Trades 2 - Plumber

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Trades 2 - Plumber at The University of British Columbia's Building Operations department performs maintenance, repair, and renovation of plumbing systems across campus, including gas, water, and drainage networks. The role reports to the Head Plumber and involves both independent work and team collaboration with related trades.

UBC emphasizes equity and inclusion; candidates should have a journeyman plumber certification and relevant BC licenses.

Qualifications

• Trade certification to journeyperson level as a Plumber.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives and work in a union environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform plumbing maintenance, repairs and renovations on gas, air, water, and waste systems.
• Respond to service requests and emergencies after hours when needed.
• Prepare cost estimates and source materials for jobs.
• Ensure safety standards and proper PPE usage on all tasks.

Skills

Safety consciousness

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication skills

Reading blueprints

Education

Journeyman plumber certification

BC Gas Fitter B License with electrical endorsement

BC Cross Connection Control certificate

Job description

Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Trades 2 - Plumber Job Title Trades 2 - Plumber Department Mechanical Maintenance Trades | Mechanical | Building Operations | Facilities Compensation Range $7,186.00 - $7,666.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date August 27, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date Ongoing

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Description Summary UBC Building Operations provides comprehensive facilities maintenance, operations and renovation services for lands and buildings owned by the University of British Columbia. Trades are the heart and hands of Building Operations. The Trades units provide a wide range of services for the maintenance, repair and operation of all buildings on campus. Plumbers perform skilled plumbing work in the maintenance, repair, and renovation work of gas, air, water, and waste disposal systems and of the interior and exterior water mains and drainage systems throughout the University.

Organizational Status Plumbers report to the People & Process Manager, Mech Systems & HVAC Trades. Plumbers work both independently as well with other plumbers and associated tradespeople, both at the apprentice and journeyperson level. Plumbers receive daily work assignments and directions from the Head Plumber as well as the Sub Head Plumber.

Work Performed Performs maintenance, repair and renovation work such as: maintaining plumbing fixtures, backflow prevention devices, gas, air, water, fire protection systems and waste disposal systems. Handles low-risk asbestos or other hazardous insulation materials following UBC policy and procedures. Carries out repair on machinery and equipment, inspection tests, diagnoses defects in equipment, taking remedial action as required or recommending solution to the Head Plumber verbally or written. Assembles parts, equipment, fittings and joins them by soldering, brazing, gluing, screwing calking, bolting and other methods. Work in correct/safe manner and in accordance with all safety standards, practices, procedures and ensures personal protective equipment is worn where required. Keeps current on preventative maintenance concepts, technology, and theory and ensures familiarity with manufacturer and regulatory maintenance requirements. Responds to service requests and emergencies during normal working hours and after working hours in a safe effective manner. Uses all tools, equipment and instruments he/she is competent to use required for work and is responsible for the correct and safe storing of equipment. Prepares cost estimates for jobs and orders required materials. Works from oral and written instructions, work orders and drawings. Ensues good housekeeping is practiced in the plumbing shop and on site. Is responsible for work being completed in accordance with requirements and specifications. Consequence of Error/Judgement Work is performed within prescribed and accepted trade standards, in accordance with job requirements and specifications and external regulatory requirements; inappropriate repair/maintenance decisions could delay resolution of problems and adversely affect user access to equipment/system and possible safety of users.

Supervision Received Plumbers work under the general supervision of the Head and Sub Head Plumber. Plumbers are required to develop appropriate work procedures and methods of problem solving. Plumbers receive specific instructions only on unusual problems.

Supervision Given Plumbers monitor and check the work of apprentice(s) and labourers as the need arises.

Minimum Qualifications

• A trade certification to journeyperson level as a Plumber, a valid BC driver's license and a minimum five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in mechanical piping and/or service plumber experience.
• Valid BC Gas Fitter B License with electrical endorsement for low voltage, BC Cross Connection Control certificate.
• Ability to interpret drawings and specifications, sketches of work required and maintenance manuals.
• Effective oral and written communication, organizational and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to provide quality service to customers in a courteous, patient manner.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.
• Ability to work various shift patterns dependent upon operational needs.

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work.

Are you ready to embrace the future together?

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].