PLUMBER

Plumber

Are you a skilled plumber ready to keep our schools running from the ground up? Join Bellflower Unified School District and maintain the water, drainage, and gas systems that keep campuses safe, functional, and ready for learning every single day.

Under general supervision, performs journey-level plumbing work in the installation, repair, and maintenance of District plumbing systems, fixtures, and components while ensuring compliance with applicable plumbing, building, and safety codes.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Plumber classification is characterized by journey-level expertise in a specialized building trade, requiring the exercise of independent judgment in diagnosing plumbing issues, selecting installation methods, and completing assignments in accordance with applicable codes, principles, and best practices. Incumbents may provide work direction to assigned helpers, apprentices, or other maintenance staff supporting plumbing projects. It is distinguished from other skilled trades by its specialized expertise in water, drainage, and gas piping systems.

It is distinguished from the Senior Maintenance Worker classification, which performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled repairs across multiple building trades at a generalist level and may assist trade specialists on more complex projects.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general supervision from an assigned administrator and works independently within established policies, procedures, and operational guidelines. Exercises judgment in assessing repair needs and selecting appropriate corrective actions, referring complex or escalated matters to higher-level management. Provides technical direction to assigned personnel; no supervisory responsibility is exercised.

• Installs, inspects, tests, and repairs potable water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, waste, venting, gas, and related piping systems, including cutting, threading, soldering, and welding pipe and fittings.
• Diagnoses plumbing system failures and component malfunctions to determine appropriate repair methods, parts, and materials.
• Installs, maintains, repairs, and replaces plumbing equipment and fixtures, including pumps, water heaters, pressure regulators, water filtration systems, backflow prevention devices, restroom fixtures, kitchen plumbing connections, disposals, and swimming pool plumbing systems.
• Performs backflow prevention assembly testing, adjustments, and repairs, and maintains required certification records in compliance with state and local regulations.
• Conducts scheduled preventive maintenance and inspections of District plumbing systems to identify potential issues and prevent service disruptions.
• Responds to routine and emergency service calls during regular and after-hours periods to address plumbing issues at District sites.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, diagrams, specifications, and work orders to determine project requirements and ensure code compliance.
• Estimates labor and material requirements; requisitions supplies and parts; maintains inventory and records related to maintenance and repair activities.
• Maintains plumbing tools and equipment in safe, working condition.
• Maintains clean, safe, and organized work areas in compliance with applicable safety standards and procedures.
• May provide work direction and training to assigned helpers, apprentices, or maintenance staff supporting plumbing projects.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Installation, maintenance, and repair methods and procedures used in the plumbing trade
• Backflow prevention systems and testing procedures
• Manual and power tools, equipment, and materials used in plumbing work
• Principles of blueprint reading and interpretation of diagrams, plans, and specifications
• Safe working methods and procedures
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials, and supplies
• Basic record-keeping and inventory control techniques
• Federal, state, and local plumbing, building, health, and safety codes and regulations

Ability to:

• Operate specialized machinery and equipment used in the plumbing trade.
• Diagnose plumbing malfunctions and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches, plans, specifications, and work orders.
• Estimate and document labor and equipment needed for plumbing assignments.
• Perform mathematical calculations to determine material quantities and job costs.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Plan, prioritize, and organize work.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Model communications and interactions that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions, and cultures.

Experience: Two (2) years of journey-level plumbing experience.

Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Working Conditions

Environment:

• Indoor and outdoor environment.
• Working in confined spaces and at heights.
• Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.
• Exposure to dust, fumes, odors, sewage, chemicals, and potentially hazardous materials.
• Work around moving mechanical parts and powered equipment.
• May operate a District vehicle to travel between work sites.
• Noise from equipment operation.

Physical Demands

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate plumbing tools and equipment.
• Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
• Climbing ladders to access work locations.
• Bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, and reaching overhead.
• Lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds without assistance and up to one hundred (100) pounds with assistance.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read diagrams, blueprints, and technical materials.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.

Additional Requirements/Information:

• Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and the availability of private transportation.
• Possession of a State-approved Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment is required.
• Possession of a valid C-36 Plumbing Contractor license issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is desirable.
• Certification issued by Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) or Plumbing Industry Progress & Education Trust Fund (P.I.P.E.) is desirable.
• Possession of a Los Angeles County Fire Department Certificate of Registration accepted by the California State Fire Marshal for Fire Suppression Systems is desirable.