Becoming a pipefitter in Waynesville, NC, typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring extensive training under experienced professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 89,141 pipefitters nationwide, with a median annual wage of $61,550. In Waynesville, NC, the average weekly wage for pipefitters is approximately $469.5, with an average overtime weekly pay of $1647. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Guild help aspiring pipefitters find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $108,000 annually for experienced professionals.
Job Summary Plans and performs preventive maintenance and emergency repairs on plumbing systems. Duties and Responsibilities • Maintains and repairs general plumbing components to include toilets, urinals, faucets, hose bibs, and drains. • Installs, repairs, or replaces hot and cold-water lines. • Repairs and replaces steam to hot water exchangers for major building heating systems. • Repairs and replaces pneumatic steam valves, radiator valves, traps, and steam and condensate pipes. • Repairs and replaces hot water heat pumps, chilled water pumps, sump pumps, and sewage pumps. • Installs, tests, and repairs all sizes of backflow prevention devices. • Leads troubleshooting efforts and repairs steam and water distribution systems. • Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices. • Provides sketches and dimensions used by drafters to create plans for subcontractor work. • Researches catalogs and vendor services for complex and/or customized system retrofits. • Interprets and applies mechanical and structural blueprints to plan plumbing repairs and modifications. • In coordination with management, assigns to and tracks corrective and preventive maintenance tasks given to subordinate plumbers. • Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. Minimum Job Requirements • High school diploma or GED; at least 6 years of trades experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Possession of a current North Carolina Plumbing license. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required • Plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair skills. • Knowledge of steam and water distribution systems maintenance and repair. • Ability to use hand and power tools applicable to trade. • Ability to lead others in troubleshooting and emergency repairs. • Ability to develop and implement planned maintenance programs. • Ability to read, understand, and follows safety procedures. Distinguishing Characteristics Position Requires: a) Estimate jobs, layout and material selection; b) Interpret plumbing and mechanical system building prints; c) Lead troubleshooting and repair efforts on steam and water distribution system components and backflow prevention devices; d) Troubleshoot sewage systems; e) Lead junior technicians in complex repair work. Conditions of Employment • Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license is a requirement for this job. • Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check. Working Conditions and Physical Effort • Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, and/or loud noises. • Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job. • No or very limited exposure to physical risk. • Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
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