Position Overview

The Plumber Senior position involves highly skilled plumbing work in both construction and maintenance activities. The Plumber Senior 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: Monday to Friday 7:30am-4pm

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.

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, and pipe fittings, including those made of brass, copper, lead and plastic. Joins piping by means of threaded, calked, wiped, soldered, brazed, fused, and 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 heating equipment, drinking fountains, lavatories, commodes, distilled water stills, etc. Tests piping systems for leaks by increasing pressure in pipes and observing gages. Cleans swimming pools according to established schedules using chemicals prescription detailed from supervisor. Assembles and installs valves, pipe fittings and pipe composed of metals such as iron, steel, brass and leave 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. Complete production control job orders and other paperwork 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

1. Lift and carry up to 20 pounds constantly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, with or without accommodation.
2. Reach, grasp, lift, carry, and place moderately heavy loads frequently, and heavy loads occasionally with or without accommodation.
3. Work under a variety of temperature and weather extremes, both inside and outdoors.
4. Report to work during declared periods of inclement weather.
5. Respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.
6. Work overtime as needed.
7. Must work a rotational on-call/stand-by schedule.
8. Must have a valid driver's license at the time of hire and throughout the term of employment.
9. Must enter work order information digitally.

Required Qualifications

1. High School diploma or completion of G.E.D. equivalency.
2. Three (3) years of experience as a journeyman level plumber. Associate degree or vocational school certification may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
3. Must be backflow certified or become certified within the 6 month probationary period.
4. Must have a valid Driver's License at time of hire and maintain that license throughout employment.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Block licensed Journeyman, Plumbing License and/or Backflow Certification.
2. Technical knowledge and skill in standard practices, tools, equipment and materials of plumbing trade as evidenced by application materials.
3. Experience working in a college, university or large commercial setting.
4. Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices of the plumbing trade as evidenced by application materials.

Contact Information to Applicants

Charles Helmer
c351h922@ku.edu
785-864-1298

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application will include the following:

1. Current contact information including email and phone number
2. Previous work experience including dates of employment
3. Name and contact information to three references

Resume/Cover letter is optional.

Review of applications will begin Monday, May 4th and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Advertised Salary Range
Starting at $54,700

Application Review Begins
04-May-2026

Anticipated Start Date
01-Jun-2026

Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE
1.0

Reg/Temp
Regular

FLSA Status
Nonexempt

Employee Class
B-University Support Staff

Work Location Assignment
On-Site