Apprentice, Plumber

Howard County Public School System; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Howard County Public School System seeks an entry-level Apprentice Plumber to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities required to become a journey-level plumber. You will learn under close supervision within a formal, state-approved apprenticeship program while receiving on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

Responsibilities include assisting journey-level plumbers with maintaining plumbing systems, repairing leaks, unclogging lines, and supporting gas, backflow and fire-sprinkler

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• No experience required.
• Completion of or current enrollment in plumbing trade school, vocational program, or pre-apprenticeship program preferred.
• Experience in construction, maintenance, or another hands-on trade preferred.
• Maryland Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist journey-level Plumber with maintaining plumbing systems by repairing leaks and piping, unclogging sewer lines and fixtures, and repairing pumps and motors.
• Assist with maintenance/repair of sewer ejector pump stations.
• Assist with maintenance of natural gas systems and related components.
• Assist with inspections, repairs, or replacement of backflow devices and related parts.
• Assist with emergency repairs to fire sprinkler systems using appropriate components.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

Job Posting End Date

Job Posting End Date: 11-25-2026

Apprentice, Plumber

ABOUT US DESCRIPTION

This is entry-level and semi-skilled work in an apprenticeship program during which an employee develops the knowledge, skills and abilities required to become a journey-level Plumber. Employees in the class participate in a formal, state approved apprenticeship program and receive frequent written and verbal instruction through on-the-job training and attendance of formal classes. Initially, work is frequently checked during progress and upon completion and performed under very close supervision of a journey-level tradesperson. As the employees’ knowledge of and skill in their specific trade increases, the employees are expected to perform semi-skilled and skilled work with a view towards becoming a journey-level Plumber.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience: No experience required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of or current enrollment in a plumbing trade school, vocational program, or pre-apprenticeship program.
• Experience in construction, maintenance, or another hands-on trade is preferred.
• Possession of a Maryland Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter license.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists journey-level Plumber with maintaining plumbing systems in buildings by repairing leaks in fixtures and domestic piping, mechanically unclogging sewer lines and fixtures, and repairing pumps, bearing assemblies, and motors, including preventive maintenance.
• Also responsible for assisting with the maintenance and repair of sewer ejector pump stations.
• Assists with the maintenance of natural gas systems in buildings by repairing natural gas equipment, piping, and fittings.
• Assists with inspections, repairs, or replacement of backflow devices and associated components.
• Assists with emergency repairs to the fire sprinkler systems in kind using all like components.

Employee Safety

The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job. The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Fundamental knowledge and skill of mechanical components and functions of plumbing systems.
• Ability to correctly and safely use all tools associated with the trade.
• Demonstrate common use of math (including algebra or equivalent), reading, writing, and the ability to communicate clearly is required.
• Ability to learn standard practices, methods, tools, instruments, and equipment in a specific trade.
• Ability to learn applicable trade and building codes.
• Ability to learn all phases of shop mathematics needed in performing trade work.
• Ability to learn to read blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams and other specifications.
• Ability to learn how to diagnose mechanical, and plumbing defects/problems/issues.
• Ability to climb and work from scaffolds, ladders and catwalks.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to maintain satisfactory grades in classroom training and to pass written aptitude tests of classroom training.
• Ability to understand and act on oral and written instructions in English.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Working Environment Work may be performed indoors or outdoors in varying weather conditions and may involve exposure to dust, noise, odors, debris, confined spaces, and active construction or maintenance areas.

Work involves the use of hand and power tools and may include exposure to sharp edges, heavy doors and hardware, moving mechanical components, elevated work areas, and construction-related hazards.

Work requires lifting, carrying, positioning, and installing doors, frames, and hardware weighing 50 pounds or more.

Duties may also require climbing ladders, standing for extended periods, bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling.

Physical Requirements Required protective equipment may use safety glasses or goggles, work gloves, hearing protection, safety footwear, hard hats, high-visibility clothing, dust masks or respirators, and fall-protection equipment, as appropriate for the task.

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.

Licensure

Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Working Hours

This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement. Maintenance employees are issued a school system cell phone to receive calls from their supervisor and respond to emergency events as needed.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system. Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade VII on the Audio Visual / Grounds / Maintenance / Warehouse salary scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing. Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Philip Wentt ([e-mail]) OR [e-mail].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [e-mail].

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

All current HCPSS candidate pools will close to new applications on November 16, 2026 as we perform annual system maintenance and refresh our pools. Updated candidate pools will open on November 30, 2026. Candidates will need to submit a new application to indicate continued interest and ensure current information is on file. Postings for specific individual vacancies will remain open and unaffected during this period. Questions may be directed to [e-mail]. We appreciate your patience and interest in employment with HCPSS.