Lead Plumber

Stowers Institute for Medical Research; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Stowers Institute for Medical Research seeks an experienced Lead Plumber to join the Operations team. The role installs, maintains, and repairs campus plumbing, including complex lab systems, ensuring code-compliant and fully operational facilities.

The candidate must hold a Master Plumber license and have 5+ years of licensed plumbing experience, with the ability to read blueprints and manage multiple renovations while coordinating with contractors and internal staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Completion of a recognized Master Plumber Certification program, or willingness to complete after hire.
• Trade certification or equivalent experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, repair, and inspect plumbing systems throughout campus, including domestic water, sanitary, gas, and specialty lab systems.
• Diagnose and resolve complex plumbing issues, including leaks and equipment failures.
• Perform preventive maintenance on pumps, water heaters, backflow preventers, and related equipment.
• Ensure all work complies with codes, permits, and regulatory requirements.
• Read blueprints and specifications for installations and renovations.
• Coordinate plumbing aspects of construction projects with contractors and internal teams.
• Respond to plumbing emergencies promptly.
• Maintain records of maintenance, inspections, and backflow testing.
• Mentor and guide maintenance staff on plumbing tasks.
• Enforce safety policies per EH&S.

Skills

Master Plumber license

5+ years licensed experience

Read blueprints

Plumbing codes knowledge

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Master Plumber Certification program

Trade certification or equivalent experience

Job description

The Lead Plumber will be an integral member of the Operations team, responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems throughout the campus. This work will be performed during renovation projects as well as supporting routine maintenance of the facility. This role requires advanced technical expertise in plumbing code, system design, and troubleshooting, and serves as the primary in-house authority on plumbing-related work. The candidate is required to have a Master Plumber certification and be a hands-on professional who can work independently and coordinate with contractors and internal teams to keep facility plumbing systems safe, code-compliant, and fully operational.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, repair, and inspect plumbing systems, including domestic water, sanitary, storm, gas, and specialty lab/vacuum systems
• Diagnose and resolve complex plumbing issues, including leaks, clogs, pressure problems, and equipment failures
• Perform preventive maintenance on pumps, water heaters, backflow preventers, sump pumps, and related equipment
• Ensure all plumbing work complies with applicable codes, permits, and regulatory requirements
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and specifications for new installations and renovations
• Coordinate plumbing-related aspects of construction and renovation projects with contractors, vendors, and internal departments
• Respond promptly to plumbing emergencies
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, repairs, inspections, and backflow testing
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to other maintenance staff on plumbing-related tasks
• Enforce all safety policies, procedures, and building regulations per EH&S team
• Other duties as assigned

Distinguishing Characteristics

Ability to:

• Work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple concurrent projects
• Mentor team members and promote best practices in plumbing maintenance and safety
• Communicate effectively with facility staff, internal customers, and external contractors
• Deliver high-level customer service and respond to urgent facility issues

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of experience as a licensed plumber, including commercial or institutional facility work
• Master Plumber license. Candidates who do not currently hold the designation must be willing and able to obtain it, in accordance with state and local licensing requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of plumbing codes, backflow prevention, and permit processes
• Experience with specialty systems (e.g., lab gas, vacuum, RO/DI water) preferred
• Ability to read blueprints and technical specifications
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Valid driver's license

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• Completion of a recognized Master Plumber Certification program, or willingness to complete required certification after hired.
• Trade certification or equivalent experience (preferred)