Maintenance Plumber (Facilities)

The Role

Performs preventive, demand, corrective maintenance, rejuvenation, and restoration work on plumbing systems, devices, fixtures, and HVAC systems at all Region buildings, including Waterloo Region housing to meet requirements for a safe and reliable workplace.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Repairs and replaces plumbing system components and fixtures; installs new water and sanitation systems and adds onto existing systems.
• Performs maintenance on mechanical operating equipment associated with HVAC systems (e.g. repairs/replaces components, changes filters, replaces motors, services humidification systems, replaces bearings on blowers, replaces belts, lubricates moving parts, troubleshoots and solves gas train problems).  
• Responds to client concerns and troubleshoots to identify cause of failure and determine course of action; implements appropriate solutions.
• Provides technical expertise to evaluate issues and provide options and solutions.
• Determines work scope, timelines, and details in consultation with supervisor, as required.
• Organizes, sets up, and cleans up work sites to ensure the safety and comfort of clients, tenants, co-workers, and the public. 
• Maintains documentation/records for projects, service work, and maintenance activities. Reports conditions for investigation/correction.
• Participates in the development and implementation of plumbing and backflow preventive maintenance programs (e.g., systems, fixtures, valves, shut-offs, hot water tanks, cushion tanks, water softeners and systems, sump pump systems, water heating systems, sewage systems). Performs annual backflow testing.
• Participates in the development and implementation of HVAC preventive maintenance program (e.g., natural gas, propane, fuel/electrical heating systems, air conditioning and heating units, fans and dampers, air and water refrigeration systems, control systems).
• Works with other staff as required to perform maintenance; update programs (e.g., fire, safety); repair/replace systems (e.g., methane, carbon monoxide); and maintain building elements (e.g., caulking, roofing, doors, windows, screens, rain gutters, down spouts, hardware, locks, minor carpentry, louvers). 
• Has contact with building inspectors, TSSA inspectors, and contractors regarding equipment repairs/replacement work. Contacts vendors and suppliers for technical support and information.
• Inventories and identifies plumbing and HVAC systems, equipment, and fixtures. Secures and maintains tools, equipment, and computers/devices required in safe working condition. Reports need to repair or replace Region-owned tools or equipment to supervisor. Has a p-card and purchases materials. 
• Backs up other facilities maintenance staff, as required. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have Journeyperson status as a Plumber (306A), plus a Gas Technician II certificate, or Gas Technician III certificate and ability to attain G2 within 12 months of employment, plus 3 years of institutional, commercial, and/or residential experience in building maintenance and construction as a journeyperson plumber. 
• Must have Backflow Tester & Installer Certificate through Canadian Wastewater Association (or attain within 6 months of employment).  
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with corporate policies, procedures, and standards; industry standards (e.g., American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers); municipal by-laws; local utilities standards; TSSA requirements; LEED standards; and legislation and codes (e.g., fire, building, electrical, gas, plumbing, health and safety). Ability to remain current and update status with trade/certification requirements.  
• Ability to keep knowledge and skills current as it relates to new buildings, materials, systems, and technologies.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with limited direction. Ability to determine work required and manage projects from concept to completion. 
• Communication and human relations skills to interact, communicate, and exchange technical information with co-workers, contractors, clients, and tenants, and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics and electrical, mechanical, architectural plans, drawings, and blueprints. Ability to complete work orders, timesheets, and requisition forms. Ability to read and apply information from technical manuals, reports, instructions, code changes, and WHMIS.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, a work order management system, and building automation systems.
• Must have a valid G driver’s license (or G2 with 3 years of driving experience) and acceptable driving record to operate corporate vehicles.
• Must provide an acceptable security background check to meet requirements for working unaccompanied in police facilities.
• Must provide an acceptable criminal and judicial matters police check (level 2) for bondability and periodically working in long term care facilities. 
• Ability to participate in a regular standby/on-call rotation to respond to emergencies, call-outs, equipment failures, and breakdowns. Ability to work staggered hours, statutory holidays, weekends, and overtime as required/requested.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.
   

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Internal 1656 applicants are required to submit a document with their name on it (or an optional resume).  1656 staff are encouraged to internally apply with an updated resume, especially for those job opportunities that are a promotional opportunity, so that their qualifications are appropriately captured during the screening phase.