Plumber II

Job Title

Under general supervision, this position performs and provides assistance in the installation, maintenance and repair of the city's building water and sewer systems, fixtures and equipment. Plumber and Plumber II reports to the Senior Plumber, Senior Plumber reports to the Manager of Properties Management.

Essential Job Functions

Troubleshoots, repairs and installs, maintains and repairs water, drainage and sewer systems, plumbing fixtures, sump pumps, backflows, garbage disposals, and fire suppression systems by inspecting systems, replacing corroded pipes, draining unheated water lines in outdoor facilities and removing backflow preventers to winterize lines, replacing defective piping, cleaning out drains, replacing and repairing defective items, installing fixtures, and roughing in waterlines and renovations.

Operates assigned service vehicle, maintains inventory of spare parts and initiates procurement of replacement supplies and equipment as necessary; makes cost and material estimates; collects data for preventive maintenance system and maintains activity logs.

Performs routine checks and preventive maintenance on equipment; identifies and reports equipment malfunctions; cleans equipment as needed, and responds to emergencies.

Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Designs, installs and tests gas lines and supply components based equipment pressure and volume requirements; trains and provides guidance, direction and instruction in plumbing systems; inspects works performed and assists with recruiting and selection activities; completes work orders and reports as needed.

Responsible for the effective supervision and administration to include budget preparation and monitoring expenditures, staff development and training, succession planning, performance management, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work and related activities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Performance indicators include thorough knowledge of plumbing and related systems to lead diagnostic tasks for complex maintenance and repair activities; knowledge of the standards, practices and equipment of the plumbing trade and applicable state and national plumbing and safety codes. Knowledge of the proper procedures for operating, inspecting and maintaining tools and related equipment as needed to construct and maintain properties and equipment. Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the operation of equipment. Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations related to equipment operation, hazardous materials, traffic patterns and conditions, and other work related issues. Has considerable knowledge of plumbing practices and procedures of the department Has considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and codes governing plumbing safety and public safety. Has considerable knowledge of the departmental procedures used to perform mechanical and plumbing work.

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within department and division, and with co-workers and the general public.

Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."

Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.

Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, program clients, Director of Social Services, professionals and the general public.

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establish a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

High school diploma or the equivalent with additional vocational or trade training and 3-4 years of experience in the servicing, maintenance and repair of plumbing systems, and 1-2 years of lead or supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position requires pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing. A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

An acceptable background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check.

Requires a Journeyman License from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

Must obtain the DPOR Backflow Prevention Device Worker Certification within one year of employment.

Must successfully complete the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System Certifications within one year of employment.

This job is considered "essential personnel" and will be required to work during or following emergencies or natural disasters.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of mechanical and plumbing tools and aids. Must be capable of pushing and pulling up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are for Medium Work.

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors; giving instructions, assignment or directions to subordinates and advising the public on divisional policies.

Requires the ability to read a variety of plans, specifications, applications, diagrams, codes, policy manuals, etc.; requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, violation notifications, certifications, etc., using prescribed formats; requires the ability to speak with poise, voice control and confidence.

Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions; must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical languages including medical, mechanical, electrical, legal and inspection technology.

Requires the ability to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; interpret graphs; perform calculations involving variables, formulas and square roots.

Requires the ability to inspect specifications and diagrams to ensure the compliance to city policies.

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment and office tools.

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

Requires the ability to perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure. Must be adaptable to performing under variable levels of stress.

Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone.

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals