Plumber And Steamfitter I

Job no : 528980

Work type : Staff Full Time

Location : UMass Amherst

Department : Building Maintenance

Union : AFSCME

Categories : Facilities / Grounds, Skilled Labor

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

Installs, repairs, alters and maintains fluid transmission systems, sanitary fixtures, heating systems, low and high pressure steam lines, condensate lines, water lines, sprinkler lines, sewer lines; and performs other related work as required, including but not limited to, trade related asbestos abatement, repairs and / or initiates repairs on building systems such as; pneumatic control systems, heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems, cooling towers, pumps and related equipment. Employing the use and need of specialized testing and monitoring, diagnostic equipment; works synchronously with Control Technicians / trade personnel maintaining the building systems integrity, exercises functional supervision of other employees of lower grade performing related repair and maintenance activities.

Essential Functions

• Instructs, advises and mentors employees, technicians and journeymen in the operation and maintenance of the campus plumbing, steam, mechanical systems, H.V.A.C. systems and their related components including but not limited to pneumatic, electronic controls, electro-mechanical controls, cooling towers, pumps, and controlled devices.
• Responds to, inspects, tests, troubleshoots, repairs and initiates repairs for all plumbing, steam, sanitary systems, mechanical systems, cooling towers, pumps including but not limited to pneumatic and self-contain valves in the context with the building HVAC, hydronic systems, and their related control devices. This requires using microprocessor and diagnostic equipment. Interacts with contractors relating to the operation, maintenance, and repair of various systems on campus.
• Performs preventive maintenance services. Utilizes computer programs that operate, maintain, calibrate, and adjust building HVAC systems.
• Assists Engineering staff in drawing review, inspection and troubleshooting as part of the acceptance of new equipment, new buildings, upgrades and equipment replacement.
• Drive a motorized vehicle around campus to residential buildings.
• Installs, repairs, alters, and maintains hot and cold water lines, steam lines, deionized water systems, sprinkler systems, glass piping, sewer pipes (cast iron, plastic, ceramic), pumps, traps, valves, radiators, toilets, sinks, showers, and other fixtures, including all their associated fittings; estimates labor and materials needed to do the work. Cuts and threads pipe, using stocks and dies, power threading machines, wrenches, power saws, safety equipment, and other related tools.
• Uses oxyacetylene torches and / or welding equipment to braze coils and pipes.
• Drill or cut holes through floors, walls, and ceilings; perform asbestos abatement in performance of work assignments.
• Performs related duties such as erecting scaffolding, rigging, and / or ladders; laying out drop clothes; fabricating miscellaneous metal products; sharpening and tempering various tools; cleaning tools and equipment; preparing work reports; and training other employees on the job.

Other Functions

Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Additional Details

Incumbents of positions in this series receive direct supervision from classified employees or managers of higher grade who provide for on-the-job training, assign work and review performance through verbal reports and inspection for effectiveness.

May exercise functional supervision over employees of lower grade.

Work Schedule

Salary Information

AFSCME Non-Exempt, Grade 17, special recruitment rate : step 6.

Classified Step Scale

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised : Nov 18 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close : Feb 18 2026 Eastern Standard Time

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