Lead Maintenance Plumber

Seattle University Electrical and Computer Engineering•Seattle, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Director of Plant Operations & Maintenance, the Lead Maintenance Plumber serves as the technical lead for plumbing and pipefitting operations supporting Seattle University's Cornish College, while providing project and system support for the First Hill campus as needed. The position combines advanced journey-level plumbing expertise with work coordination, project leadership, customer service, contractor oversight, and team leadership. It leads day-to-day work activities for general maintenance personnel at the South Lake Union campus, coordinates plumbing projects across multiple campus locations, and supports 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 States and Canada, Local 32. The role performs advanced plumbing and pipefitting maintenance; leads and coordinates maintenance personnel and projects; communicates with campus stakeholders; maintains operational and compliance records; and promotes safety and code compliance. Work takes place throughout university facilities, including Cornish College, South Lake Union, and First Hill campus locations. The position is onsite and may require responding to emergencies outside normal business hours and working occasional overtime.

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.
Comprehensive knowledge of plumbing, piping, mechanical systems, applicable codes, project coordination, contractor management, preventive maintenance practices, safety regulations, and customer service principles.
Ability to lead teams, coordinate multiple priorities, mentor staff, and work independently in a complex campus environment.
Ability to meet physical requirements including standing, walking, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, crawling, lifting up to 50 pounds, operating tools and equipment, and working in mechanical rooms, utility spaces, rooftops, construction sites, and occupied buildings.

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 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

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible employees.
Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
Up to a 10% employer contribution toward retirement benefits, including a 5% nonelective contribution and a dollar-for-dollar match of voluntary contributions up to 5%.
100% paid tuition benefits for eligible employees and eligible dependents.
Subsidized transportation benefit.
Wellness program with free access to an on-site fitness facility.
Campus events.
Generous holiday schedule, including a paid December holiday break closure.
Vacation and paid sick leave.
Paid community service leave.