Lead Maintenance Plumber

Seattle University Electrical and Computer Engineering • Seattle, WA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Seattle University is seeking a Lead Maintenance Plumber to serve as the technical lead for plumbing and pipefitting operations, primarily supporting the Cornish College while also providing project and system support for the First Hill campus as needed. This role combines advanced journey-level plumbing expertise with work coordination, project leadership, customer service, contractor oversight, and team leadership responsibilities. The Lead Maintenance Plumber will lead day-to-day work activities for general maintenance personnel at the South Lake Union campus, coordinate plumbing projects across multiple campus locations, and ensure the reliable, safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of campus plumbing, mechanical, water, gas, drainage, and related building systems. Emergency response and occasional overtime may be required. This position is represented by United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United State and Canada, Local 32.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Washington State Journeyman Plumber License.
• Valid Washington State Driver License.
• Five years of progressively responsible journey-level plumbing experience, including project coordination or lead work responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret plans, specifications, and technical documents.
• Demonstrated leadership, customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to Seattle University's mission, vision, and values.

Nice To Haves

• City of Seattle 3rd Grade Steam Engineer License.
• AS-1 Sprinkler Confidence Testing License.
• Backflow Tester Certification.
• City of Seattle Gas Piping License.
• Building Operator Certification (BOC).
• Experience leading maintenance teams in higher education, healthcare, research, or institutional environments.
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced journey-level plumbing, pipefitting, and mechanical maintenance on campus systems.
• Install, repair, replace, troubleshoot, and maintain plumbing, domestic water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, natural gas, compressed air, vacuum, RO/DI water, pool, and water feature systems.
• Diagnose and correct water pressure issues, cross-connections, drainage problems, and system failures.
• Install and repair pumps, valves, heat exchangers, coils, regulators, tanks, fixtures, piping assemblies, and related equipment.
• Build and fabricate piping systems using industry-standard methods including threading, soldering, brazing, and welding preparation.
• Perform backflow testing, maintenance, and compliance activities.
• Interpret blueprints, specifications, schematics, and construction documents.
• Support energy conservation, water efficiency, and sustainability initiatives.
• Review contractor work and ensure compliance with university standards.
• Respond to routine and emergency service requests.
• Serve as the lead plumbing resource for the Cornish campus.
• Coordinate, prioritize, assign, and monitor daily work activities for maintenance personnel supporting South Lake Union facilities.
• Assess work orders and determine staffing, sequencing, materials, and scheduling requirements.
• Coordinate multi-trade projects with Facilities managers, project managers, shop leads, contractors, and vendors.
• Track work through the CMMS and ensure timely completion and closeout.
• Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, procurement requirements, and material lists.
• Maintain inventory levels and ensure availability of critical plumbing materials and supplies.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and technical training of maintenance staff.
• Promote a collaborative, accountable, and customer-focused work environment.
• Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, contractors, and campus partners regarding work status and scheduling.
• Provide project recommendations, budget input, and technical guidance to Facilities leadership.
• Maintain accurate records, work orders, inspections, permits, and compliance documentation.
• Prepare reports, estimates, and planning documents as requested.
• Represent the plumbing shop in meetings, project planning efforts, and campus initiatives.
• Promote and enforce safe work practices, including lockout/tagout procedures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, permits, and university standards.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Participate in emergency response activities and after-hours support as needed.

Benefits

• Three different medical plans
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability coverage
• Long-term disability coverage
• Up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits (5% nonelective employer contribution and dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% of voluntary contributions)
• 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents
• Subsidized transportation benefit
• Wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility
• Wide variety of campus events
• Generous holiday schedule
• Paid Holiday break closure in December
• Vacation leave
• Paid sick leave
• Paid community service leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED