Plumber, Facilities

The Plumber serves as the senior technical expert for all plumbing systems across Lipscomb Universitys campus, providing skilled maintenance, repair, installation, and emergency response services. This position combines hands-on technical expertise with supervisory responsibilities, ensuring the reliable operation of plumbing infrastructure that supports the universitys academic mission and residential community. The Plumber maintains compliance with all applicable codes and regulations while leading plumbing operations and mentoring team members.

Primary Responsibilities:

Technical Operations and Maintenance

• Perform expert-level installation, maintenance, and repair of all plumbing systems including water supply, drainage, waste systems, and fixtures.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex plumbing issues using advanced technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
• Install, maintain, and repair water heaters, boilers, pumps, backflow preventers, and related equipment.
• Conduct preventive maintenance on plumbing systems to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Respond to emergency plumbing situations including after-hours, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Perform all plumbing-related repairs independently with minimal supervision.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

• Maintain certification on backflow prevention devices and work in cooperation with Metro Water Services.
• Ensure all plumbing work complies with local, state, and federal plumbing codes and regulations.
• Maintain current knowledge of International Plumbing Code (IPC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and applicable building codes.
• Implement and enforce safety regulations and best practices for plumbing operations.
• Conduct safety training for plumbing team members.
• Maintain proper documentation for regulatory compliance and inspections.

Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise all personnel in the plumbing division as the department grows.
• Plan, schedule, organize, and direct plumbing work assignments across campus.
• Train and mentor plumbing staff on technical skills, safety procedures, and university standards.
• Evaluate employee performance and recommend personnel actions including hiring, discipline, or termination.
• Foster a collaborative team environment focused on quality service delivery.
• Coordinate plumbing activities with other trades, project managers, and external contractors.

Project Management and Planning

• Estimate costs, materials, and labor requirements for plumbing projects.
• Coordinate plumbing aspects of construction and renovation projects.
• Monitor job quality to ensure proper compliance with specifications and standards.
• Recommend improvements, new techniques, and procedural enhancements.
• Participate as needed in campus master planning for plumbing infrastructure upgrades.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Order and purchase tools, equipment, and supplies for plumbing operations.
• Maintain accurate records of jobs performed, departmental charge codes, and employee hours.
• Ensure proper equipment and supplies are stocked and available for various jobs.
• Manage inventory of plumbing materials and equipment.
• Dispose of obsolete or unused plumbing equipment in accordance with environmental regulations.
• Utilize computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) for work order tracking and documentation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Perform other duties as assigned, including working with other departments.
• Support special university events requiring plumbing services or coordination.

Position Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of accredited plumbing apprenticeship program preferred.
• Technical or vocational training in plumbing trades preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in commercial or institutional plumbing.
• Demonstrated experience in higher education, healthcare, or large commercial facilities preferred.
• Proven track record of supervisory or lead experience.
• Experience with large-scale plumbing systems, boilers, and mechanical equipment.

Licensure/Certification:

• Backflow Prevention Certification preferred.
• Valid drivers license with clean driving record required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Technical Competencies:

• Expert knowledge of plumbing systems, codes, and industry best practices.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic skills for complex plumbing systems.
• Knowledge of water treatment systems, backflow prevention, and cross-connection control.
• Understanding of HVAC systems and their interaction with plumbing infrastructure.
• Familiarity with sustainable plumbing practices and water conservation technologies.
• Competency with hand tools, power tools, and specialized plumbing equipment.

Professional Competencies:

• Commitment to Lipscomb Universitys mission, Christian values, and institutional goals.
• Strong sense of teamwork and collaborative work ethic.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Excellent decision-making and critical thinking abilities.
• Dependable and reliable with strong work ethic.
• Professional demeanor and customer service orientation.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding facilities and personnel matters.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Capacity to explain technical issues to non-technical audiences.
• Strong documentation skills for work orders, reports, and compliance records.
• Effective training and mentoring abilities.

Leadership Qualities:

• Ability to lead and motivate team members as needed.
• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and emergency situations.
• Diplomatic approach to conflict resolution.

Technology Skills:

• Basic computer skills including email, work order systems, and documentation software.
• Ability to use mobile devices for work order management and communication.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Working Conditions:

• Work performed in various indoor and outdoor environments across campus.
• Exposure to confined spaces, mechanical rooms, utility tunnels, and crawl spaces.
• Work in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
• Exposure to water, chemicals, sewage, and other plumbing-related materials.
• Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work required.
• On-call rotation for emergency response situations.
• May require work from elevated platforms, ladders, or scaffolding.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Capability to work in confined spaces and awkward positions (kneeling, crawling, reaching overhead).
• Manual dexterity for working with tools and small components.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb for extended periods.
• Visual acuity for reading technical drawings and inspecting work.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Physical stamina for demanding work in challenging environments.

Personal Interaction:

• Daily interaction with facilities management staff, university personnel, students, and faculty.
• Regular communication with vendors, contractors, and inspectors.
• Collaboration with other trades including HVAC, and electrical.
• Interaction with external regulatory agencies and utility providers.
• Representation of the university in a professional manner at all times.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position serves as a working supervisor in the plumbing department.

Budget Responsibility:

• Manages plumbing shop operational budget for supplies, tools, and equipment.
• Provides cost estimates for projects and repairs.
• Monitors expenditures and recommends budget adjustments.
• Identifies cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements.

Independent Judgment:

• Performs tasks and duties under general supervision with significant autonomy.
• Expected to use established procedures while applying innovation and professional judgment to solve complex problems.
• Makes independent decisions on routine plumbing matters and consults with supervisor on major projects or policy issues.

Additional Information:

• This position is essential to maintaining the safety, functionality, and comfort of Lipscomb Universitys campus facilities.
• The Plumber must balance technical excellence with customer service, ensuring minimal disruption to academic and residential operations while maintaining the highest standards of workmanship and regulatory compliance.

Position Status:

• Full-time
• 40 hours per week with overtime and on-call requirements