PLUMBER II

DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is lead level skilled plumbing trades work involving the installation, modification, repair and troubleshooting of a diverse assortment of plumbing systems, fixtures and equipment. Contacts are with other shop employees, both within and outside of the plumbing trade, with facility maintenance personnel for the purpose of providing and receiving instructions, as well as on occasion, with outside contractors to exchange information and/or to facilitate a process. Incumbents in this class do not provide direct service or assistance to the public.
An employee in this class performs skilled and hazardous work on all types of plumbing systems and fixtures, including utility supply and disposal systems; sewage, water, gas and oil lines; compressed air, vacuum and acid systems; water closets, heaters, hydrants, valves and pumps; fire sprinkler systems; and swimming pool equipment. The work requires the full use of a broad variety of plumbing hand/power tools and related equipment. Work assignments are received orally and in writing, through work orders, building plans, and/or blueprints. The work is conducted in a self directed manner and is reviewed for general adequacy, technical soundness and adherence to established standards. The employee is expected to independently apply standard and advanced practices of the plumbing trade with considerable latitude for independent judgment within established guidelines. Although guides are normally available, the incumbent must use initiative and resourcefulness to address atypical situations which require the adaptation of different methods and/or procedures. The employee leads others in planning how to lay out needed routing, placement, slant, slope, fall and proper operation of systems and equipment to complete installations, repairs and modifications. The work effort contributes to the safe and effective operation of plumbing systems in County facilities and to the safety and comfort of facility users. The work is performed in a wide variety of locations and involves the use ladders, scaffolding and platforms to access hard to reach places. The physical effort of the work involves standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing and lifting, as well as working in tiring and/or uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time. The employee frequently carries or moves items and equipment of varying dimension and weight. The work is performed both indoors and outside and involves recurring exposure to dirty, dusty and greasy conditions, noxious odors, chemicals, solvents, and human or animal waste, which requires the regular use of safety equipment and/or protective clothing. An employee in this class is required to respond to after-hours emergency service calls and may be placed on stand-by duty during severe weather or other urgent conditions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Leads and participates in the work of a plumbing crew which performs various plumbing assignments on utility supply and disposal systems, fixtures, fittings and equipment such as sewage, water, gas and oil lines, compressed air, vacuum and acid systems, water closets and heaters, hydrants, valves, fire sprinklers, pumps and swimming pool systems.
Locates and taps main headers; routes and cuts openings; places hangers for level and slope; and determines type and location of and installs valves, traps and unions needed for proper operation and ease of maintenance of the system.
Installs plumbing equipment associated with a system including seating, hooking up and testing.
Installs, maintains and repairs faucets, sinks, washbowls, drinking fountains, water closets, sewers, vents and other sanitary fixtures.
Measures, troubleshoots, repairs, cuts, threads, fits, connects and assembles fixtures, parts and equipment such as deep well pumps, overhead heaters, hot water heaters, pumps, chemical feeders, instruments (pressure flow and control), automatic valves and backflow prevention devices.
Plans and lays out the placement, pitch, elevation, pressure, reduction, expansion, and operation of various piping systems and equipment.
Makes various types of joints using hard and soft silver solder, lead wiping and various other techniques.
Restores and repairs various systems such as unplugging sewer lines and traps, correcting leaks, overhauling and patching valves and the draining and winterization of systems and equipment.
Reads and interprets plans and specifications; completes work as required by local plumbing codes.
Modifies, maintains and repairs fire sprinkler systems and components to meet fire codes.
Performs annual inspection, maintenance and repairs to County swimming pool circulation piping and equipment in support of the seasonal operation.
Ensures quantity and quality of work performed and the development and training of lesser skilled employees in this craft are accomplished according to established standards.
Estimates time, selects materials and maintains records of tools, materials and labor used.
Drives light vehicle to and from work locations.
Makes recommendations concerning the work performance of subordinates.
May recommend replacement of obsolete fixtures/equipment.
Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Three (3) years of experience as a journey level plumber.
Education: Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion recognized in the State of Maryland.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of the standards, codes, methods, tools, and materials of the plumbing and related trades.
Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the plumbing and related trades.
Considerable knowledge of the building and fire codes as related to work performed within the plumbing and related trades.
Ability to assign and direct the work of one or more plumbers and lesser skilled employees.
Ability to work stand by shifts and to respond to after-hours emergency service calls.
Ability to use and maintain all hand and power tools and equipment used in the plumbing and related trades.
Ability to occasionally lift items that weigh as much as l00 pounds and the ability to frequently carry items that weigh up to 50 pounds.
Ability to rig and handle all materials necessary to accomplish a job assignment.
Ability to perform work inside and outside year round, where it may be necessary to work from overhead or in stretched, cramped, awkward or tiring and uncomfortable positions.
Ability to wear and use protective clothing and equipment when exposed to dust, fumes, chemicals and solvents, sewage and other irritants to eyes, nose, ears, skin and respiratory system.
Ability to work from mechanical drawings, specifications, sketches, and work orders to prepare material lists and specifications.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to prepare and maintain records.
Ability to maintain necessary licenses/certifications required to perform job duties.
Ability to deal tactfully, effectively and equitably with people.

LICENSE:
Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
Possession of Journey level Plumber's, Gas Fitters and Sewer Cleaners' licenses issued by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC).
Possession of WSSC certification to install, repair and maintain backflow prevention devices when required for job-related duties.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Individuals appointed or promoted to this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six months, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Core Exam II with Respiratory Questionnaire

Class Established: April, l963
Revised: November, l970
May, l97l
July, l974
January, l978
December, 1984
May, 1991 (M)
March, 1998 (M)
February 2003 (M
December, 2008
April, 2010

Medical Protocol revised December 2008