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Job Summary

Reporting to the Plumbing Shop Supervisor, the Senior Plumber Technician plays a key role in the maintenance and upkeep of Caltech plumbing infrastructure. The Senior Plumber Technician is expected to demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a proactive approach to maintaining the Institute’s plumbing systems.

This position is responsible for performing skilled work on all plumbing systems campus-wide, including water, sewer, gas, and specialty systems. In addition to hands-on responsibilities, the Senior Plumber Technician provides training to junior staff and serves as acting Lead or Supervisor in their absence, ensuring uninterrupted service and operational continuity.

This is a full time position within a collaborative Facilities team committed to service excellence and maintaining a safe and functional learning environment.

This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible.

Essential Job Duties

• Perform advanced maintenance, repair, installation, and troubleshooting on plumbing systems, including domestic water, sanitary sewer, storm drain, natural gas, and backflow prevention systems.
• Respond to service requests, urgent repairs, and scheduled maintenance with a focus on safety, compliance, and minimizing disruptions to academic operations.
• Act as a technical resource and mentor for junior plumbers and maintenance helpers, providing on-the-job training and guidance in best practices.
• Serve as acting Lead or Supervisor during absences, overseeing daily assignments, coordinating team efforts, and ensuring proper documentation and follow-through of work orders.
• Collaborate with other trades and departments to support campus renovations, special projects, and emergency response.
• Conduct regular inspections of plumbing systems to ensure code compliance and identify areas for preventive maintenance.
• Maintain accurate records in the Institute’s Work Order system, including labor, materials, and asset history.
• Ensure all work is completed in compliance with campus safety policies, plumbing codes, and environmental standards.
• Ability to use a variety of plumbing tools, diagnostic equipment, and safety gear.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 10 years of plumbing experience in a commercial, institutional, or campus environment.
• Strong knowledge of plumbing codes, backflow systems, pressure regulation, and natural gas systems.
• Possession of a valid plumber’s license and/or backflow certification is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience mentoring or training junior staff.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, piping diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with the Institute’s Work Order system software and ability to accurately complete electronic work orders and documentation.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform work involving kneeling, bending, climbing ladders, and working in confined or elevated spaces.
• Regularly exposed to mechanical rooms, crawlspaces, and outdoor weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of plumbing trade school or apprenticeship program preferred.
• Experience with Specialized System (Lab Gas).
• Experience coordinating and supporting multi-trades.
• Customer service communications.
• Ability to respond to after-hours emergencies.
• Strong understanding of sustainability practices.