Plumber

The County of Santa Clara; California (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Santa Clara is hiring a skilled plumber to install, repair and maintain water, sewer, and related plumbing systems. The role includes reading diagrams, following instructions, and preparing material estimates for jobs.

Requirements include high school diploma or equivalent and a five-year plumbing apprenticeship or five years of experience with a Journeyman/County Competency/P.I.P.E. certification; a valid California driver license is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 5-year plumber apprenticeship.
• Five years of experience as a plumber with Journeyman/County Competency/P.I.P.E. certification.

Responsibilities

• Installs, alters, replaces and repairs plumbing systems.
• Maintains autoclave sterilizers and medical gas systems.
• Unstops sinks, pipes and toilets; checks leaks and blockages.
• Cuts, assembles and installs pipes and fixtures; threads and welds components.
• Reads diagrams/blueprints and follows instructions.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Follow instructions

Plan and estimate

Software tools

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Five-year plumber apprenticeship

Tools

Maintenance management software

Energy management systems

Office software

Job description

Under general supervision, to perform skilled plumbing work in the installation, alteration, maintenance and repair of water, sewer and other plumbing systems and related equipment and fixtures.

NOTE: Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to take a performance exam

Tentatively scheduled from 9/21/2026 - 9/25/26. Qualifying candidates will be notified of the examination instructions.

• Installs, alters, replaces and repairs plumbing, such as water, gas, sewer and drainage systems;
• Checks and maintains autoclave sterilizers and medical gas systems, including, but not limited to, oxygen outlets, medical air and vacuum suction lines;
• Unstops sinks, basins, water lines and toilets;
• Flushes sewer lines, garbage disposals, floor drains, storm roof drains, and globe valves;
• Cuts, bends, assembles and installs various pipes, fittings, valves and fixtures for water, sanitary drainage, heating, gas and other plumbing systems;
• Installs, alters, repairs or replaces all types of plumbing fixtures, including, but not limited to, sinks, basins and water closets/toilets;
• Checks plumbing fixtures for leaks and other defects; opens and cleans clogged drains, pipes, and traps;
• Threads, reams, assembles, caulks, solders and welds various pipes and component parts;
• Repairs gas leaks;
• Drains and flushes water heaters;
• Installs, alters and repairs hot water boilers, hot water heaters, kitchen equipment, sterilizers, steam tables, laundry equipment, pressure gauges, soft water supplies, sprinkler heads, and other related equipment;
• Disassembles, cleans and resets bucket steam traps, inverted bucket traps, thermostatic traps and other related steam components;
• Maintains adequate work stock of plumbing supplies;
• Completes work orders and requisition forms;
• Installs and repairs various types of pumps;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other related work as required.

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note:

The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are attained through possession of a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a recognized five (5) year military, government or state registered trade apprenticeship as a Plumber.

OR

Five (5) years of experience as a plumber and possession of a Plumbers Journeyman card, County Competency card, or Piping Industry Progress & Education (P.I.P.E.) certification.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment, and the ability to qualify and maintain a County driver authorization.
• The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Correction Security Clearance to work in locked facilities, throughout the term of employment. Additionally, possession of a Medical Gas Installer certification is desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Standard tools, methods, practices, and materials of the plumbing and steam fitting trades;
• Plumbing codes and ordinances;
• Hazards and safety precautions of the plumbing trade;
• Common office software applications, such as email, word processing and internet browsers.

Ability to:

• Read, interpret and work from diagrams, blueprints and schematics;
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Plan, layout, and estimate materials and labor cost for plumbing jobs and complete all necessary paperwork;
• Use computer and software applications such as maintenance management software, energy management systems, and common office applications;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Work under the following conditions using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): dust, noise, vibration, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, extreme temperatures, cramped quarters, and inadequate lighting.
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift and grasp;
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders;
• Lift up to 60 pounds.
• For positions in the Facilities and Fleet Department, will be placed on a rotating "on call" list for weekend and holiday coverage of County facilities. On call status requires being available and on-site within two (2) hours of notification.
• May be required to work alternate shifts such as swing or graveyard.