Position Summary

The Plumber III is a Journeyman level Plumber with limited direction and supervision, performs complex, skilled work involving installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing facilities, including, but not limited to, the following systems: domestic water, heating / cooling water, steam, pneumatic, distilled water, specialized research supplies, sanitary, and storm/waste water. May serve as a Plumbing Lead.

The ideal candidate has experience working in a team environment and six years of related experience preferably in an industrial, commercial or institutional environment.

Salary: $24.50 to $29.00 per hour

Essential Functions

• Leads and oversees the work of apprentice and junior level staff
• Maintains, troubleshoots, installs and / or repairs plumbing fixture parts
• Maintains and repairs underground domestic water lines, storm and sanitary sewer lines, heating water systems, gas systems, and steam and condensate pipes
• Performs minor remodeling and / or construction of plumbing systems
• Performs preventive maintenance of plumbing systems and plumbing equipment as required by governing regulations
• Works proactively to prevent accidents and maintains a safe work environment for other employees and contractors
• Ensures that each job is handled in the safest manner possible
• Provides feedback and recommendations to Supervisor as to possible improvements or modifications to building systems
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• 6 years related experience in the plumbing trade, preferably in an industrial, commercial or institutional environment
• Valid Texas Journeyman Plumbing License or Tradesman Plumbing License issued by TSBPE

Skills Required

• Must be knowledgeable of Texas and US plumbing codes
• Ability to supervise and mentor junior level staff
• Ability to analyze complex plumbing systems
• Must be able to read schematics and understand piping diagrams
• Competent in backflow prevention
• Competent in cross-connection preventions, installation, sizing, and repair
• Analytical problem solving skills
• Effective communication skills both verbal and written
• Excellent prioritization and time management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification for Backflow Prevention (or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment)
• Plumbing apprenticeship or other related technical training
• More than three years of experience in service or maintenance
• Valid Texas Driver's License (or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment) required with no more than three moving violations or at-fault accidents within the past 36 months and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past 5 years
• Knowledge of safe work practices and proper use of hand and power tools common to the plumbing trade

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift loads no greater than 50 lbs
• Must be able to climb stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and work around confined areas with piping and wiring obstructions, as needed, to access equipment
• Requires moderate to heavy physical activity, including bending, stooping, climbing, balancing, standing, and walking up to 8 hours per day. Occasionally required to enter utility tunnels and confined spaces

Work Conditions

• Physical Environment:
  • Requires exposure to high-pressure boilers and steam piping, high voltage electricity, high noise levels, rotating and other potentially dangerous equipment
  • Requires work in mechanical rooms, tunnels, labs, attics, crawl spaces, non-conditioned spaces, and dusty, dirty, and wet conditions.
  • Requires personal protective equipment such as hearing protection, safety shoes, and safety glasses
• Work Hours and Travel:
  • After hours work may be required or other work outside the regular schedule may be needed
  • Available on a continuous "on call" basis for response to problems and emergencies that affect campus operations
  • May require periodic travel to classes, conferences, and vendor sites as needed

Essential Personnel

• This position is considered essential during a campus emergency. The incumbent in this position is expected to report to campus, provide the essential services designated and work under the overall direction of the Crisis Management Team for the duration of a campus emergency.

Rice University HR / Benefits website
https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies