001771SR - Term Plumber
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Why join Harvard University Central Administration?
Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.
Job Description
Job Summary:
Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) offers building &landscape maintenance, and custodial services to Harvard faculties and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with customer-determined standards. As such, FMO operates as an in-house alternative to contractor services and therefore must manage itself under the same principles that guide any successful maintenance service business.
Position Summary: Installs, maintains, repairs and removes all types of water piping systems, all plumbing fixtures, and appurtenances in accordance with all recognized plumbing codes and regulations of the City of Cambridge and the State of Massachusetts.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
- Repairs and maintains water piping, soil waste, vent piping, plumbing systems for toilet rooms, labs, mechanical rooms, kitchens, distilled, demineralized water distribution systems, and safety eye wash and deluge shower piping systems.
- Repairs and maintains underground sub soil drainage, sewer, acid waste piping, dilution basins and campus water main distribution systems.
- Repairs and replaces damaged plumbing fixtures: sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs.
- Connects same to outlet/inlet pipes by fitting gaskets, couplings, traps, valves.
- Installs new, removes or reworks existing stone bench tops, stone work surfaces in fume hoods, all types of sinks, service trim, and accessories thereof.
- Opens clogged drains with plunger or snake.
- Replaces work washers and defective piping.
- Routinely inspects connections and other system parts for leaks and corrosion.
- Operates, maintains, installs, troubleshoots, and repairs HVAC equipment, water, soil and drain piping.
- Works independently under the guidance of the Area Supervisor and/or Working Foreperson.
- May estimate materials needed and must accurately record time and materials expended.
- Provides responsive customer support with emphasis on customer satisfaction.
- Assists and advises customers and provides follow-up on progress and status of work.
- Performs related duties as required.
- Required to wear a clean, neat uniform and maintain a professional image at all times.
- Required to wear safety equipment and clothing when appropriate and/or required.
- Must be willing to work in research laboratory environments and around hazardous materials.
- Must be willing to accept a reasonable amount of overtime in support of group business needs.
Working Conditions:
Emergency Status Designation:
Critical Operations Personnel (required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management).
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and lift and transport piping and equipment in excess of 200 lbs. with others.
- May use chain falls and come alongs for heavier lifting.
- Must be able to push and pull heavy loads as listed.
- Must be able to stoop and bend for long periods of time in awkward spaces, including piper shafts and crawl spaces.
- Required to wear safety equipment and clothing when appropriate and/or required.
- Depth perception and field of vision needed when using torches and measuring, cutting, and threading pipe.
- May be subject to odors when working with clogged fixtures and pipelines.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Five years’ related experience in installation, operation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of all types of plumbing devices.
- Must possess a current State Journeyman Plumbers license.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Trade School or Vocational High School Degree preferred.
- Must have excellent knowledge of sanitary codes regarding installation of plumbing systems, observe and comply with all standard safety codes and practices, and perform work in accordance with recognized trade and University standards.
- This position requires an individual to work in a complex organizational structure with an emphasis on quality customer service.
- Ability to perform standard shop computations relating to pressure, flow, and size of pipe required.
- Must have a sense of ownership and pride in one’s work.
- Works independently and takes initiative when necessary, but also capable of working as a member of a team with students, custodians and licensed trades people.
- Complies with all standard safety codes and practices and performs work in accordance with recognized trade and University standards.
- Quality focused, customer service-oriented and able to routinely communicate with peers and customers clearly and professionally.
- Demonstrated proficiency in desktop and smartphone technology platforms and applications.
- Familiarity with equipment diagnostics, bar-coding, and related technologies desired.
- Required to supply a complete set of hand tools.
Certificates and Licenses:
- Must possess a current State Journeyman Plumbers license.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Additional Information
- 001771SR - Term Plumber
- Location: Harvard Medical School (HMS)
- Appointment End Date: 4/1/2026
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
- Sunday: Off
- Monday: 6:00am - 2:30pm
- Tuesday: 6:00am - 2:30pm
- Wednesday: 6:00am - 2:30pm
- Thursday: 6:00am - 2:30pm
- Friday: 6:00am - 2:30pm
- Saturday: Off
- Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
- $50.82/hour
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, CORI, Employment
- Other Information:
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Work Format Details
This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.