Plumbing Supervisor

Rice University•Houston, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plumbing Supervisor is responsible for supervising the plumbing staff in the Facilities and Capital Planning Department to ensure proper operation and maintenance of plumbing systems, building piping, and lab air distribution systems (within the buildings), including on-campus water, gas, sewer, steam, and condensate return systems. The supervisor also ensures adequate training, direction, and support for all employees under direct supervision. The incumbent trains, instructs, and monitors employees in diagnosing and correcting malfunctions in plumbing systems and oversees the quality of work being performed.

Requirements

Associate degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
3+ years of demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience in the preventive maintenance industry
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
Valid Texas driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment) required, with no more than three moving violations or at-fault accidents within the past 36 months and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past five years
Proficiency in commercial plumbing repair, installation, and maintenance techniques, including the proper use of plumbing tools and equipment such as pipe wrenches, threading machines, drain cleaning equipment, pipe cutters, soldering and brazing tools, pressure gauges, pumps, and diagnostic/testing devices
Ability to read and interpret plumbing blueprints, piping diagrams, mechanical drawings, and equipment specifications relevant to assigned systems
Strong knowledge of commercial plumbing systems, including domestic water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, natural gas, backflow prevention, and related mechanical systems
Working knowledge of applicable plumbing, building, safety, and environmental codes and standards, including IPC, UPC, OSHA, and NFPA guidelines
Ability to diagnose plumbing system malfunctions and determine appropriate corrective actions in a timely and efficient manner
Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), work order systems, and other digital tools for tracking maintenance activities and inventory
Ability to supervise, coordinate, and evaluate the work of plumbing staff and contractors while promoting safe and efficient work practices
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with staff, contractors, vendors, and campus stakeholders
Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments, emergency calls, and preventive maintenance activities effectively
Attention to detail and commitment to accurate, high-quality workmanship and regulatory compliance

Nice To Haves

College or trade school degree
6+ years of supervisory experience
Texas Master Plumber License
Experience working in a team environment
Journeyman qualifications or equivalent in one of the technical crafts (electrician, mechanic, air conditioning, plumbing, or pipefitting)
Analytical skills, clear reasoning ability, and the ability to work independently
Good working knowledge of transfer switches, bus ducts, and motors
Ability to build and sustain relationships with campus customers and focus on customer service
A motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Capability to fully understand sophisticated, state-of-the-art interactive systems and the analytical ability to troubleshoot problems and develop solutions
Good computer skills, including working with word processing software, spreadsheets, and computerized maintenance management systems

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, direction, training, and mentoring to maintenance staff in support of departmental, organizational, and University mission and operational goals while promoting continuous improvement and workforce development
Develop, implement, and maintain departmental safety programs and procedures, including OSHA compliance, lockout/tagout, and other applicable regulatory and operational safety standards
Supervise and coordinate daily maintenance operations to ensure work orders, repairs, and preventive/predictive maintenance activities are completed safely, efficiently, and within established timelines and productivity standards
Plan, prioritize, and allocate labor, materials, equipment, and vendor resources to support maintenance operations, work order completion, and departmental service-level objectives
Collaborate with vendors, contractors, and suppliers to coordinate maintenance support, material procurement, and project execution while monitoring performance, quality, safety compliance, and adherence to deadlines
Provide technical guidance and hands-on instruction in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and developing corrective action plans for complex mechanical, electrical, and building systems issues
Support departmental maintenance training programs and maintain accurate maintenance documentation and records
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Understand and maintain a solid working knowledge of existing work order management and other Rice systems as required