Plumber

Marine Biological Laboratory; Falmouth (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Marine Biological Laboratory in Falmouth, MA, seeks an experienced plumber to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair plumbing, gas, steam, and heating systems across campus facilities. Responsibilities include backflow prevention and documentation to ensure safe operations.

The role requires a Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber's License, a valid MA driver’s license, and 5+ years of trades experience. On-call rotation and after-hours work may be required to support campus infrastructure.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; at least 5 years of trades experience.
• Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber's License required and must be maintained.
• Massachusetts Driver’s License with favorable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair plumbing systems and fixtures across facilities.
• Maintain domestic hot/cold water distribution and steam systems.
• Service pumps and backflow devices; source parts and ensure compliance with codes.
• Handle permits and ensure work complies with state/local regulations.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and participate in on-call rotation.
• Coordinate with teams and document work in the maintenance system.

Skills

Plumbing Code knowledge

Troubleshooting

Emergency response

Hand and power tools

Team collaboration

On-call availability

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or GED

Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber's License

Job description

Job Details

Description

JOB SUMMARY: Plans and perform corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance and repairs on plumbing, gas, steam, and heating systems across all MBL facilities, both on and off campus. This position ensures building systems operate safely, reliably, and in compliance with Massachusetts Plumbing and Gas Codes, local regulations, and institutional standards. Responsibilities include installation, inspection, troubleshooting, and documentation of plumbing systems and associated equipment, including backflow prevention devices.

Major Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair plumbing systems and fixtures, including toilets, urinals, faucets, hose bibs, drains, and associated piping.
• Install, repair, and replace domestic hot and cold water distribution systems.
• Maintain, repair and replace steam and condensate systems, including pneumatic steam valves, radiator valves, traps, and associated piping.
• Service and replace domestic hot water heat pumps, chilled water pumps, sump pumps, and sewage pumps.
• Install, modify, and repair plumbing, gas and heating systems in laboratories, dormitories, housing, dining and administrative buildings.
• Perform seasonal tasks including winterization of unoccupied or unheated buildings.
• Install, test, and repair backflow prevention devices of all sizes in accordance with state and local regulations.
• Diagnose and repair issues within steam, water, and gas distribution systems.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and materials in a clean, safe, and orderly condition.
• Research vendors, catalogs, and technical documentation to source parts, materials, and equipment.
• Interpret construction drawings, mechanical plans, and specifications to plan work and execute repairs or system modifications.
• Obtain plumbing and gas permits as required and ensure all work complies with the Massachusetts Plumbing and Gas Codes, local regulations, and institutional standards.
• Completes corrective and preventive maintenance tasks and accurately documents work in the maintenance system.
• Maintains plumbing supplies and equipment in a neat, clean and orderly fashion. Notifies supervisor of supply and equipment needs to perform work and maintain inventory.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other team members and departments to support campus infrastructure.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and participate in the on‑call rotation as assigned.
• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and conduct.
• Serve as Category I Essential Personnel during emergencies. Expected to be available to prepare for a storm, provide facility protection during the storm, and take the first steps towards restoring normal operations. Perform other emergency work such as hurricane preparation and damage control. Respond to emergencies, as required, including nights and weekends.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills Required

• Strong interpersonal skills required include the ability to communicate with staff, guests, faculty, and scientists, both inside and outside of the organization.
• Must be able to work well in a multi-disciplined team environment.
• Strong knowledge of Plumbing and Gas Code
• Plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair skills.
• Knowledge of steam, water, and natural gas distribution systems maintenance and repair.
• Ability to use hand and power tools applicable to trade.
• Ability in troubleshooting and emergency repairs.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow safety procedures.
• Capable of using independent judgment/solid decision‑making skills.
• Self‑motivated to accomplish goals, with a strong sense of responsibility.
• Proven job reliability, diligence, dedication and attention to detail.
• Must be available for on‑call maintenance rotation coverage and emergency response when needed.

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or GED; at least 5 years of trades experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Current Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber's License is required and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License with favorable driving record and/or be able to obtain a Massachusetts Driver’s license within 60 days of hire date.

Other Responsibilities

Post‑offer, pre‑employment physical examination and drug test required. Worker must have and maintain a valid driver’s license with favorable driving record. Worker must be available to work a flexible schedule including some weekends and evenings.

This position requires medium work (exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.) Worker is required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, push, pull, use fingertips, grasp, lift, talk, hear, taste/smell, perceive attributes of objects by touch, and perform repetitive motions. Worker is required to have the visual acuity to operate machines.

Physical Requirements

This position is subject to noise, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, oils, and tight quarters which could cause claustrophobia. Activities are performed both inside and outside occasionally in temperatures below 32 or above 100 degrees.