estimates of time and materials.
• Ability to work from drawings or blueprints and other specifications.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Required to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.        Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

• Office or similar indoor environment
• Confined space 

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Vehicles
• Warehouse environment

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Communicable diseases

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

• Fumes or airborne particles

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

• National travel
• International travel

• Regional travel

• Local travel

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• At least three (3) years of plumbing experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications 

• Valid Texas Journeyman Plumber's License is required.

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment. 

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.