Plumber
School Facilities Department
Job Description

Position Title: Plumber
Section: School Facilities
Classification: Plumber – NSUPE
Date: June 30, 2003
Reports to: Regional Managers

Job Summary:

The Plumber contributes to the effective operation of the Physical Plants within the Halifax Regional School Board. Responsible for the installation and maintenance of plumbing, piping and other equipment at all buildings owned and operated by the Board. These duties include work of plumbing tradesperson’s competence, physical capability, and mechanical and troubleshooting aptitude. The position is responsible to the Regional Managers and takes direction during shifts from on duty maintenance supervisors.

Competencies Required:

The Plumber, School Facilities Department of the Halifax Regional School Board, shall have the following competencies:

1. The ability to work and communicate effectively within a team environment;
2. The ability to support and communicate effectively within the various sites, School Facilities Department, other Departments of the Halifax Regional School Board, and third parties including students, school staff, parents, and outside entities;
3. The ability to organize and employ writing skills of the nature required to effectively communicate with the Board and external service providers;
4. The ability to prioritize in the scheduling of work requirements;
5. The ability to maintain a professional appearance and attitude on the job;
6. The ability to work within a team or individually, as required, with minimal supervision;
7. An understanding of, and ability to carry out, policies and procedures developed by the School Facilities Department and the Board;
8. The ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, blueprints, plumbing code specifications, and diagrams for installation and repair of building systems and equipment;
9. A working knowledge of building systems, including mechanical and electrical;
10. A knowledge of applicable regulatory, building and trades guidelines and codes;
11. A working knowledge of the various types of plumbing, space heating, utility controls and equipment, fire suppression systems, and water treatment;
12. The ability to work with a computer as a programming and troubleshooting tool;
13. The desire and ability to engage in continuing education and skills upgrading;
14. The ability to understand and promote confidentiality as the norm;
15. The ability to apply knowledge, experience and commitment in the areas of race relations, cross cultural understanding and human rights;
16. Knowledge of Health & Safety procedures, which include fire and emergency plans, and Department of Labour procedures.

Qualifications:

1. Grade 12 High School Diploma or academic equivalent through educational programs such as a Graduated Equivalent Diploma;
2. Certification of Qualification as a Plumber recognized by Province of Nova Scotia;
3. Five (5) years experience in the plumbing trade with a minimum 2 years in a building maintenance environment;
4. Additional technical experience or qualified certification in areas such as Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Welding, HVAC, Electrical, and Carpentry;
5. Valid Nova Scotia driver’s license and excellent driving record;
6. Physical and mechanical aptitude to perform a full range of maintenance and manual task.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs a broad range of plumbing and maintenance services of the Physical Plant within the HRSB.

1. Installs, maintains, trouble shoots, tests, and repairs plant components, some of which include: steam and hot water heating system, heating systems components including pneumatic and electrical valves, compressors, boilers, circulators, septic systems, roof drains, fire system devices, rain water leaders, sewage lift pump stations, domestic water systems, water treatment systems, sinks, piping, building controls, fountains, kitchen equipment, drains, various types of plumbing fixtures, along with other plumbing and mechanical machinery, plant and utility systems;
2. Carries out emergency, planned and preventative maintenance on all assigned equipment within the Board and other apparatus as requested. Responds to emergency calls that are a result of mechanical/plumbing failure both during and after regular hours of work;
3. Responsible to assume work duties on plant systems and equipment, or perform various tasks normally designated to other department members when required;
4. Ensures that all work is done according to standard trade practices, Canadian Plumbing Code, and provincial and local building codes;
5. Keeps appropriate records including complete equipment repair history, work orders, daily job card, vehicle records, test reports, and other related data;
6. Maintains assigned vehicle in an orderly manner and performs daily operational checks. Notifies and schedules through the supervisor annual vehicle maintenance;
7. Determines sufficient material inventory. Locates correct replacement parts and suppliers. Initiates ordering of supplies and replacement parts, including properly stocking vehicle and regularly recording of vehicle inventory;
8. Makes recommendations and determines quantities and potential work time for proposed upgrades, installations, repairs, projects and budgets which assists with proper costing;
9. Liaisons with other consultants, contractors, inspectors, suppliers, and other departments on maintenance and project work. Assists other Board staff and external service providers;
10. Accurately completes and documents work orders prior to submission to supervisor. Provides written reports on any inspections and/or tests and makes recommendations to improve performance;
11. Maintains clean and orderly conditions in all working areas, including shop, vehicle and school sites;
12. Ensures duties are performed in a fiscally responsible manner while observing all safety practices and regulations;
13. Performs any other duties as required.

Work Environment (Equipment, Demands, Hazards):

1. Ability and dexterity in use of various manual and powered hand tools;
2. Must be able to use various equipment such as powered snakes, ladders, staging, and man lifts;
3. Work involved with pressured hydronic systems, mechanical and boiler rooms, ventilation rooms, small spaces, and moving equipment;
4. Occasional periods of high levels of physical exertion are needed. This includes heavy lifting, climbing, crouching, balancing, reaching, stooping, carrying, working in confined spaces, above or below normal temperatures, etc;
5. Working at times with very small parts, in areas of public access, and individually and with others;
6. Provide own hand tools and required to travel between various sites within HRSB;
7. Job requires predominately walking and standing and manual labour tasks. Normal work period is spent indoors with occasional outdoor periods;
8. Must maintain a neat and tidy appearance. Board identification must be worn;
9. Work evenings, days, and weekends as required. Hours of work and terms of employment subject to Collective Agreement, including callback and overtime, eight or ten hour shifts.