POSITION OBJECTIVE 

Working as a member of a cross-functional, self-directed team of Level 3 skilled trades workers, this position is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, installing, and maintaining equipment and building systems throughout Case Western Reserve University's medical, laboratory, and animal research facilities. Work is performed in accordance with blueprints, manufacturer specifications, applicable codes, and industry best practices to ensure safe and compliant operations.

This Level 3 Plumbing Technician role utilizes advanced plumbing expertise to support and maintain specialized systems in medical & research facilities, including laboratory hoods, lab equipment connections, medical air and gas systems, tank installations, Reverse Osmosis Systems, cage wash equipment, and infrastructure within the Animal Research Center. The position plays a key role in resolving complex plumbing issues, as well as evaluating work to determine appropriate in-house repairs versus escalation to external contractors, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Working in medical and research facilities on all Plumbing & mechanical needs. Collaborate with zone plumbers to resolve issues by assisting directly, coordinating team efforts, or independently performing complex work, freeing zone staff to complete additional assignments. (35%) 
2. Independently diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair malfunctioning building plumbing systems. Provide technical support to zone staff and assist other STW-3 team members as needed. (25%) 
3. Work with the Facilities Engineer to implement recommended improvements and modifications to mechanical and plumbing systems. Execute work in coordination with zone technicians, the lead trades team, or independently, including installation and maintenance of specialized systems such as laboratory hoods, lab equipment connections, medical air and gas systems, tank installations, Reverse Osmosis system, cage wash equipment, and infrastructure within the Animal Research Center. (15%) 
4. Maintain and operate confined space, sewer, drain, and camera equipment. Fill and drain all chilled water systems throughout Med school campus each spring and fall, and perform smoke testing on buildings. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Relay pertinent information to the mechanical coordinators on problems that will need to be sent out to a contractor. Assist in meeting with the contractor to review the job scope. (5%)
2. Accurately maintain associated records. Ensure that you record proper information into the work order system (e.g., locations, hours worked, billable account numbers, contact names and numbers, etc.) for use by the management team. (5%)
3. Relay pertinent information to the Plumbing supervisor on performance issues in the field. (4%)
4. Transport and install equipment necessary for mechanical work throughout the medical university area. (1%)
5. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS 

Department: Frequent contact with department staff regarding workflow. 

University: Regular contact with all members of university to exchange information and resolve issues. 

External: Occasional contact with vendors and contractors to exchange pertinent information. 

Students: Contact with students in work Zone as it pertains to skilled trades' maintenance. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 10 years of experience working in the plumbing and mechanical field, preferably in an institutional, heavy industrial, or light commercial environment but residential experience is acceptable. Experience in more than one discipline is desirable; welding, pipefitting, fire systems, backflow, etc. but not required. 

High school education is required. Technical education or licensing is preferred from a credited vocational training program or completed apprenticeship working with a mechanical or plumbing contractor repairing or replacing plumbing and or heating systems. Valid driver's license free of significant violations.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Must be able to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, process flow diagrams, and schematics, while also possessing sufficient system knowledge to diagnose and resolve issues without prints. 
2. Familiarity with the proper use of basic hand tools, power tools, and required safety equipment. 
3. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a cross-functional environment. 
4. Must be familiar with hazards typical to the institution (including radioactivity, asbestos, chemicals, etc.) and follow all related safety procedures and protocols. Required training will be provided. 
5. Demonstrated technical proficiency in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and maintaining plumbing systems and equipment, including specialized systems such as laboratory hoods, lab equipment connections, medical air and gas systems, tank installations, cage wash equipment, and infrastructure within the Animal Research Center. Must be able to identify and repair issues without direct supervision. 
6. Ability to use a computer for work orders, communication (email), research, and troubleshooting complex system issues. 
7. Ability to maintain consistent and reliable attendance. 
8. Ability to effectively interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers in a professional, face-to-face environment.
9. Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position operates within a wide range of environments across campus, including medical and research facilities such as BSL laboratories, laboratory spaces, and the Animal Research Center. Work involves the installation, maintenance, and repair of systems and equipment including laboratory hoods, lab equipment connections, medical air and gas systems, tank installations, cage wash equipment, and related infrastructure.

The employee may be directly exposed to various hazards in the work environment, including but not limited to: animals, moving machinery, blood borne pathogens, chemicals, commercial cleaning solvents and oils, confined space entry and/or restricted access areas, excessive noise, fumes, dust, pesticides or herbicides, radioactive materials, and repetitive motion.

Personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, protective eyewear, safety shoes, and respiratory protection, is provided and must be used as required.

The position requires the ability to lift up to 100 lbs and to safely access all areas of campus facilities with tools and materials, including roofs, tunnels, and catwalks. This work may involve frequent balancing, bending, stooping, stretching, crawling, and climbing. The employee must be able to pass any required physical examinations.

Apply online at jobs.case.edu search job 14413