Journeyman Plumber

Grand Rapids Community College; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation time

Wellness program

Career development opportunities

Retirement plans

Job summary

Grand Rapids Community College is seeking a journeyman plumber to perform and oversee campus plumbing work, maintenance, and project tasks. The role covers drainage, water systems, steam, and chemical drains, with review of plans and coordination with vendors and consultants.

The position reports to the Associate Director of Facilities Management, offers a 40-hour work week, full-time benefits, and opportunities to advance toward a Master license.

Qualifications

• High school degree or GED required.
• MI Journeyman Plumber license required in Grand Rapids.
• MI Master Plumber license preferred in Grand Rapids.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate plumbing work with other trades and vendors.
• Plan and layout plumbing work from blueprints or schematics.
• Respond to routine and emergency repair calls.
• Maintain drainage, water distribution, steam, and chemical drains.
• Review plans and advise on plumbing requirements.

Skills

Blueprints

Troubleshooting

Welding

OSHA safety

Lockout/Tagout

Communication

Driver's license

Education

High school degree or GED

MI Master Plumber license

MI Journeyman Plumber license

Job description

The journeyman plumber performs or oversees all plumbing work accomplished in-house by the facilities department staff, and performs day-to-day maintenance, project work, special events, preventive and unscheduled maintenance as directed by the Associate Director Facilities Management. This position is responsible for the maintenance of all aspects of college systems up to and including drainage (storm and sanitary), water distribution systems (including irrigation), domestic systems, and science chemical drains. This position will review plans and drawings, validate requirements for daily work projects, assess and troubleshoot fixtures, appliances, systems, and infrastructure for repairs, maintenance, and improvements as needed.

Compensation: $31.16

Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks

Benefits: Full-time

Reports to: Associate Director of Facilities Management

Posting Opens: 9/15/2026

Posting Closes: Open until filled (Will review applicants after September 30th)

Essential Functions

• Coordinate own and others' work between plumbing, electrical, general maintenance, HVAC, and carpentry departments, as well as administration and outside vendors.
• Plan, organize and layout all components of plumbing work through the use of blueprints, schematics, schedules, or sketches.
• Engage and interact with consultants, contractors, architects, etc. by providing assistance at all stages for the design and construction of college projects by determining/advising on requirements and standards for plumbing fixtures and systems.
• Respond to routine and emergency calls for repairs and service.
• Maintain all aspects of college systems up to and including drainage (storm and sanitary), water distribution systems (including irrigation), domestic systems, steam distribution, and science chemical drains.
• Knowledge of water treatment and distribution systems including repair, inspections, and maintenance.
• Knowledge and ability to diagnose and repair plumbing fixtures and appliances including water filtration, purification and culinary appliances. Repair, replace and maintain commercial plumbing equipment, fixtures, and appliances.
• Maintain plumbing drainage, waste, and vent systems including cleaning of stoppages in drain piping systems.
• Knowledgeable, and able to perform booster pump inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
• Complete backflow inspections. Make repairs as needed. Send reports to the city.
• Knowledge and ability of steam distribution and repairs.
• Cut, bend, thread, and fit pipes with adjoining pipe assemblies.
• Complete all work orders assigned and provide appropriate documentation in relation to completion of work.
• Accomplish all work in accordance with MIOSHA/OSHA guidance, applicable City, County and State building codes and regulations.
• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Credentials

• High school degree or GED diploma required
• MI Master Plumber with city of Grand Rapids contractor’s license preferred
• MI Journeyman Plumber with city of Grand Rapids contractor’s license required

Work Experience

• Journeyman plumber with two (2) years experience preferred
• Commitment to earning a Master license within one (1) year after date of hire
• Three (3) years of plumbing experience in an academic/institutional setting preferred
• Knowledgeable in steam, condensate, domestic water, and waste systems
• ASSE backflow certified preferred
• Certified and knowledgeable in cross-connections, ability to repair all sizes of devices

Skills

• Must be able to troubleshoot all types of plumbing problems
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics
• Welding and fabrication skills
• Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations
• Familiar with lock out/tag out procedures and compliance
• Able to plan, layout and organize work with minimum supervision in a commercial and/or industrial environment
• Possess the ability to effectively communicate through written and oral communications
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Must possess basic computer skills
• Must have a valid Michigan driver license

Physical Demands

• Be able to lift 50 pounds
• Bend, stoop and stand for extended periods of time in completing work assignments
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull a variety of tools, equipment and materials
• Must be able to operate hand and power tools
• May be required to work in the vicinity of labs containing biohazardous substances
• Ability to work from ladders, lifts or scaffolding
• Ability to work inside or outside in hot or cold conditions
• Possession of a forklift/Hi-lo license within one (1) year after date of hire required

Mental Demands

• Must be able to adjust to a flexible schedule
• Ability to work in a group or alone in a variety of settings
• Ability to interface with a staff at various levels
• Provide courteous customer service to students, faculty, staff and the general public
• Must be accessible and available to meet overtime/emergency commitments to fulfill the college mission and objectives

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Must be available for call-in and emergency duty work as described in the collective bargaining agreement
• Work alone or in groups
• Work outdoors during inclement weather
• Work with or without heat and air conditioning
• Must be able to complete all assigned training/courses as directed by the Associate Director of Facilities Management
• Travel is necessary to maintain college assets; including to Holland as needed
• Occasional early morning starts, staying late, and/or alternate off shift working hours will be required

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums.
• Time off: Enjoy substantial vacation time.
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options, including the state retirement plan.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.