Plumber - Public Works, Bureau Of Facilities, Maintenance Division

Howard County

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most in the state of Maryland.

NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.

• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace.  Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  

• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.

• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is senior technical level operations service work, which may include lead worker responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes skilled trades work at the master mechanic level involving plumbing repairs and maintenance. Inspects, troubleshoots, tests, installs, repairs or replaces equipment and devices.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This is skilled plumbing work at the journey level. Work includes the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems.

Work is performed with general supervision from a technical superior. Assignments are stable in nature and are performed in accordance with applicable plumbing codes, standards and regulations. Contacts with others are on a routine basis, including contacts with various County personnel.

 Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.

Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.

Performs general and specific plumbing work in the installation and maintenance of a variety of toilet, kitchen, lavatory, and similar facilities; installs, cleans, and repairs hot and cold-water pipes, water heating tanks, faucets, and other pipes and fixtures.

Plans new or modified installations and lays out work from blueprints, sketches or other specifications; may prepare sketches showing location of plumbing and associated equipment.

Diagnoses trouble in plumbing systems or equipment.

Responds to emergency calls during water outages or breaks in water lines; inspects facilities for damage and performs temporary repairs.

Maintains records and reports of equipment and supplies used.

May direct the work of assigned helpers.

Test backflows.

Inspects contracted installations and repairs to ensure operability and conformance with specifications and contracts.

Performs overtime work and on call work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities. May direct the work of assigned workers; mentor assigned apprentice plumber(s).Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the 12th school grade and four (4) years of plumbing trades experience; one (1) year of which shall have been at the journeyman level.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

High School Diploma or GED.

Thorough knowledge of plumbing practices, methods, tools, instruments and equipment.

Thorough knowledge of all phases of shop mathematics relevant to the performance of plumbing work.

Thorough knowledge of plumbing and building code requirements, and standards of safety precautions.

Maintain and service water treatment systems.

Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and other specifications.

Ability to plan, assign, and review the work of others.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to the elements of inclement weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration, and the risk of electrical shock.

The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee may be exposed to the hazardous conditions of a construction site. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

This position is designated as an emergency/essential position and may be required to respond in a variety of emergency situations.

The employee is responsible for using safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work related accidents.

The employee is also responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation of equipment and supplies related to their particular job. The employee is further responsible for correcting and/or reporting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to the public, co-workers, or other county employees.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organizations.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.

Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Possession of a valid driver's license.

Possession of a valid Master Plumber License issued by Howard County, Maryland, and maintenance of said licensing during tenure of employment.

Backflow tester certification.

Applicants with appropriate experience and equivalent licensing from another jurisdiction will be considered for employment but will be required to obtain Howard County licensing prior to appointment.