Journeyman Plumber

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 35,817 - 59,236; Full time

Job summary

Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, seeks a Plumber to perform preventive, planned, and corrective maintenance of campus plumbing systems across university‑owned properties, under the Plumbing Working Foreperson. Responsibilities include handling piping, water heaters, backflow devices, and related equipment to ensure safe, reliable operation.

The role requires a CT P‑2 Plumbing License and five years of relevant experience, plus blueprints reading and strong customer service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Connecticut P‑2 Plumbing License.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience installing and maintaining building systems.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and test plumbing systems and components.
• Install, modify, repair, and test piping systems.
• Transport and install water heaters, fixtures, and related piping.
• Maintain, service, and repair drainage and backflow systems.
• Coordinate work with other trades and outside contractors and provide customer service.

Skills

Customer service

Blueprint reading

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Connecticut P‑2 Plumbing License

Job description

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand.

Reporting to the Plumbing Working Foreperson, the plumber performs preventive, planned and corrective maintenance, repair, installation, and inspection of plumbing systems in University‑owned properties. Work scope includes licensed and unlicensed work on building fixtures, structures and site structures including field water systems, irrigation systems, underground waste, and plumbing supply infrastructure. The position supports safe and reliable operation of campus facilities through maintenance, troubleshooting, customer service, and emergency response activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and test domestic hot and cold water systems, sanitary drain, waste and vent systems, drainage systems, de‑mineralized water systems, backflow prevention devices, compressed air systems, gas systems, pumps, valves, and steam traps.
• Install, modify, repair, and test piping systems.
• Transport and install water heaters, porcelain fixtures, cast‑iron pipe, copper pipe, plastic piping systems, and related equipment.
• Maintain, service, and repair drainage systems.
• Perform maintenance, repair, and testing of backflow prevention devices, pumps, and valves.
• Work directly with clients to resolve plumbing issues.
• Coordinate work activities with other Physical Plant trades and outside contractors.
• Operate plumbing tools and equipment safely, including but not limited to threading equipment, wrenches, power and hand tools, snakes, ProPress and acetylene and oxy‑acetylene torches.
• Participate in overtime, emergency response, and campus emergency operations as required.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Physical Demands/Working Conditions include balancing, climbing, carrying, pulling/pushing, reaching, repetitive movement, sitting, standing, twisting, bending, lifting (50‑100 lbs.), climbing ladders, and working from platforms and heights as needed with or without accommodations.

Position Overview

This position is full‑time, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, and is in the physical plant bargaining unit. Typical work hours are Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm with 1 hour lunch break.

Work may be performed indoors and outdoors and may involve exposure to weather, dust, noise, chemicals, confined spaces, and mechanical equipment.

This position may be required to work frequent overtime shifts which may include returning to work between shifts, nights, holidays and weekends as directed.

This position is classified as essential personnel and as such are required to report to work/remain at work even if classes are cancelled and the campus is working on limited operations in an emergency.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• State of Connecticut P‑2 Plumbing License.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience installing and maintaining building, mechanical or electrical systems in institutional and residential facilities.
• Knowledge of residential and commercial building construction, applicable local, state, and national building codes, building systems, regulations, personal protective equipment, Lockout/Tagout procedures, confined space procedures, material safety data sheets; and proper waste‑disposal methods.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret and build to blueprints, drawings and specifications.
• Effective communication skills and demonstrated history of satisfied customer service competencies and customer follow‑up.
• Desktop computer skills including the fundamental use of internet, e‑mail and maintenance management systems.
• Must be at least 20 years of age and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license for a minimum of three years with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to meet the scheduling needs of the position as described above.
• Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and work collegially with individuals of different backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Connecticut P‑1 Plumbing License.
• Additional trade licenses such as F‑2.
• Advanced experience with steam systems, compressed gas systems, and fire protection systems.
• Previous contract plumbing experience.

Position is open until filled. For full consideration please apply by August 20th when first review of applications will begin.

Compensation: $34.24‑$43.40

Work Location: On Campus

All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre‑employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Experience & Compensation

Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html

EEO Statement

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non‑position‑related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non‑discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator. Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.

Benefits

Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.

Benefits Details

Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.