Senior Plumber

Salary : $166,395.84 Annually
Location : Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full-Time/Part-Time
Job Number: 26-M90-A
Department: County-Wide Recruitment
Opening Date: 09/15/2026
Closing Date: 10/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 08


Description
Under general direction, to lead and coordinate the daily activities of skilled Plumbers and assistants; to perform journey level plumbing work, including installation, alteration, maintenance and repair of water, sewer and other plumbing systems and related equipment and fixtures.

Typical Tasks

• Receives work orders and assigns work to journey level plumbers and assistants;
  
  
• Inspects the work of plumbers and assistants involved in the installation, maintenance and repair of plumbing systems for quality control;
  
  
• Assists in the performance evaluation of plumbers and assistants;
  
  
• Confers with and advises plumbers and assistants on technical problems;
  
  
• Assists in determining work methods and materials to be used;
  
  
• Supervises the care and maintenance of tools and equipment;
  
  
• Ensures that code requirements, safety regulations and safe work practices are observed;
  
  
• Prepares work progress and attendance reports;
  
  
• Performs skilled plumbing activities in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water, sewer and other plumbing systems;
  
  
• Installs, alters, replaces and repairs plumbing, such as water, gas, sewer and drainage systems;
  
  
• Checks and maintains autoclave sterilizers and medical gas systems, including, but not limited to, oxygen outlets, medical air and vacuum suction lines;
  
  
• Unstops sinks, basins, water lines and toilets;
  
  
• Flushes sewer lines, garbage disposals, floor drains, storm roof drains, and globe valves;
  
  
• Cuts, bends, assembles and installs various pipes, fittings, valves and fixtures for water, sanitary drainage, heating, gas and other plumbing systems;
  
  
• Installs, alters, repairs or replaces all types of plumbing fixtures, including, but not limited to, sinks, basins and water closets/toilets;
  
  
• Checks plumbing fixtures for leaks and other defects; opens and cleans clogged drains, pipes, and traps;
  
  
• Threads, reams, assembles, caulks, solders and welds various pipes and component parts;
  
  
• Repairs gas leaks;
  
  
• Drains and flushes water heaters;
  
  
• Installs, alters and repairs hot water boilers, hot water heaters, kitchen equipment, sterilizers, steam tables, laundry equipment, pressure gauges, soft water supplies, sprinkler heads, and other related equipment;
  
  
• Disassembles, cleans and resets bucket steam traps, inverted bucket traps, thermostatic traps and other related steam components;
  
  
• Maintains adequate work stock of plumbing supplies;
  
  
• Completes work orders and requisition forms;
  
  
• Installs and repairs various types of pumps;
  
  
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
  
  
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are attained through possession of a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a recognized five (5) year military, government or state registered trade apprenticeship as a Plumber and five (5) years of experience equivalent to a Plumber in the County of Santa Clara.


OR


Five (5) years of experience equivalent to a Plumber in the County of Santa Clara and possession of a Plumbers Journeyman card, County Competency card or Piping Industry Progress & Education (P.I.P.E.) certification.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment, and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County drivers authorization.
  
  
• The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Correction Security Clearance to work in locked facilities, throughout the term of employment. Additionally, possession of a Medical Gas Installer certification is desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Planning, layout, and blueprint reading;
  
  
• Procedures and equipment used to inspect, and test safety devices used in plumbing and steam systems;
  
  
• Material and labor cost estimating;
  
  
• Principles of lead direction;
  
  
• Standard tools, methods, practices, and materials of the plumbing and steam fitting trades;
  
  
• Plumbing codes and ordinances;
  
  
• Hazards and safety precautions of the plumbing trade;
  
  
• Common office software applications, such as email, word processing and internet browsers.

Ability to:

• Perform journey level plumbing and steam fitting work;
  
  
• Enforce and instruct others on safety procedures and practices and appropriate building and safety codes;
  
  
• Make accurate material and labor cost estimates;
  
  
• Lead, train and direct the work of others;
  
  
• Schedule and coordinate work assignments;
  
  
• Coordinate the maintenance of tools and equipment;
  
  
• Inspect and evaluate work for quality control purposes;
  
  
• Prepare records and reports;
  
  
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
  
  
• Read, interpret and work from diagrams, blueprints and schematics;
  
  
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
  
  
• Plan, layout, and estimate materials and labor cost for plumbing jobs and complete all necessary paperwork;
  
  
• Use computer and software applications such as maintenance management software, energy management systems, and common office applications;
  
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Requirements

• Work under the following conditions using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): dust, noise, vibration, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, extreme temperatures, cramped quarters, and inadequate lighting.
  
  
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift and grasp;
  
  
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders;
  
  
• Lift up to sixty (60) pounds.
  
  
• For positions in the Facilities and Fleet Department, will be placed on a rotating "on call" list for weekend and holiday coverage of County facilities. On call status requires being available and on-site within two (2) hours of notification.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more


The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE : Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01


Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is required for your application and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of see resume see application will deem your application incomplete. Please include the name of employer, job title, dates of employment and hours worked per week for questions asking about your work experience. Do you understand these requirements?

• Yes
• No

02


What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School or GED equivalent
• College (1 to 29 semester / 1 to 44 quarter units)
• College (30 to 59 semester / 45 to 89 quarter units)
• College (60 to 89 semester / 90 to 134 quarter units)
• College (90 to 119 semester / 135 to 179 quarter units)
• College (120 or more semester / 180 or more quarter units)
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• None of the above

03


Have you completed a recognized five (5) year military, government or state registered trade apprenticeship as a Plumber?

• Yes
• No

04


If you answered Yes to the above question, list the name, beginning/end dates and location of the apprenticeship or training program.
Please attach proof of completion of a recognized five (5) year Plumber apprenticeship program.
05


Please indicate if you possess any of the following cards and/or certification(s).
For each option selected, please attach a copy of your valid card(s) and/or certifications to the application.

• Plumber Journeyman Card
• County Competency Card
• Piping Industry Progress and Education (P.I.P.E) Certification
• Backflow Testing Certification
• Medical Gas Installer Certification
• Confined Space Certification
• None of the above

06


How many years of professional work experience do you possess equivalent to a Plumber in the County of Santa Clara?
Click here to read the

• No experience
• Less than five years
• Five years to less than six years
• Six years to less than seven years
• Seven years to less than eight years
• Eight years or more

07


Describe your professional work experience equivalent to a Plumber in the County of Santa Clara.
Include in your response:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment (Month/Year)

d) Total hours worked per week

e) Description of task(s) performed
If no experience, please type N/A.
08


Indicate the lead/supervisory areas you possess experience in: (Select all that apply)

• Training
• Scheduling and coordinating work assignments (Via work order management systems/email)
• Reviewing the work of others (Subordinate staff)
• None of the above

09


Describe your lead/supervisory experience in the areas selected above.
Include in your response:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment (Month/Year)

d) Total hours worked per week

e) Description of task(s) performed
If no experience, please type N/A.
10


Describe your experience in the following areas:1. Preparing records (Inputting records into the work order management system and/or preparing regulatory documents)2. Reports (Communicating what repairs were completed digitally and/or verbally)
Include in your response:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment (Month/Year)

d) Total hours worked per week

e) Description of task(s) performed
If no experience, please type N/A.
11


Describe your experience inspecting and evaluating work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems for quality control.
Include in your response:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment (Month/Year)

d) Total hours worked per week

e) Description of task(s) performed
If no experience, please type N/A.
12


This position has physical requirements. With or without an accommodation, are you able to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift up to sixty (60) pounds, grasp, and ascend/descend ladders?

• Yes
• No

13


Some positions in the Facilities and Fleet Department may require you to be placed on a rotating "on call" list for weekend and holiday coverage of County facilities. On call status requires being available and on-site within two (2) hours of notification. Do you understand and agree to this requirement?

• Yes
• No

14


For positions within the Health and Hospital Department, the incumbent must be able to perform repairs in Patient Infectious Areas wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. Do you understand and agree to this requirement?

• Yes
• No

15


For some positions, the incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain Department of Correction Security Clearance to work in locked facilities throughout the term of employment. Do you understand and agree to this requirement?

• Yes
• No

16


How did you find out/hear about this job?

• In Person Job Fair
• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Email Newsletter
• Virtual Event
• Community Event
• Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Student Career Center
• Handshake
• Professional Association
• Contacted by an External Staffing Firm
• Hospital Website
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Employee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• Other (Specify in the next question)

17


How did you find out about this job? If "Other" is selected: Please describe how you heard about this job.
Required Question