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Maintenance Plumber (Journeyman Plumber)

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 24238
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Cheryl McDonald
cheryl.mcdonald@montana.edu
(406) 994-5629
Classification Title Plumber, Maintenance
Working Title Maintenance Plumber (Journeyman Plumber)
Brief Position Overview
Under general supervision of the Plumber Foreman, the person in this position will perform skilled journeyman plumbing work, individually or in conjunction with others as job conditions demand. This position is subject to overtime and callouts outside of regularly scheduled work periods.
Position Number 4N1004, 4N0532
Department Facility Services
Division University Services
Appointment Type Skilled Craft
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation Plumbers
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $39.75 – $44.67 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type Skilled Craft
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details

General Statement
Facilities Services is charged with the maintenance and operations of all university buildings, grounds, and infrastructure systems. Facilities is comprised of the four service management areas of Environmental Services, Campus Maintenance, Engineering and Utilities, and General Operations, as well as the Business Management and Administrative areas necessary to support the Facilities operation. The Campus Maintenance section of Facilities Services is responsible for maintenance, repair, renovation, and replacement of buildings, grounds, equipment, and utilities for all university departments.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform skilled journey level plumbing work related to inspection, preventive and routine maintenance, repair, renovation, replacement, and improvement of university plumbing assets.
  • Work includes cleaning, exercising, inspecting, and adjusting of plumbing equipment, valves, and fixtures; testing, repairing, and replacing worn out systems and equipment; installing plumbing equipment, controls, valves, fittings, and fixtures to improve function and/or reliability of plumbing systems and equipment supporting university operations, campus buildings and grounds; reading and interpreting blueprints and specifications; performing related work as required.
  • Performing plumbing work necessary to repair, maintain, renovate, and replace facilities, water distribution, and wastewater disposal systems; performing preventative maintenance programs; preparing materials lists of non-stock and specialty items needed to accomplish assigned projects and following up to determine timely schedule in accordance with delivery dates; responding to and taking appropriate action to resolve emergency calls; and performing related duties as assigned.
  • Incumbent will attend and participate in required training for the use of personal protective equipment and comply with requirements for use of employer provided equipment.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. High school graduation or equivalent, plus successful completion of plumber apprenticeship program, or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or work experience.
  2. Two (2) years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) recent journeyman-level plumbing experience providing repair and maintenance services in an institutional and/or residential environment.
  3. Must have a valid Journeyman Plumbers license. (If not licensed in Montana, please refer to the Montana Board of Plumbers application: Montana Board of Plumbers application:
    • If you have a valid Journeyman’s license from a reciprocal state, please attach a copy of your existing license.
    • If you have a valid Journeyman’s license from any other state, please attach a copy of your existing license, and a copy of your written approval from the Montana State Licensing Board verifying eligibility and acceptance to take the exam.

  4. Demonstrated working knowledge of standard construction practices, methods, materials, equipment, and safety practices of the plumbing trade.
  5. Demonstrated competence in installing, operating, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems, controls, valves, equipment, and related apparatus.
  6. Demonstrated competence using a variety of hand tools, power hand tools, power stationary tools, and equipment of the plumbing trade. (Please list tools and equipment used)
  7. Demonstrated competence working from blueprints, plans, sketches, and specifications.
  8. Demonstrated understanding of basic computer programs similar to Microsoft Office Suite and e-mail.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Experience as a maintenance plumber in an institutional setting, such as a college/university, military installation, or other large facility.
  2. Experience performing service work on gas appliances.
  3. Experience performing service work on kitchen appliances.
  4. Experience servicing processed water systems and lab emergency fixtures.
  5. Experience performing service work on swimming pool equipment.
  6. Possess a Pipe welding certificate.
  7. Experience balancing multiple work assignments, meeting deadlines, and exercising adaptability to changing priorities.
  8. Experience with interfacing with a Computerized Maintenance Management System.
The Successful Candidate Will
  • Consistently exercise initiative and good judgment.
  • Effectively operate work-related equipment.
  • Keep computerized records, work proficiently in the use of a computerized maintenance management system, e-mail, and other computer applications as assigned or required.
  • Demonstrate a prior attendance record which did not adversely affect work performance; communicate effectively with employees and the public both in person and over the phone.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relations with supervisor, coworkers, and the public.
  • Be a successful team player; and represent the department and MSU to others in a professional and courteous manner.
  • Accurately follow written and verbal instructions and procedures.
  • Provide a high level of customer service in a positive, professional, and helpful manner.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Plumber I- $39.75/hour

Staff at this level meet the minimum qualifications listed above.

Plumber II- $42.14/hour

In addition to meeting the position requirements of the Plumber I, Plumber II candidates, possess enhanced technical capabilities such as trouble shooting and servicing gas appliances, commercial kitchen equipment, controls, valves, processed water systems, etc. Candidate must have experience as a maintenance plumber in an institutional setting, such as a college/university, military installation, or other large facility.

Plumber III- $44.67/hour

In addition to meeting the position requirements of the Plumber I and Plumber II, Plumber III candidates will have the ability to oversee maintenance programs and complex projects from start-to-finish with minimal supervision for all aspects of a campus plumbing system including domestic water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, and processed water systems. Skills include demonstrated competence in specialty systems such as lab emergency fixtures, gas appliances, commercial kitchen equipment, controls, and valves. Must also have working experience with a Computerized Maintenance Management System.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Must possess currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points). Do NOT send a copy of the driver’s license.

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to successfully pass a background check.

Our benefits package includes:
  • Medical / Dental / Vision
  • Retirement
  • Tuition waiver
  • Annual and sick leave
  • Holiday pay
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.


  • This position is subject to overtime and callouts outside of regularly scheduled work periods.
  • The ability to move up to 75 lbs.
  • Perform regular investigations of facilities, systems and equipment which involve, performing overhead work, accessing confined areas, manholes, vaults, tunnels, ascending/descending roofs, catwalks, scaffolds, and ladders.
  • Safely and effectively operate a wide variety of tools, equipment, and vehicles.
  • Working conditions include exposure to temperature extremes, inclement weather, fumes, dust, noise, heights, energized/pressurized systems, and research-related activities.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 2
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on February 15, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).