Lead Water Distribution and Collection Specialist

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 84,269 - 89,436; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity for career advancement

Supportive work environment

Job summary

San Jose State University is hiring a Lead Water Distribution and Collection Specialist in San Jose. This role involves performing and overseeing skilled plumbing work, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and leading both skilled and unskilled staff. Candidates should have journey-level plumbing experience, strong supervisory skills, and knowledge of relevant health codes. The expected compensation ranges from $7,551 to $8,014 per month, alongside a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience as a journey-level plumber with coordination responsibilities.
• Demonstrated journey-level plumbing skills equivalent to an apprenticeship.
• Ability to apply health and safety codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead plumbing operations and supervise staff.
• Perform plumbing installations, repairs, and maintenance.
• Monitor and maintain compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Knowledge of plumbing systems

Supervisory skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Ability to work from blueprints

Education

Journey-level plumbing experience

California driver's license

Tools

Computerized maintenance management system

Water treatment equipment

Hand and power tools

Job description

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, recordkeeping, 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

• 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 a clean driving record that permits operation of any vehicle or equipment required for the position.
• Completion of the Defensive Driver Training Program required for California State University campuses.
• Demonstration of journey-level plumb‑ing skills equivalent to completion of a standard plumber's apprenticeship program through progressive training and experience.
• Ability to apply state and federal health and safety codes, including the California State Plumbing Code.
• Ability to maintain detailed records and prepare standard reports using CMMS.

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 tradespeople.
• 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 Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30–35% of the base salary.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all educational programs and activities operated by the university. Reasonable accommodations are made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose.