Bennington College seeks an experienced Plumber to join our Buildings & Grounds team. As Plumber, you will be part of a team responsible ensuring for the safe and efficient operation of all plumbing systems on campus. The Plumber performs all aspects of plumbing work including the operation, maintenance, and repair of all facilities and equipment including, but not limited to, boilers, fans, pumps and firing equipment. The current hourly rate of pay is $30.75. 

• Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm (full-time, 40 hours/week)

The College offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes generous paid time off benefits, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, short-term disability coverage, and a retirement plan with employer match. The College also offers educational benefits for the employee, spouse/partner and dependents.

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values. The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply.

This position requires successful completion and acceptable results of a background check.

General Responsibilities

• Perform all aspects of interior and exterior plumbing.  Measure, cut, thread or bend pipe to required angle using hand or power tools or machines such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, or pipe-bending machines.  Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings using appropriate materials.  Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances and fixtures using hand or power tools.  Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.

• Study building plans and inspect structures to determine materials and equipment needed for projects.  Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers and levels and indicate any changes on as-built plans.  Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.

• Maintain current knowledge of all types of heating, ventilating, air conditioning units, and equipment through State-approved continuing education required to maintain license.

• Ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment, including, but not limited to, boilers, fans, pumps and firing equipment.

• Perform routine (preventative) maintenance and repairs to facilities and equipment, including heating systems.

• Document boiler gauge readings as needed and/or required. Maintain proper boiler pressure/temperature relationships.

• Maintain required logs and records, and submit reports to supervisor, as scheduled.

• Lead work assignments of apprentices, journeymen, and other personnel as assigned.  Assist with training as needed.  

• Accept, review, and prioritize work orders and manage orders through completion.   Notify supervisor of discrepancies/problems with work orders, including any observation of hazardous materials or conditions.   

• Operate assigned vehicles as required to assist with transport of goods to designated areas and/or to facilitate execution of job functions.  Report any mechanical defects in vehicle to assistant director.

• Maintain proper care of tools and equipment.  Report necessary equipment repair and maintenance to supervisor in a timely manner.

• Follow established safety rules and regulations including using appropriate guards and safety devices on all equipment.  Maintain a safe and clean work environment.  Keep informed of all material safety data sheets. Attend and successfully complete/pass College-sponsored safety classes and seminars.

• Promote a positive and congenial atmosphere and working relationship with students, employees, supervisors and other individuals that this position may come in contact with.  Work effectively with other personnel to complete/coordinate designated duties.

• Use proper judgment in work assignments on a daily basis and recommend improvements in work efficiency.  Effectively manage own time.

• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

1. 1. High School graduate and/or GED equivalent required.  Minimum five (5) years of related plumbing experience required; valid/current Master Plumbing License (State Of Vermont) required.  Valid/current driver’s license required.

   2. Successful completion of College’s annual Hazardous Communication Training Program.  Ability to understand proper use of chemicals used in the performance of position duties and maintain familiarity with the chemical’s material safety data sheets.  Required attendance and successful completion/passing of College-sponsored classes and seminars determined by employer.  Incumbent must fulfill any continuing education training or instruction required by the State of Vermont to keep required licenses in good standing. 

   3. Exceptional customer service skills; demonstrated experience interacting and developing relationships with internal customers.  Demonstrated ability to multi-task, respond to requests with a sense of urgency, and complete work orders in a timely manner.  

   4. Language Skills: Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions, procedures, correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write correspondence.  Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate.

   5. Math Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure and inventory, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals to solve problems.  

   6. Reasoning Ability: Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems; considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and discussing ideas with supervisor.  Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  

Working conditions and physical demands

This position works both indoors and outside; primarily within the plumbing facilities/boiler areas of office buildings, academic/campus facilities, residential houses and the general maintenance plant building.  These areas are often confined spaces with limited physical access; potential to work under extreme temperatures.  This position requires routine medium to heavy physical exertion; typically involves lifting, standing, bending, reaching, stooping, walking, pushing, pulling and climbing stairs, step ladders and extension ladders to coordinate work.  This position requires the ability to lift and carry at least 100 pounds and the ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force frequently.  This position may require some overtime as well as weekend and holiday coverage.

The College