Utilities Plumber
Utilities and Energy Management (UEM) provides reliable and cost-effective electricity, chilled water, steam, deionized water, compressed air, emergency power, and elevator services for The University of Texas at Austin. We have more than 170 employees in five divisions: Utilities Operations; Utilities Distribution; Power Systems, Controls, and Operating Technology; Finance and Administrative Services; and Engineering, Strategic Programs, and Process Improvement.
We are seeking candidates who share the following core values:
Safety : Commitment to the well-being of our fellow employees, ourselves, and the campus community.
Respect : Treating everyone with fairness and dignity.
Integrity : Transparency, honesty, trust and ethics in our work and our relationships.
Reliability : Delivery of consistent, dependable, and uninterrupted services.
Teamwork : Working together through cooperation, contribution, and the sharing of our knowledge.
Excellence : Setting the highest standards through innovation, collaboration, forward-thinking, and stewardship.
As a member of our team, you will be part of a globally recognized district energy system that serves a top-tier research university. We strive to provide a positive workplace culture that welcomes ideas, talent and perspectives and we look forward to hearing from you!
Your skills will make a difference. You'll be working for a university that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. Your work will make a difference in the lives of Campus Operations staff, thereby enhancing the student experience.
UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to:
- Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
- Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
- Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
- Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
- Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
- Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
- Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities.
- Tuition assistance
- Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
- Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
- Free rides on all UT shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card
The position functions include ensuring the integrity and accuracy of utility data, maintaining and enhancing data visualization tools such as the Energy Hub, and driving process improvements to streamline data management and operational workflows. The position also supports compliance with regulatory requirements, fostering continuous improvement, and contributing to the department's mission of sustainable and efficient energy management.
Security sensitive; three-year driving record and criminal background checks conducted on selected candidate. Hiring decision is contingent upon applicant clearing checks and passing physical abilities testing (Worksteps).
Purpose
To perform journey-level plumbing and related trade functions in a mechanical utility distribution environment. Responsible for providing journey-level craftsmanship in the mechanical maintenance and repair of utility mains and associated systems.
Responsibilities
- Install, repair, operate and maintain distribution systems for water, sanitary and storm sewer, compressed air, natural gas, and high-pressure steam using industry-standard methods of fabrication and assembly. Monitor and inspect systems for safety of installation and proper operation. Unstop obstructed lines.
- Install, maintain, modify, and repair plant equipment or utility systems. Maintain records of equipment repair. Ensure compliance with standards of workmanship and safety.
- Clean and maintain all equipment and work areas as needed. Inform appropriate personnel of unusual conditions and known or diagnosed problems or deficiencies, and take appropriate action as needed.
- Keep accurate computer and/or paper based records, such as equipment inventories, maintenance logs, estimates, outage requests, campus building plan sets, etc. Complete work orders using integrated work management system.
- Work in conjunction with other trades or crafts personnel in support of systems within the power plant, chilling stations, utility tunnels or direct-buried utilities.
- Follow all University and UEM safety policies and procedures, take required safety training, and identify and report safety hazards. Perform work tasks in a safe manner, wear the proper personal protective equipment, and report near misses and incidents. Attend staff meetings, safety training and meetings. Attend job-related training and complete assigned training modules. Training certification required within 18 months.
- Perform other related functions as assigned. Perform work in accordance with normal trade practices to pass inspection for conformity to standards, quality and quantity by journey-level employees or supervisors. Abide by Utilities and Energy Management's set of core values: Safety, Respect, Integrity, Reliability, Teamwork, and Excellence. Carry a UT-provided cell phone during work hours and on-call hours and respond to calls received. Drive a UT vehicle and maintain an acceptable driving record required by UT System Policy UTS157.
Required Qualifications
- High school graduation or GED.
- Three years of experience in a central utilities plant environment.
- Three years of experience in the operation and maintenance of an electrical generation facility.
- Current Backflow Preventer Assembly Tester and Customer Service Inspector certification, or the ability to achieve certification in the first six months of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- More than five years of experience in journey-level plumbing of utility distribution systems. Experience in a university utility setting.
- Completion of formal plumbing training program.
- Successful completion of Facilities Services / PDC Leader Development program.
- Ability to operate backhoe, bobcat and other job-related equipment.
- Ability to work with an integrated work management system, in-house databases and Microsoft Office computer software.
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills, including ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Plumbing License with Water Supply Protection Specialist endorsement, Commercial Driver's License, or other related technical certification.
Driving Required
This job requires a class C operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Salary Range
$60,000
Working Conditions
- Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished)
- May work in all weather conditions
- May work in extreme temperatures
- May work around chemical fumes
- May work around standard office conditions
- May work around biohazards
- May work around chemicals
- May work around electrical and mechanical hazards
Environmental Demands:
- May work around standard office conditions
- Personal Protection Equipment usage is mandatory in all operating spaces that include hearing and eye protection, gloves, suitable attire and breathing devices may be required under certain conditions.
- Exposure to heat, chemicals, heated surfaces and asbestos.
- Exposure to electrical and explosive hazards.
- Exposure to computer emissions.
- Exposure to biohazards.
- Exposure to extreme temperatures.
Physical Tasks:
- Use of a keyboard and personal computer
- Fine manual dexterity
- May be required to perform elevated work.
- Occasional work from ladders and/or scaffolds.
- May be required to lift up to 50lbs.
- Often required to twist, grasp, push, pull and bend.
Additional Working Conditions:
- May be required to work in confined spaces, manholes, tunnels, elevated work, extended shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- May be exposed to loud noise, high dust and allergen levels.
- May be required to lift up to 50lbs.
- Often required to twist