PLUMBER

Job Specifications

Class Code:	MG7
Analyst:	JS, SC

Date Originated:	9/79
Date Revised:	3/94, 03/23

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

DEFINITION

Under direction, install, repair, and maintain a variety of plumbing and piping systems and equipment; and do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class is assigned work at the journey level to install, repair and maintain a variety of plumbing and piping systems and equipment. Plumber is distinguished from other maintenance positions in that specialized knowledge is required to perform the work assigned. This class is distinguished from Building Construction/Maintenance Worker III that is expected to have a broad knowledge of all building trades at a semi-skilled level and may specialize in one or more areas.

TYPICAL TASKS

· Installs, repairs and maintains air, gas, water, and sewer pipes, fittings and fixtures according to approved codes;

· Installs and maintains low pressure vessels;

· Cuts, threads and welds a variety of pipe such as copper and steel;

· Identifies causes for gas, water and sewer leaks or malfunctions;

· Replaces worn or inadequate pipe, sheet metal, valves, fixtures and traps;

· Tests pipe systems for proper operation and determines requirements for additional equipment;

· Plans or modifies plumbing and piping systems to accommodate new construction or existing facility alteration;

· Estimates costs and materials required;

· Reads and interprets blue prints, schematic diagrams and sketches to perform installation, maintenance and repairs;

· Maintains records of work performed and prepares reports;

· Takes water samples, performs simple chemical tests and treats water supplies;

· Maintains and repairs items such as valves and pumps;

· May supervise workers assigned to assist on various projects.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Thorough knowledge of:

• The principles and practices of installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing and piping systems and equipment.
• The tools and equipment used in installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing and piping systems and equipment.

Working knowledge of:

• The Uniform Plumbing Code.

Some knowledge of:

• Welding.

Ability to:

• Install, repair and maintain a variety of plumbing and piping, and pumping systems and equipment.
• Trace and identify causes of plumbing and piping system leaks or malfunctions and restore to approved operating standards.
• Plan and modify plumbing and piping systems.
• Read, interpret and work from blueprints, schematic diagrams, plans and specifications.
• Estimate materials and costs of plumbing and piping systems installations and repairs.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
• Supervise workers assigned to assist.
• Lift and move a variety of objects weighing up to 90 pounds, such as bags of cement and pumps.
• Lift and move items such as pumps weighing up to 40 pounds overhead.
• Perform tasks that require strength such as working a large roto-rooter machine and moving pumps.
• Perform tasks that require manual dexterity, such as repairing valves.
• Perform tasks that require balance and flexibility such as crawling along narrow beams in an attic to access plumbing.
• Discern color in order to work on electrical wiring and color-coded valves.
• Distinguish sounds to determine leaks in water lines or problems in motors.
• Put on, wear and use a self-contained breathing apparatus may be required.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and technical experience that would provide the knowledge and abilities listed above. Typical ways to obtain this knowledge and abilities would be:

Five years full-time, or its equivalent, progressively responsible experience in commercial or industrial plumbing maintenance work.

OR

Completion of an apprenticeship program as a plumber 

AND 

the equivalent of certification from the Apprenticeship Standards Division of the State of California Industrial Relations Department.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

License/Certificate Requirements: Possession of a valid California class C driver license. Water Treatment Operator Level 1 or 2 Certificate issued by the State of California will be required within the first eighteen months of employment.

Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required.

Special Working Conditions: Confined workspaces such as crawl spaces and plumbing accesses; heights such as a 50-foot water tank; exposure to variable weather conditions and sudden temperature and humidity changes, allergens such as dust, noise, strong unpleasant odors and fumes, toxic substances and chemical irritants; and the possibility of exposure to infections which might cause chronic disease or death.

Other Special Requirements: This position may work irregular hours and be assigned on-call duty.

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 07

Occupational Grouping: 36

Worker's Comp Code: 1160