Plumber Senior

The University of Kansas; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 46,600 - 63,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 176 hours of paid vacation per년

96 hours of sick leave earned per year

Nine paid holidays plus one discretion

Retirement program

Medical & dental insurance

Life and disability insurance

Other benefit plan options

State of Kansas discounts offered by V

Educational and professional developm.

Tuition assistance up to 12 credit

Job summary

The University of Kansas in Topeka seeks a Plumber Senior to lead skilled plumbing work in construction and maintenance. You will read blueprints, select piping, and plan installation sequences to meet KU standards and codes.

You may supervise less experienced staff and handle complex piping systems. This position offers a Monday–Friday schedule, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional development, with a starting salary around $54,700 per year and retirement, health, and

Qualifications

• Three years of journeyman plumber experience with ability to lead others.
• Backflow certification required or obtainable within six months.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Repair and maintain plumbing systems including piping, fixtures, and equipment per blueprints and codes.
• Install and service gas heating equipment, fixtures, and related components.
• Assist with ordering materials and supervise less-experienced staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Journeyman plumbing experience

Leadership experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Backflow certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months)

Valid driver's license

Job description

Position Overview

The Plumber Senior position involves highly skilled plumbing work in both construction and maintenance activities. The Plumber Senior may act as lead worker to less skilled maintenance employees. Considerable judgment is required of the incumbent in completion of work. Work is reviewed on completion for compliance with pre‑set specifications, with instructions being general in nature.

Work Schedule

Monday to Friday 7:30am-4pm

Benefits

• Up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year
• 96 hours of sick leave earned per year
• Nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day
• Retirement program
• Medical & dental insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Other benefit plan options
• State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors
• Educational and professional development opportunities
• Tuition assistance up to 12 credit hours per year and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities. Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance.

Job Description

• 60% – Repairs and maintains plumbing by replacing washers, mending burst pipes, and opening clogged drains. Lays out, fabricates, assembles, installs, and maintains piping and pipe systems, fixtures, and equipment for heating, cooling, hot water, lubricating, sprinkling, and industrial systems. Selects type and size of pipes and related materials based on blueprints and specification sheets. Plans sequence of installation or repair to avoid obstruction or misplacement of piping. Cuts, threads, and bends pipes using appropriate tools and methods. Assembles and installs a variety of metal and non‑metal piping and pipe fittings for sewer, water, natural gas, and compressed air pipes, couplings, traps, and pipe fittings, including those made of brass, copper, lead, and plastic. Joins piping by means of threaded, caulked, wiped, soldered, brazed, fused, and cemented joints. Secures pipes to structures with clamps, brackets, and hangers, using hand and power tools. Maintains water softeners. Performs all work in accordance with local building codes and KU standards.
• 25% – Installs and maintains gas heating equipment, drinking fountains, lavatories, commodes, distilled water stills, etc. Tests piping systems for leaks by increasing pressure in pipes and observing gauges. Cleans swimming pools according to established schedules using chemicals prescribed by supervisor. Assembles and installs valves and pipe fittings composed of metals such as iron, steel, brass, and lead, and non‑metals such as glass, vitrified clay, and plastic. Tests water for hardness, pH, and other concerns in water stills, building boiler systems, and other areas.
• 10% – Previews, assists in ordering, and otherwise obtains plumbing materials and equipment. Completes production control job orders and other paperwork associated with work. Trains, instructs, and acts as lead worker to less‑skilled positions. Cleans and maintains work sites and equipment. Performs other related work as assigned. Assists with snow removal and surface treatment.
• 5% – Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 20 pounds constantly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, with or without accommodation.
• Reach, grasp, lift, carry, and place moderately heavy loads frequently, and heavy loads occasionally with or without accommodation.
• Work under a variety of temperature and weather extremes, both inside and outdoors.
• Report to work during declared periods of inclement weather.
• Respond to after‑hours emergencies as needed.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Must work a rotational on‑call/stand‑by schedule.
• Must have a valid driver's license at the time of hire and throughout the term of employment.
• Must enter work order information digitally.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or completion of G.E.D. equivalency.
• Three (3) years of experience as a journeyman‑level plumber. An associate degree or vocational school certification may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Must be backflow certified or become certified within the six‑month probationary period.
• Must have a valid driver's license at time of hire and maintain that license throughout employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Block‑licensed journeyman, plumbing license, and/or backflow certification.
• Technical knowledge and skill in standard practices, tools, equipment, and materials of the plumbing trade as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience working in a college, university, or large commercial setting.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices of the plumbing trade as evidenced by application materials.

Additional Candidate Instructions

• Current contact information including email and phone number.
• Previous work experience including dates of employment.
• Name and contact information to three references.

Resume/Cover letter is optional.

Application Review Begins Tuesday, July 21st and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Contact Information

Charles Helmer
[e-mail]
785-864-1298

Advertised Salary Range

Starting at $54,700

Anticipated Start Date

Monday August 17, 2026