Plumber

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking a Plumber for the Building Systems Maintenance team. The role encompasses preventive maintenance and repairs across four plumber levels, executing tasks with increasing complexity. Ideal candidates have strong plumbing knowledge and a commitment to on-call requirements.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma; preferred candidates have further training in relevant trades. The position emphasizes teamwork and effective communication in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and able to lift 50 lbs.
• 2+ years experience for advanced plumber levels, strong communication skills required.
• Valid driver's license meeting university eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, clean and perform preventive maintenance of plumbing equipment.
• Maintain and repair general plumbing equipment and components.
• Assist in maintenance and troubleshooting of plumbing systems.

Skills

Communication

Analytical Thinking

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in relevant building trade

Tools

Copper brazing tools

Basic plumbing tools

Electronic timekeeping system

Job description

Position Information

• Working Title: Plumber
• Department: UO Building Systems Maintenance-1004
• Requisition Number: S_260466
• Posting Open Date: 06/15/2026
• Application Review Date: 06/25/2026
• Open Until Filled: Yes

Job Overview

University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success and satisfaction. Building Systems Maintenance has four levels of plumbers (I–IV) determined by knowledge, skills, and licensure. All levels perform preventive maintenance, repairs, and support complex hydronic and piping systems. Plumbers also assist trade technicians, maintain cleanliness, and complete work orders using an electronic timekeeping system.

Responsibilities

• All Levels: Inspect, clean, and perform preventive maintenance of plumbing equipment; identify and repair or report problems; maintain and repair general plumbing equipment, components, and mechanical parts; assist trade-based or licensed technicians; maintain cleanliness and organization; complete work orders; operate electronic timekeeping.
• Plumber II: Perform more independent duties, including using schematics and blueprint drawings; install and maintain new plumbing systems with minimal supervision; communicate and coordinate with vendors and manufacturers; learn equipment management controls (EMCS) for HVAC and hydronic systems.
• Plumber III: Maintain and repair backflow prevention devices; assist in the maintenance, repair, commissioning, and installation of complex hydronic and piping systems; coordinate with external parties, engineers, and consultants; trend data and reset building maintenance meters using an EMCS; generate activity and outage notifications.
• Plumber/Pipefitter IV: Ensure daily operations, maintenance, repair, commissioning, and installation of complex systems; make life safety decisions for gas equipment; locate and repair natural gas leaks; train, mentor, and verify work of others; contribute to a positive work environment, motivate staff, support leadership, and implement departmental vision and goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; able to lift 50 lbs; work from ladder or aerial equipment; available by cell phone for emergencies and on-call schedule; valid driver’s license meeting university eligibility.
• Plumber I: Ability to follow instructions, think and reason, communicate, be thorough, manage time, organize, and operate tools.
• Plumber II: Minimum 2 years experience with general plumbing and maintenance or equivalent; knowledge of building and construction principles; independent troubleshooting; operated tools and machinery; basic computer skills; analytical thinking; strong communication, thoroughness, attention to detail, time management; read and interpret project blueprints and specifications; knowledge of trade processes, procedures, and codes.
• Plumber III: Minimum 2 years experience installing, assembling, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems; strong understanding of building construction, plumbing systems, applicable codes; ability to manage multiple projects; comprehend complex information; strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills.
• Plumber/Pipefitter IV: Minimum 5 years experience installing, assembling, fabricating, maintaining, and repairing mechanical piping systems; at least 4 years plumbing and hydronic experience; 2 years with domestic and pure water, hydronic heating, chilled water, compressed air, electronic and pneumatic controls, natural gas, steam, condensate; brazing copper line joints for high temperature and pressure; skilled in brazing copper line joints.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in relevant building trade or completion of an apprenticeship; at least 6 months experience replacing bearing and seals on centrifugal pumps; City of Lincoln Plumbing Journeyman License, Grade 6 Operator License, or proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Plumber I: Familiarity with a CMMS, EMCS, or experience with building, electrical, and fire codes.
• Plumber II: 6 + months experience brazing copper line joints; completed UNL and BSM training courses; proficiency with CMMS or EMCS.
• Plumber III: Skilled in brazing copper line joints.
• Plumber/Pipefitter IV: Skilled in welding carbon steel or black iron piping.

Additional Requirements

• Pre-Placement Driving Record Review required.
• Physical requirements: yes.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required; subject to DOT-approved pre-employment and random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
• Criminal History Background Check required.
• Salary commensurate with experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.