Plumber Pipefitter Apprentice

mwaa; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Airports Authority in the Capitals region is offering a Plumber-Pipefitter Apprentice position within its Trades Apprentice Employment Program. This non-career, term role provides on-the-job and classroom training, with progression toward journey-level status at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

The program emphasizes hands-on learning, safety, and familiarity with building codes and airport environment.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older at hire.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Ability to learn plumbing-pipefitting knowledge through the Apprenticeship program.
• Ability to drive a pickup truck.
• Ability to work safely and follow safety rules.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Able to use a computer and time/attendance systems.
• Able to pass a background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Learn to install pipes, plumbing and related equipment from basic to proficient levels.
• Learn to use manuals, diagrams and hand/power tools used by the trade.
• Assist journey-level plumbers to move tools and materials to job sites.
• Learn to install and repair pipes, pumps and plumbing fixtures; support maintenance.
• Help prepare and maintain work orders and preventive maintenance.
• Drive a pickup to work sites and suppliers with tools and parts.

Skills

Age 18+

US work eligibility

Learning ability

Driver's license

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Computer skills

Background check

Education

HS diploma or GED

Trades course completion

Job description

Compensation Grade:
AT19 Salary Range:
$21.01-$33.26

Opening Date:
September 4, 2026

Closing Date:
September 19, 2026 Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Plumber-Pipefitter Apprentice in the Airports Authority's Trades Apprentice Employment Program, you will have the opportunity to gain the experience and training that can lead to becoming a licensed, journey level Plumber-Pipefitter.

Plumber-Pipefitter Apprentice

This is a non-career, term job.

Serves in the Engineering and Maintenance Department at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Participates in a state-approved Airports Authority Trades Apprentice Employment Program to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become a licensed, journey level Plumber-Pipefitter. Performs progressively complex and responsible plumbing-pipefitting work as knowledge, skills and abilities in the trade increase. Training received is both on-the-job and in a classroom. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learns to install pipes, plumbing and related equipment, from elementary to fully proficient levels of plumbing-pipefitting, as consistent with the Trades Apprentice Employment Program.


• Learns to proficiently use manuals, technical guides, plumbing/operation diagrams and schematics, and hand and power tools, instruments and devices, used by the trade.


• Assists full performance (journey) level Plumber-Pipefitters to assemble and transport tools and materials to job sites, and at the job site to complete the work to include handling of tools and cleaning up.


• Guided by a full performance (journey) level Plumber-Pipefitter, learns to install and repair pipes, pumps, and plumbing fixtures; to disassemble pumps and back-flow preventers and replace parts; to use schematics; to install lines on sprinkler systems; and to perform preventive maintenance.


• Performs other tasks as assigned including storing and stocking materials and equipment; removing debris and painting pump rooms; shoring ditches for work site safety; using jackhammers and chisels to expose pipelines; checking pipes, joints, valve sizes, pumps and system pressures that move water and waste; and vacuums solid waste and sludge.


• Learns and uses knowledge of building, fire, Federal Aviation Administration, and other codes and regulations pertinent to the trade, in general and in an airport environment.


• Assists in preparing and maintaining work orders, trouble calls and preventive maintenance utilizing the Airports Authority's computerized work order system.


• Drives a pick-up truck or similar vehicle on the airport complex, landside and airside to work sites and to/from suppliers with tools, parts, etc.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.


• Must be eligible to work in the United States.


• Ability to learn bodies of knowledge and gain skills in the Plumbing-Pipefitting trade consistent with the schedule for progression as an Apprentice in the Trades Apprentice Employment Program.


• Ability to drive a pick-up truck and learn to use similar vehicle (with tools, parts, etc.).


• 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.


• Ability to successfully complete an Airports Authority' background investigation.

EDUCATION

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


• Completion of at least one trades course (such as Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Automotive Mechanics) in high school OR be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a trades school accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Labor.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

• A state driver's license in good standing at the time of hire.


• Depending on assignment, may be required to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License or Certification as Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

NECESSARY SPECAL FACTORS

• Work is physically demanding and requires bending, stooping, crouching or otherwise positioning self to access confined spaces, hard to reach places and high structures.


• Work may require the ability to lift, push/pull or position items weighing up to 50 pounds.


• Work is performed inside and outside in all kinds of weather (rain, snow, ice). May be exposed to hazardous materials, substances and conditions; to temperatures exceeding 115 degrees F; and to raw sewage, dirt and mud. Work requires use of personal protective equipment.


• Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

Subject to