Skilled Trades Worker 2 Plumber

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 39,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University is seeking a skilled plumber to maintain and repair piping systems, fixtures, and related equipment across university buildings in Cleveland. You will troubleshoot leaks, read drawings, and coordinate with maintenance teams to ensure safe, efficient operations.

The role requires strong hands-on skills, the ability to work independently within a team, and familiarity with safety protocols in an institutional setting.

Qualifications

• 7 years of plumbing experience in institutional, heavy industrial or light commercial environments.
• High school education required; vocational training or apprenticeship preferred.
• Journeyman's or Master Plumbers license is desirable but not required.
• A valid driver's license free of significant violations.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair plumbing systems, controls and equipment with minimal supervision.
• Maintain, install, repair, and alter piping systems, fixtures, and pumps.
• Log work orders and communicate with the Zone management team and other departments.

Skills

Hand tools

Power tools

Technical drawings

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Safety procedures

AI tools

Education

High school diploma

Vocational training or apprenticeship

Journeyman/Master license desirable

Driver's license

Job description

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $22.13 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Repair and maintain physical structures, fixtures, machinery, plumbing, and mechanical systems in university buildings in accordance with blueprints, manuals, codes, and work as a member of a self-directed work team. The plumber will be predominantly engaged in the maintenance, installation, repair, and alteration of piping systems in university properties including but not limited to water supply systems, plumbing fixtures and traps, soil, waste, acid, and vent pipes, and building drains, devices, and connections. This will also include the support to the HVAC trades with Steam, Gas, and Hot water bundles for domestic and heating hot water including reheat valves, pressure regulators, and closed loop piping systems.

Essential Functions

• Recognize the need for and perform maintenance and repairs on all types of plumbing systems, controls, and fixtures without supervision. (30%)
• Independently diagnose and troubleshoot, malfunctioning plumbing systems, controls and equipment, and root causes or source of leaks in buildings, and sewer and drain cleaning. (25%)
• Repair, replace, install, and alter equipment associated with plumbing systems pumps, controls, fixtures, associated with the distribution of water steam, and gas. (25%)

Nonessential Functions

• Inspect and log the operation of mechanical systems; accurately maintain associated records. (5%)
• Transport and install equipment necessary for plumbing work throughout the university area. (5%)
• Manage and direct workload independently and be diligent in recording proper information into work order system (e.g., locations, hours worked, billable account numbers, contact names and numbers, etc.) for use by the management team. Be available to assist in other Zones when needed for any task not necessarily trade oriented. (5%)
• Be prepared to work in confined space and/or a laboratory environment where proper PPE will be required as a precautionary safety measurement but in all cases after cleared and deemed safe to work in by our Safety Services Department. (5%)

Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS

• Department: Frequent contact with department staff regarding workflow.
• University: Regular contact with all members of university regarding workflow.
• External: Occasional contact with vendors and contractors to exchange information.
• Students: Contact with students in work Zone as it pertains to skilled trades¿ maintenance.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

Qualifications

Experience: 7 years of experience working on plumbing systems in an institutional, heavy industrial or light commercial environment preferred but other mechanical experience may be considered as equivalent. Experience in more than one discipline is desirable but not required.

Education and/or licensing: High school education required. Accredited vocational training or completed apprenticeship working in the plumbing maintenance and repairs arena is preferred. Journeyman's or Master Plumbers license is desirable, but not required. A valid driver's license free of significant violations.

Required Skills

• Familiarity with the proper use of basic hand tools, power tools, drain cleaning equipment and safety equipment.
• Must be able to work well both independently and as a member of a team.
• Must be familiar with hazards typical to the institution (radioactivity, asbestos, chemicals, etc.) and related safety equipment and procedures. Training to be provided.
• Must be able to read technical drawings but must also be sufficiently familiar with systems and equipment to diagnose problems without prints.
• Technical proficiency in diagnosing and maintaining plumbing systems, equipment and controls is essential. Must be able to identify and repair problems without supervision.
• Basic computer skills, must be willing to learn Work Management System software to record work performed in the Zone.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee is directly exposed to the following hazards in the work environment: animals, moving machinery, blood borne pathogens, chemicals, commercial cleaning solvents and oils, confined space entry and / or restricted access, excessive noise, fumes, dust, pesticides or herbicides, radioactive materials, and repetitive motion. Personal protective equipment (gloves, hard hat, hearing protection, protective eyewear, safety shoes, and respiratory protection) is provided. Must be able to lift up to 100 lbs. Must be physically capable of reaching any area of facilities with tools and materials, including roofs, tunnels, and catwalks; this may involve frequent balance, frequent bending, stooping, stretching, crawling, and climbing. Must be able to pass required physical examination.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.