Plumber/Pipefitter

This competition is open to all applicants; however, internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Campus Saint-Jean, and South Campus, Edmonton.

As a key member of the Trades Infrastructure and Maintenance (TIM) team, the Plumber/Pipefitter plays a critical role in the installation, maintenance, and operation of mechanical systems across the University campus. Working both independently and collaboratively, the Plumber is expected to adhere strictly to job hazard assessments and safety protocols, leveraging technology and safety resources to ensure high standards of health and safety are met for all stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students. The successful candidate will perform independent work without direct supervision, taking full responsibility for all aspects of their tasks while adhering to National Plumbing Codes and University standards.

The role requires the ability to respond to both routine and emergency maintenance situations, this position involves designing and building mechanical apparatus, the plumber/pipefitter will perform troubleshooting and repairs. Our Plumbers are safety champions, consistently prioritizing the well-being of themselves, their teammates, and the campus community by conducting thorough risk assessments and leveraging modern safety software.

Operating within the Utilities and Operations (UTOPS) group, the Plumber demonstrates a high level of trade expertise, including deep knowledge of construction codes, technical problem-solving skills, and professional workmanship. They are safety champions and proactive team contributors who deliver services across a range of mechanical systems, including heating, cooling, steam, domestic water, drainage, compressed air, and natural gas.

With a forward-thinking and preventive approach, Plumbers are expected to embrace continuous learning, contribute to inventory management systems, and adopt innovative methods to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The successful candidate will be a reliable, skilled tradesperson who brings strong planning, communication, and technical abilities to support the University’s infrastructure and ensure a safe, efficient, and well-maintained environment.

• Perform regulatory, preventive, and emergency maintenance on complex mechanical systems, with a focus on domestic water, drainage, steam, hydronic heating, and cooling infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot, repair and perform preventive maintenance on mechanical systems by identifying potential issues early, ensuring proper operation and long-term reliability.
• Install and commission intricate piping systems for new projects, ensuring full compliance with ABSA registered equipment standards and the National Plumbing Code.
• Read and interpret complex schematics and line diagrams to troubleshoot and isolate malfunctions in large-scale industrial mechanical systems.
• Utilize specialized equipment, including pipe threaders, groovers, to manage large-bore piping and equipment replacement.
• Maintain certifications, stay current with evolving safety standards and technologies, collaborate with contractors, and utilize TIM/UTOPS inventory systems for efficient material and supply management.
• Provide training and supervision to apprentices and new employees by instilling proper work ethics, monitoring certification progress, and orienting them to campus policies, equipment, and locations.
• Participate in rotational standby shifts to promptly diagnose, resolve mechanical issues, and manage emergencies during off-hours.
• Actively engage in safety initiatives by contributing to meetings, supporting program development, and maintaining safety procedures and documentation.
• Install piping systems for new projects or replace failed systems.
• Read and interpret plans and drawings to understand project scope, and update as-built documentation, schematics, and line diagrams upon completion to ensure accurate records.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for labour, materials, and time to assist in project planning and budgeting. Procure materials by coordinating with maintenance teams and staying informed on requisitions to ensure the timely execution of work orders.
• Troubleshoot, repair and perform preventive maintenance on mechanical systems by identifying potential issues early, ensuring proper operation and long-term reliability.
• Test, calibrate, and document all regulatory systems—including backflow prevention devices, emergency eyewash and shower units, and ABSA-registered equipment—to ensure University compliance with safety codes and regulatory bodies.
• Maintain certifications, stay current with evolving safety standards and technologies, collaborate with contractors, and utilize TIM/UTOPS inventory systems for efficient material and supply management. Provide training and supervision to apprentices and new employees by instilling proper work ethics, monitoring certification progress, and orienting them to campus policies, equipment, and locations.
• Utilize modern software, including the University’s Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) and Google Suite, to schedule tasks, maintain records, optimize workflows, and collaborate effectively.
• Participate in rotational standby and afternoon shifts to promptly diagnose, resolve mechanical issues, and manage emergencies during off-hours.
• Actively engage in safety initiatives by contributing to meetings, supporting program development, and maintaining safety procedures and documentation.
   

• Journeyperson Plumbing Certificate with Red Seal Endorsement
• High School Diploma
• Comprehensive understanding of the National Plumbing Code, local regulations, and pressure piping standards
• Up-to-date knowledge of safety protocols, including Lock-Out-Tag-Out (LOTO) and hazardous substance exposure controls.
• Willingness and availability to accommodate rotational standby and emergency call-backs.
• Ability to use and interact with electronic devices and software, including computerized maintenance management systems
• Other related certifications as required by trade standards or regulations
• Ability to use and interact with electronic devices and software, including computerized maintenance management systems
• Willingness and availability to accommodate on-call requirements as part of rotational duties Other related certifications as required by trade standards or regulations
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Must possess a valid Alberta Class 5 (non-GDL) driver’s license
• Must be able to provide a recent copy of a three-year driver’s abstract with no more than six (6) demerits and/or two (2) moving violations within the last two years
• Extensive experience in commercial or industrial mechanical environments.
• Previous experience working on the University of Alberta campuses or similar environments
• Technical proficiency in the installation and maintenance of ABSA Code affiliated piping and equipment
• Familiarity with ASME B31.9 and B31.3 codes regarding process and building services piping.
• Proven experience working on live mechanical systems with a strict adherence to isolation and safety protocols
• Dual-trade exposure or additional experience in areas outside the core plumbing trade that enhance overall mechanical performance.
• Commercial, industrial or residential mechanical experience 
• Hands-on experience in construction projects
• Previous experience working on the University of Alberta campuses or similar environments
• Backflow Prevention training
• Familiarity with enterprise solutions such as Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, AssetWorks AiM or equivalent computerized maintenance management systems, and other third-party applications, i.e. BAS Experience with ABSA Code and affiliated piping and equipment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
   

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter 

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.