Plumber/Mechanic

Department

Facilities Operations - Administrative Office

Job Family

Service - Union

Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact careers@vassar.edu.

Job Description

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm

Position Summary

The Plumber/Mechanic is responsible for the inspection, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, upkeep and replacement of pipes, fittings, and plumbing fixtures and equipment pertaining to the main heating water, gas, and plumbing systems, including water, sanitary and storm and sprinkler systems. The Plumber/Mechanic reports to the Plumbing Supervisor who reports to the Manager of Mechanical Services & Central Heating Plant.

Responsibilities

• Repairs and maintains piping systems, controls and plumbing fixtures.

• Periodically inspects plumbing controls and controllers.

• Inspects all connections and other parts of the system for leaks; replaces defective pipe by cutting, bending, threading and assembling pipe.

• Conducts weekly inspections and periodic overhauls of equipment connected with plumbing systems.

• Opens clogged drains with plumber's snake or vacuum plunger; and repairs or replaces damaged plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs and/or connects them to outlet and inlet pipes by fitting gaskets, couplings, traps, valves and soldering connections to seal joints when necessary.

• Maintain inventory of the materials needed for the plumbing upkeep of the facilities.

• Responsible for the upkeep of all tools and maintaining all Vassar owned equipment assigned to the employee.

• Maintain a safe and clean working environment daily.

• Conform to all federal, state, and local regulatory agencies with regard to codes (i.e. EPA, OSHA, ASTM, ADA, NEC, UL, ASME, ISA, AMSI, and Vassar polices).

• Responsible for communicating and working effectively with other trades.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities

• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in all aspects of commercial plumbing work.

• Experience working at the journeyman level. Schooling may be substituted for experience.

• Thorough understanding of plumbing codes.

• Knowledge of proper use and safety requirements of shop, hand, and power tools.

• Ability to layout and set up materials lists for installations or renovations.

• Ability to work from blueprints, shop drawings, schematics and verbal explanations.

• Ability to lift and carry at least 75 pounds.

• Ability to perform repeated bending, squatting, stooping, pushing, and pulling.

• Ability to stand and walk for a prolonged period of time.

• Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding; must be able to work from an aerial bucket. 

• Have and maintain a valid New York driver's license for at least 2 years. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, including understanding, speaking, reading and writing.

• Willingness to work overtime as available. Overtime, including responding to after hour and weekend emergencies, is assigned according to seniority guidelines.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities

• The ability to overhaul sewage pumps, hot water circulators, flush valves, shower valves, and lavatory faucets.

• Working knowledge of sprinklers systems.

Compensation

$34.28 per hour