About the position The Plumber/Pipefitter position at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's New Iberia Research Center involves a variety of responsibilities centered around the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing fixtures and piping systems. This role is classified as experienced, meaning that the individual will be expected to perform journeyman level plumbing work without the need for direct supervision. The position does not involve supervisory duties over other staff, but it may include directing and training apprentice helpers. The work environment is dynamic, as the position may be utilized by various state agencies, providing a broad scope of experience in different settings. The primary function of this role is to ensure that plumbing systems are operational and efficient. This includes installing and repairing water lines, sewerage lines, gas lines, steam lines, and various plumbing fixtures such as gas heaters and hot water heaters. The plumber/pipefitter will also be responsible for troubleshooting issues such as clogged drains and leaking faucets, ensuring that all plumbing systems are functioning correctly and safely. The position requires a strong understanding of plumbing systems and the ability to work independently while adhering to safety standards and regulations. In addition to technical skills, the role may require interaction with other staff and possibly the public, necessitating good communication skills and a customer service-oriented approach. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, making it an attractive opportunity for qualified candidates looking to advance their careers in public service. Responsibilities • Installs, alters, maintains, and repairs plumbing fixtures and equipment such as water lines, sewerage lines, gas lines, steam lines, gas heaters, hot water heaters, water fountains, and steam cookers. , • Repairs and replaces worn plumbing fixtures. , • Repairs leaking faucets. , • Opens clogged drains. , • Inspects, repairs, and makes adjustments to piping and tubing connected to steam pumps, air compressors, water pumps, and heaters. , • Directs and trains apprentice helpers. Requirements • Two years of experience in pipefitting, steamfitting, or plumbing. , • Training in the plumbing, pipefitting, or steamfitting trade will substitute for the required experience on a month for month basis. Nice-to-haves Benefits • Insurance Coverage , • Parental Leave - Up to six weeks paid parental leave , • Paid holidays including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Mardi Gras, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. , • Sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. , • Retirement benefits through various retirement systems such as LASERS, TRSL, and LSERS.
See More Details >>About the position The Plumber/Pipefitter Master position at the University of Louisiana - Lafayette involves performing highly skilled technical installations, repairs, and modifications to all plumbing systems, including both above and below ground systems. This role requires expertise in low and high-pressure steam, gas, and water systems, and utilizes multiple trade skills such as plumbing, welding, insulating, and pipefitting. The position is classified as advanced work, with broad supervision received from a Plumber/Pipefitter Foreman. The incumbent will also serve as a lead worker over Plumber/Pipefitter and Apprentices, indicating a level of responsibility in guiding less experienced staff. The job entails a variety of tasks, including troubleshooting and repairing complex systems, performing preventive maintenance on domestic and commercial hot water heaters and boilers, and ensuring compliance with code and insurance specifications. The Plumber/Pipefitter Master will work from complex plans and specifications, install and repair steam regulators, steam traps, and relief valves, and assemble various metal and plastic pressure and sewage piping using a range of techniques. Additionally, the role includes maintaining and installing medical air lines, vacuum lines, nitrous oxide, and oxygen systems, as well as repairing fire mains and installing kicker blocks and valves according to specifications. This position is critical to the operations of the New Iberia Research Center and may be utilized by all state agencies, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to public service through skilled labor in a state agency environment. Responsibilities • Perform repairs, troubleshooting, and modification to above and below ground systems including tunnel installations. , • Repair high and low pressure gas, steam, and water systems. , • Conduct preventive maintenance on domestic and commercial hot water heaters and boilers to ensure compliance with code and insurance specifications. , • Work from and with complex plans and specifications. , • Install and repair steam regulators, steam traps, and relief valves. , • Assemble various metal and plastic pressure and sewage piping using threaded joints, soldering techniques, clamps, bonds, and leaded joints. , • Perform work in all phases of insulation and welding. , • Repair fire mains and install kicker blocks and valves according to specifications. , • Repair, replace, and maintain steam sterilizers. , • Calibrate and adjust controls on steam and hot water sterilizers. , • Maintain and install medical air lines, vacuum lines, nitrous oxide, and oxygen systems. Requirements • Three years of experience in pipefitting, steamfitting, or plumbing. , • Training in the plumbing, pipefitting, or steamfitting trade can substitute for a maximum of two years of the required experience on a month-for-month basis. Nice-to-haves Benefits • Insurance coverage options including health, dental, and vision. , • Paid parental leave of up to six weeks. , • Paid holidays including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Mardi Gras, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. , • Accrual of sick and annual leave, with increasing accrual rates based on years of service. , • Participation in various retirement systems, including the Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (LASERS), Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana, and Louisiana School Employees Retirement System.
See More Details >>About the position The Plumber/Pipefitter Master position at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette involves performing advanced technical installations, repairs, and modifications to various plumbing systems. This role requires a high level of skill in plumbing, welding, insulating, and pipefitting, and includes responsibilities such as troubleshooting and maintaining both above and below ground systems for a large state agency complex. Responsibilities • Perform repairs, troubleshooting, and modification to above and below ground plumbing systems including tunnel installations. , • Repair high and low pressure gas, steam, and water systems. , • Conduct preventive maintenance on domestic and commercial hot water heaters and boilers to ensure compliance with codes and specifications. , • Work from complex plans and specifications to install and repair steam regulators, steam traps, and relief valves. , • Assemble various metal and plastic pressure and sewage piping using threaded joints, soldering techniques, and clamps. , • Perform insulation and welding tasks as required. , • Repair fire mains and install kicker blocks and valves according to specifications. , • Maintain and install medical air lines, vacuum lines, nitrous oxide, and oxygen systems. Requirements • Three years of experience in pipefitting, steamfitting, or plumbing. , • Training in the plumbing, pipefitting, or steamfitting trade may substitute for a maximum of two years of the required experience. Nice-to-haves Benefits • Insurance coverage options , • Up to six weeks paid parental leave , • Paid holidays including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Mardi Gras, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day , • Sick and annual leave accumulation , • Retirement system participation options
See More Details >>Becoming a plumber typically starts with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 635,000 plumbers nationwide, and projects a 6% job growth from 2023 to 2033. Apprentices earn an average of $430 per week in New Iberia, LA, with an annual overtime average of $22,360. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring plumbers find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $61,550 annually for experienced professionals.
