Plumber Pipefitter

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority seeks a Plumber Pipefitter to inspect, repair, and maintain the Authority's plumbing and utility distribution systems at Reagan National and Dulles airports.

The role requires a Journeyman license (or higher), four years of related experience, and knowledge of codes, blueprints, and safety practices; CDL and BPAT certifications preferred. Work may include varied shifts and emergency responses.

Qualifications

• Four years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance and repair of plumbing and pipefitting equipment and systems.
• Journeyman or higher license in plumbing, pipefitting or natural gas fitting.
• Knowledge of building and plumbing codes and ability to read plans and blueprints.
• Ability to operate and maintain related equipment and tools safely.

Responsibilities

• Installs, maintains, and repairs plumbing and distribution piping systems.
• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on various systems including fire suppression and domestic water.
• Inspects lines, tests systems, and performs leak detection surveys.

Skills

Experience in plumbing/pipemitting

Effective communication

Safety first

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Blueprint reading

Code interpretation

Job description

Compensation Grade:

T19

Salary Range:

$35.01-$45.50

Opening Date:

September 18, 2026

Closing Date:

October 3, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Plumber Pipefitter, you will inspect, repair and maintain the Airports Authority's plumbing and utility distribution systems.

Plumber Pipefitter

This is the journey (full performance) level job in the Plumber Pipefitter series.

Serves in the Utilities Division of the Airport Maintenance Department at either Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport.

Inspects, maintains, repairs, installs and modifies plumbing and distribution piping systems which may include fire suppression, domestic water, natural gas, storm water, sanitary sewage systems, industrial waste, compressed air, steam, High Temp Hot Water, Hot Water and Chilled Water systems. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Installs pipes, plumbing, and related equipment.
• Makes emergency repairs on various utility service lines; may design/fabricate parts for older equipment.
• Performs preventive maintenance/corrective maintenance on industrial waste, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems, including various valves, pumps, and related equipment. Uses high-pressure vacuum/water jet sewage truck to clean lift stations and distribution sewer mains.
• Performs preventive/corrective maintenance on domestic water system, including various valves, pumps, fixtures, and related equipment. Inspects, tests, and repairs backflow preventers. Flushes fire hydrants, operates valves, locates lines, and performs leak detection surveys.
• [At DCA] Performs preventive maintenance/corrective maintenance on HVAC mechanical piping distribution system (Hot Water, Chilled Water, High Temp, Hot Water, and Steam), including various valves, pumps, and related equipment. Overhauls the steam pressure regulators used to reduce steam pressure.
• Performs preventive maintenance/corrective maintenance on fire protection system, including various valves, hydrants, devices, air compressors, and related equipment.
• Performs utility line verification on airport utility systems using blueprints and locator equipment.
• Performs fire suppression and fire pump testing in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 25.
• [At IAD] Performs preventive maintenance/corrective maintenance on natural gas systems in accordance with the IAD Operation and Maintenance Manual, follows mandated Emergency Plan and Operator Qualification Plan.
• May take monthly meter readings for natural gas and domestic water systems.
• Reports the need for repairs to the work order desk. Completes work orders when work is completed and updates preventive maintenance records.
• Helps collect water samples (for chlorine) in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state regulations.
• Performs Utility Outages to ensure safety to workers, property, and the traveling public.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Four years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance and repair of plumbing and pipefitting equipment and systems.

OR

• A Journey License as a Plumber, Pipefitter, or Natural Gas Fitter.
• One year of specialized experience in the installation, test, diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of a range of plumbing and piping equipment and systems such as, but not limited to, fire protection, domestic water, natural gas, sanitary and storm sewage systems, and fuel distribution systems; pipelines from 1/4 to 72 inches, fire protection sprinklers, fire hydrants, valves, pumps, pressure regulators, joints and fixtures, and related equipment.
• Journey-level knowledge of plumbing-pipefitting to independently inspect, maintain, repair, install, and modify fire suppression, domestic water, natural gas, storm water, sanitary sewage, and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of building and plumbing codes and skill in interpreting and applying building plans, blueprints, and performing shop mathematics.
• Skill in installing and operating relief valves, check valves, pressure regulators, expansion joints, and other devices that control increases and decreases in pressure, flow, circulation,n and expansion in piping systems.
• Skill in using tools, technical manuals, schematics, materials, and other equipment and guides in journey-level plumbing-piping work.
• Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures needed to do so.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Skill in using a computer, computerized work order, and time and attendance system.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Journey or Master Plumber, Pipefitter, or Natural Gas Fitter license.
• A Class B commercial driver's license (CDL).
• Certification as a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
• [IAD only] Certification as Pipeline Operator Qualified (OQ) as determined by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

EDUCATION

• A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

• A state driver's license in good standing.
• A valid Class B CDL within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.
• BPAT License from Virginia DPOR within one year of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.
• [IAD only] DOT Pipeline OQ Certification within one year of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

• Operates vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).
• May work in cramped positions, kneel, stoop, and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• May be exposed to extreme heat/cold, toxic substances/gases, odors and fumes, raw sewage, possible burns from heat and chemicals, and falls. Wears personal protective equipment.
• Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.
• May be required to work various shifts, night hours, or weekends as needed.
• Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family's health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.