Lead Water Distribution and Collection Specialist

San José State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 84,269 - 89,436; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

San José State University is seeking a Lead Plumber to supervise plumbing operations across campus, including potable and recycled systems, testing, and compliance with health and safety standards. The role includes project coordination, estimating, and documentation using CMMS.

The successful candidate will lead a crew, read blueprints, and ensure timely, safe, and code‑conforming work while engaging with campus stakeholders and maintaining regulatory adherence.

Qualifications

• Journeyman plumber apprenticeship completion or equivalent.
• 1–2 years of journey-level plumber experience with coordination duties.
• Valid California driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Provide lead work direction to plumbing staff; ensure safety and code compliance.
• Perform installation, modification, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems.
• Lead potable and recycled water system operations and testing.
• Conduct backflow testing and cross-connection control per standards.
• Inspect systems, troubleshoot, and complete repairs to maintain water quality.
• Estimate cost, labor, and materials; coordinate with other trades.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain Cal/OSHA compliance.
• Maintain records and reports using CMMS and related systems.
• Communicate with campus stakeholders to address service needs.

Skills

Plumbing knowledge

Supervisory skills

Safety codes

Team leadership

Blueprint reading

Estimating

Documentation

Problem solving

Tools operation

CMMS familiarity

Communication

Self-management

Safety & sustainability

Education

Journeyman plumber apprenticeship

Tools

Testing instruments

Water treatment equipment

CMMS software

Job description

Job no: 550976
Work type: Staff
Location: San José
Categories: Unit 6 - Teamsters Local 2010, Probationary, Full Time, Trades, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Lead Water Distribution and Collection Specialist performs the full range of skilled, journey‑level plumbing work involved in the installation, maintenance, modification, inspection, and repair of mechanical plumbing systems and fixtures related to water, gas, oil, steam, sewage, fire prevention, and refrigeration systems including automated systems. The position provides lead work direction to skilled, semi‑skilled, and unskilled workers in the plumbing trade and ensures work meets safety, compliance, and operational standards. The incumbent’s primary responsibility is leading potable and recycled water distribution and collection system operations across campus, including monitoring, testing, and chemically treating water systems to maintain quality and compliance. The role includes performing backflow prevention device testing, cross‑connection control, and ensuring regulatory adherence through documentation and preventive maintenance activities. Additional duties include estimating labor and materials for plumbing projects, maintaining shop tools and equipment, inspecting contractor work, using computerized maintenance systems for record‑keeping, and ensuring work meets applicable codes and standards. The incumbent collaborates closely with other trades within Facilities Development and Operations to maintain the reliability and safety of the university’s utility systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide lead work direction to skilled, semi‑skilled, and unskilled staff in plumbing and water distribution operations; assign, monitor, and inspect work for compliance with codes, standards, and safety requirements
• Perform the full range of skilled plumbing work, including installation, modification, repair, and maintenance of mechanical plumbing systems for water, gas, oil, steam, condensate, sewage, fire prevention, and refrigeration
• Lead and perform maintenance, testing, and repair of potable and recycled water systems; monitor, test, and chemically treat water to maintain compliance with health and safety standards
• Conduct backflow device testing, record‑keeping, and maintenance; perform recycled and potable water cross‑connection testing and corrective actions per regulatory standards
• Perform routine inspections, troubleshoot plumbing systems, and complete repairs to ensure reliability and water quality
• Estimate cost, labor, and materials; coordinate with other trades and contractors to ensure efficient and compliant project execution
• Follow established safety procedures, maintain required certifications, and ensure adherence to Cal/OSHA, state plumbing codes, and university safety policies
• Maintain detailed maintenance and testing records, document as‑built changes, and prepare standard reports using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Communicate effectively with campus constituents to address plumbing service needs and ensure timely resolution of issues

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the plumbing trade and water distribution systems
• Working knowledge of effective supervisory and work coordination practices
• Thorough understanding of applicable state and federal health and safety codes, including California State Plumbing Code and Division of Industrial Safety orders
• Ability to lead, instruct, and coordinate the work of a small crew
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints, plans, and specifications
• Skill in estimating time, materials, and labor for plumbing projects
• Ability to maintain records and prepare standard and complex reports
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools, testing instruments, and water treatment equipment
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management and building automation systems
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to foster a positive, respectful, and customer‑focused work environment
• Ability to take initiative, organize and prioritize work effectively, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Commitment to workplace safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

• These abilities normally would be acquired through any combination of progressively responsible training and experience which demonstrates achievement journey‑level skills equivalent to that acquired through completion of a standard plumber’s apprenticeship program
• One to two years of experience as a journey‑level plumber that included work coordination responsibilities
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and driving record that allows for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required for the position

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations. Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of backflow prevention assembly testing credential
• Possession of cross‑connection specialist credential
• Possession of Water Distribution or Treatment Operator credential (Grade 2 minimum)
• Experience leading groups of skilled, semi‑skilled and unskilled trades people
• Experience with a public water system (PWS)

Compensation

Classification: Lead Plumber
Anticipated Hiring Range: $7,551/month - $8,014/month (Step 7 – Step 10)
CSU Salary Range: $6,705/month - $9,768/month (Step 1 – Step 20)
San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Work Schedule

Selected candidates will be placed in one of the following shifts based on operational needs.
Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.