Job Details
Position Overview
The Plumber position is highly skilled plumbing work in both construction and maintenance activities. Work requires the operation of work issued vehicles to perform lay outs, fabrication, assembling, installation and maintenance of piping and piping systems, fixtures and equipment for heating, cooling, hot water, lubricating, sprinkling, and industrial systems, installation and maintenance of gas heating equipment, drinking fountains, lavatories, commodes, and distilled water stills. Tests…
plumbing materials and equipment. May act as lead worker to less skilled maintenance employees. Considerable judgment is required of the incumbent in completion of work. Work is reviewed on completion for compliance with pre-set specifications, with instructions being general in nature.
Work Schedule - 7:30am-4:00pm, Monday to Friday with overtime and after hours call back as needed.
Facilities Services within KU Operations plays a vital role in maintaining an inviting and safe campus environment that supports teaching, learning and research. KU Operations supports KU's mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university's academic and research missions. Learn more about working for Facilities Services here: Working For Facilities Services | Facilities Services
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.
Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance
KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
Job Description
60% - Repairs and maintains plumbing by replacing washers, mending burst pipes and opening clogged drains. Lays Out, fabricates, assembles, installs and maintains piping and piping systems, fixtures and equipment for heating, cooling, hot water, lubricating, sprinkling, and industrial systems. On the basis of knowledge of general piping and specific building system operations, selects type and size of pipes and related materials to meet job specifications as detailed in blueprint, specification sheet, etc. Plans sequence of installation or repair to avoid obstruction and/or other misplacement of piping. Cuts, threads, and bends pipes using a variety of appropriate tools and methods. Assembles and installs a variety of metal and non-metal piping and pipe fittings for sewer, water, natural gas and compressed air pipes, couplings, traps, traps etching and pipe fittings, including those made of brass, copper, lead and plastic. Joins piping by means of threaded, calked, wiped, soldered, brazed, fused, 0 cemented joint. Secures pipes to structure with clamps, brackets and hangers, using hand and power tools. Maintains water softeners. Performs all work in accordance with local building codes and KU standards.
25% - Installs and maintains gas equipment, drinking fountains, lavatories, commodes, distilled water stills, etc. Tests piping systems for leaks by increasing pressure in pipes and observing gages. Assembles and installs valves, pipe fittings and pipe composed of metals such as iron, steel, brass and non-metals such as glass, vitrified clay and plastic, using hand and power tools. Test water for hardness, PH and other concerns in water stills, building boiler systems, and other areas.
10% - Previews, assists in ordering and otherwise obtains plumbing materials and equipment. Digitally complete work orders and other communications associated with work. Trains, instructs and acts as lead worker to less skilled positions. Cleans and maintains work sites and equipment. Performs other related work as assigned. Assists with snow removal and surface treatment.
5% - Other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
- Lift and carry up to 20 pounds constantly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, with or without accommodation.
- Reach, grasp, lift, carry, and place moderately heavy loads frequently, and heavy loads occasionally with or without accommodation.
- Work under a variety of temperature and weather extremes, both inside and outdoors.
- Report to work during declared periods of inclement weather.
- Respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.
- Work overtime as needed.
- Must work a rotational on-call/stand-by schedule.
- Must have a valid driver's license at the time of hire and throughout the term of employment.
- Must enter work order information digitally.
Required Qualifications
- High School diploma or completion of GED equivalency.
- One year of experience as a journeyman level plumber. Associate's degree or vocational school certification may be substituted for the required experience
- Must be backflow certified or become certified within the 6 month probationary period.
- Must have a valid driver's license by the time of hire and throughout the term of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience reading, interpreting, and working from sketches, blueprints, job specifications, and schematics as evidenced by application materials.
- Previous experience working in a college, university or large commercial setting.
- Demonstrated experience interacting directly with customers as evidenced by application materials.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices of the plumbing trade as evidenced by application materials.
Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete application will include the following:
- Current contact information including email and phone number
- Previous work experience including dates of employment
- Name and contact information to three references
Resume/Cover letter is optional.
Application review begins Monday, October 26th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Charles Helmer
c351h922@ku.edu
785-864-1298
Advertised Salary Range
Starting at $49,600
Application Review Begins
Monday October 26, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Monday November 16, 2026
Organization
Working at the University of Kansas
Join the University of Kansas, and you'll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding "Rock Chalk!" from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic "Jayhawk!" Because, after all, they're not really strangers, they're family.
The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU's mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.
The University of Kansas is the state's flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.
KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state's flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU's historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.
Instruction
KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.
Research
The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.
Service
The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.
International Dimension
KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.
Values
The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.
Our City and State
KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.
Lawrence's historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won't find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.
Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.
Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.
Making KU Your Home
Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to "the nest" at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.
At the University of Kansas, you'll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.