Plumber Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established October 2, 1984

Scope

This series describes Plumber classifications utilized by various State agencies. Positions in these classes conduct or supervise the installation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of standard plumbing equipment concerned with water, gas, oil, sewage, fire control, steam and refrigeration systems.

Description of Levels

Positions in this series may supervise or direct the work of patients or institutional clients of the State of California not in a correctional facility. There is a parallel classification series of Plumber (Correctional Facility) which is utilized by the Department of Corrections and the Department of the Youth Authority. These positions may supervise inmates and are subject to safety retirement.

Entry Level

Entry into this series is typically from either the class of Plumber Apprentice or Plumber I.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

The number and level of subordinate staff; responsibility for cost estimation, material requisitioning and job layout; and enforcement of safety standards.

Definition of Levels

Plumber Apprentice

This class is one of two entry classes, and is a formal apprentice training program leading to journey level status as a Plumber I. Incumbents are indentured apprentices in training under the provisions of apprenticeship standards and written apprentice agreements as defined in Chapter 4, Division�3 of the Labor Code. Inability to maintain satisfactory progress in the academic and vocational work of the apprenticeship program is sufficient cause for separation from the program.

Plumber I

This is one of two entry classes and the first journey level of this series. Incumbents install, maintain, inspect and repair standard plumbing equipment concerned with water, gas, oil, sewage, fire control, steam and refrigeration systems; troubleshoot plumbing systems; install and repair pumps; maintain a plumbing shop; make rough sketches and estimate labor and materials for minor plumbing installation and repair; advise in selection, ordering, and storage of plumbing supplies and equipment; consult with other tradespeople; keep simple records and make reports; and instruct and lead unskilled assistants.

Plumber II

This is a working leadworker level. In addition to the duties of Plumber I, incumbents at this level may prepare lists of materials and supplies; estimate job costs; lay out a job; and direct the work of three or more craftspeople or helpers, exercising only limited supervisory responsibility.

Plumber Supervisor

This is the first full supervisory level. Incumbents plan, lay out, direct and inspect the work of a crew of Plumbers and other workers engaged in plumbing installation and repair work; advise in the selection of plumbing materials; requisition plumbing materials and supplies; see that work is carried out according to plans and specifications and is properly correlated with other trades; and see that safety regulations are followed.

Minimum Qualifications

Plumber Apprentice

Qualifications for this level are in the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities section.

Plumber I

Either I

Completion of a recognized apprenticeship in plumbing. (Apprentices who are within six months of completing their apprenticeship program may be admitted to the examination, but must present evidence of completion prior to appointment.)

Or II

Four years of varied general experience installing, maintaining, inspecting and repairing standard plumbing equipment. An Associate of Arts or Certificate of Arts Degree in Plumbing from an accredited community college may be substituted for two years of the required experience. (Students who are within six months of completing their degree will be admitted to the examination, but must present evidence of completion prior to appointment.)

Plumber II

Either I

One year of varied experience as a journey level plumber; and completion of a recognized apprenticeship in plumbing.

Or II

Five years of varied experience installing, maintaining, inspecting, and repairing standard plumbing equipment. An Associate of Arts or Certificate of Arts Degree in Plumbing from an accredited community college may be substituted for two years of the required experience. (Students who are within six months of completing their degree will be admitted to the examination but they must present evidence of completion prior to appointment.)

Plumber Supervisor

Either I

Two years of varied experience as a journey level plumber; and completion of a recognized apprenticeship in plumbing.

Or II

Six years of varied experience installing, maintaining, inspecting, and repairing standard plumbing equipment. An Associate of Arts or Certificate of Arts Degree in Plumbing from an accredited community college may be substituted for two years of the required experience. (Students who are within six months of completing their degree will be admitted to the examination but they must present evidence of completion prior to appointment.)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Plumber Apprentice

Knowledge of: Basic arithmetic, spelling and grammar.

Ability to: Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; follow directions; acquire acceptable work habits such as punctuality, neatness and dependability; work safely; make satisfactory progress in the prescribed academic and practical work in an approved apprenticeship program for Plumber I.

All Levels Above Plumber Apprentice

Knowledge of: Principles, methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in plumbing; Safety Orders of the Division of Industrial Safety applicable to plumbing; and building codes.

Skill in: Performing plumbing work and in caring for tools, materials, and equipment.

Ability to: Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; read blueprints and work from plans and specifications; keep records and make simple reports; prepare rough sketches of minor plumbing installations; estimate material and labor costs for minor plumbing jobs.

Plumber I

Ability to: All of the above, and follow oral and written instructions; instruct and lead unskilled assistants.

Plumber II

Ability to: All of the above, and instruct, direct and coordinate the work of a small crew; follow oral and written directions.

Plumber Supervisor

Knowledge of: All of the above, and techniques of effective supervision; the department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: All of the above, and plan, lay out, direct and inspect the work of a crew of plumbers and helpers; effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

Class History