Plumber Lead

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Arizona Housing & Residential Life is seeking a Lead Plumber to oversee journey‑level plumbers and participate in the repair, maintenance, inspection, and installation of plumbing systems in university housing facilities. The role reports to the Shop Superintendent and requires expert knowledge of plumbing codes and mechanical room equipment.

Responsibilities include diagnosing complex issues, responding to emergencies, coordinating with residents and staff, and maintaining

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years of relevant plumbing experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Apprenticeship program, technical training experience required.
• Valid driver’s license required per University Fleet Safety Policy.

Responsibilities

• Assigns and performs journey‑man level installation, inspection, testing, preventative maintenance and repair of commercial and institutional plumbing systems.
• Inspects the work of plumbers and initiates corrective action for standards and timely completion.
• Diagnoses and resolves complex plumbing issues affecting buildings and infrastructure.
• Troubleshoots system failures, leaks, pressure issues, and equipment malfunctions.
• Responds to emergency service calls and restores systems to operation with minimal disruption.
• Plans schedules, equipment usage, and procedures for maintenance.
• Maintains safety, professionalism, and customer service while coordinating with residents and staff.
• Reviews drawings and specifications to determine proper sequencing per codes.

Skills

Plumbing knowledge

Blueprints interpretation

Code compliance

Maintenance & repair

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Apprenticeship/technical training

Job description

The University is seeking to fill a Plumber, Lead position within the Housing & Residential Life department. This position will report to the Shop Superintendent and oversee the work of journey‑level plumbers and participate in the repair, maintenance, inspection, and installation of plumbing systems and journey‑level crafts projects for university housing facilities. This position requires expert knowledge of plumbing codes, mechanical room systems, specialty valves and related equipment, with the ability to diagnose issues ranging from routine service calls to large scale system failures.

Housing & Residential Life (Housing), a self‑funded auxiliary housed within Campus Life at the University of Arizona, operates 23 dorms and 1 graduate apartment complex that house over 7,800 students annually on the University of Arizona Main Campus. More than 80% of on‑campus residents are first‑year students. Our dorms range in style from historic to modern and range in size from 60 to 1,000 residents. While the University does not require students to live on campus, more than 70% of all incoming first‑year students choose to live in UA housing to help their transition to university life.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work‑life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assigns and performs journey‑man level installation, inspection, testing, preventative maintenance and repair of commercial and institutional plumbing systems, including domestic hot and cold water, sanitary sewer, drainage, gas piping, fixtures, and mechanical room equipment.
• Inspects the work of plumbers; initiates corrective action to secure satisfactory standards and timely project completion.
• Diagnoses and resolves complex plumbing issues affecting buildings and infrastructure.
• Independently troubleshoots system failures, leaks, pressure issues, and equipment malfunctions.
• Responds to emergency service calls, assesses risk, implements corrective actions, and restores systems to operational condition with minimal disruption.
• Inspects joints, valves, pumps, boilers, water heaters, sinks, commodes, tanks, and other plumbing system components to locate malfunctions; repairs and replaces as necessary.
• Plans and develops work schedules, equipment, usage schedules, and procedures for equipment maintenance.
• Serves as a role model for safety, workmanship, professionalism, and customer service.
• Communicates professionally with building residents, staff, supervisors, contractors, and other trades to coordinate work activities.
• Maintains and purchases plumbing materials for day‑to‑day operations, projects, and GMM needs.
• Maintains assigned shop inventory, tools, and equipment.
• Determines material and labor estimates.
• Keeps purchase records and invoices and submits reports.
• Reviews various documents, drawings, specifications, and schematics to determine proper sequencing of repairs and/or installations per applicable codes.
• Assigns the inspection, maintenance, and repairs of fire extinguishing systems, including standard testing of related building fire safety equipment.
• Participates in Housing Emergency On‑Call Program.
• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Housing & Residential Life goals and objectives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the tools, testing equipment, and materials common to the plumbing trade.
• Knowledge of applicable plumbing codes and safety standards, with the ability to interpret and apply blueprints, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of the mechanical operation of equipment such as pumps, boilers, heaters, and other plumbing components.
• Skill in the installation, repair, and maintenance of all types of plumbing systems.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• In addition to the education and experience minimum qualifications, Apprenticeship program, technical training experience required.
• Minimum of seven years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten (10) years of professional plumber experience, including work with boilers, pumps, and water heaters.
• Journeyman plumber license or certification, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Backflow Testing license.