Lead Plumber

Port of San Diego•San Diego, CA

17h

About The Position

The Lead Plumber is the advanced journey-level classification in the Plumber series. Under general direction, this position plans, schedules, coordinates, and supervises plumbing construction, installation, maintenance, fabrication, and repair work across Port facilities and infrastructure. The role performs complex plumbing work involving industrial and commercial buildings, underground utilities, clean water infrastructure, fixtures, wastewater and sewer systems, docks, piers, floats, and marina gangways. Work is assigned with general guidelines, and the Lead Plumber establishes objectives, timelines, and methods for preventive and emergency repairs and projects. Completed work is reviewed for soundness and compliance with policy and codes. The position provides technical and functional direction to staff, trains employees, monitors work by Port personnel and contractors, and coordinates with other trades, departments, and stakeholders. It also supports budgeting, purchasing, cost control, work standards, safety, and customer service. The Lead Plumber receives general direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel and supports the section's supervisor. This classification is distinguished from Maintenance Supervisor, which has full supervisory responsibility for staff supervision and evaluation. Work takes place in shop and field environments and may involve varied shifts, overtime, weekends, evenings, holidays, on-call duty, and emergency response. Physical demands include medium to heavy work, field mobility, handling objects averaging 50 pounds or more with proper equipment or assistance, and working around hazards. The role also carries disaster service worker responsibilities as directed.

Requirements

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by specialized training in journey-level plumbing repair and installation.
Four years of journey-level plumbing experience, including work using hand and power tools, equipment, and machinery associated with plumbing and the trades.
Possess, or successfully acquire within 12 months of employment, valid first aid and CPR certification and maintain it throughout employment.
Possess and maintain a valid Backflow Testers License issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA).
Knowledge of plumbing methods, practices, tools, equipment, systems, and applicable building and plumbing codes and ordinances.
Knowledge of potable water and wastewater health and safety regulations, maintenance programs, preventive maintenance, record keeping, and relevant laws, codes, standards, and safety practices.
Ability to provide leadership, work direction, training, and coordination; plan, assign, review, and organize staff work.
Ability to perform skilled plumbing work, test and diagnose plumbing deficiencies, repair water and sewer systems and fixtures, and determine materials and supplies needed.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, plans, and specifications; design layouts and prepare construction sketches.
Ability to estimate time, materials, personnel, and costs; perform arithmetic calculations; maintain accurate records; and use relevant computer systems and software.
Ability to operate and maintain plumbing hand and power tools and use appropriate safety equipment.
Ability to communicate clearly, meet deadlines, set priorities, exercise independent judgment, and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, schedule, inspect, and supervise plumbing construction, installation, maintenance, fabrication, and repair work across Port facilities and infrastructure.
Provide direction to assigned personnel and participate in skilled plumbing work.
Train staff in work methods and the use of tools and equipment, and provide specialized plumbing training to other staff or departments as needed.
Monitor and inspect work performed by Port personnel and contractors for compliance with safety standards and plumbing codes.
Review work orders, determine scope, materials, equipment, budget, and staffing needs, requisition supplies, and prepare cost estimates.
Respond to emergencies and lead repairs and skilled workers.
Participate in budget recommendations, authorize material purchases, monitor expenditures, and prepare equipment and supply specifications.
Support operational scheduling and preventive and predictive maintenance standards; research and analyze work standards, procedures, scheduling, and labor needs.
Conduct safety inspections of equipment, identify repair or replacement needs, and promote safe work practices and compliance with Port and mandated safety rules.
Coordinate work with other sections, divisions, departments, agencies, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders; respond to inquiries and complaints and attend meetings.
Prepare, maintain, and approve records and reports, including timecards, worksheets, accident reports, regulatory records, and maintenance requests.
Operate vehicles, forklifts, cranes, generators, compressors, drain equipment, hand tools, saws, and other equipment as part of the work.
Perform disaster service worker responsibilities as directed and other related duties as assigned.