Plumbing Project Technician- Mechanical Ability Required. Plumbing Experience Optional.
C&K Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Gutters | Ames, IA | Full-Time
You do not need to be an experienced plumber to succeed in this position.
You do need to be mechanically capable, dependable, attentive, and willing to learn. We are looking for someone who can follow instructions closely, work steadily without wasting time, and develop into a skilled plumbing professional through hands-on training and oversight.
This is a good opportunity for someone with experience in construction, maintenance, farming, manufacturing, automotive work, equipment repair, remodeling, or another hands-on field who wants to build a long-term career in plumbing.
You will begin by working under the direction of experienced plumbing professionals. As your knowledge, judgment, and workmanship develop, you will earn greater responsibility and independence.
Who Will Succeed Here
You may be a strong fit if you:
- Show up on time and ready to work.
- Listen carefully and follow directions accurately.
- Work diligently, even when no one is standing over you.
- Learn well through demonstration and hands-on practice.
- Take pride in clean, precise, professional work.
- Can use tools and understand how mechanical systems fit together.
- Ask questions when you are unsure instead of guessing.
- Accept correction and apply what you were taught.
- Stay organized and keep track of tools, materials, and job details.
- Want to master a skilled trade rather than simply find another job.
Plumbing experience is valuable, but character, mechanical aptitude, discipline, and coachability matter more for this position.
What You Will Do
Under the direction and oversight of experienced team members, you will learn to:
- Install water supply, drainage, waste, vent, and gas piping systems.
- Measure, cut, assemble, support, and connect piping and plumbing components.
- Install plumbing fixtures, equipment, valves, and accessories.
- Read drawings, job plans, measurements, and written work instructions.
- Prepare tools and materials for upcoming work.
- Assist with identifying required materials and creating accurate material lists.
- Protect customers’ homes and existing building surfaces while working.
- Keep the jobsite, company vehicle, tools, and materials clean and organized.
- Complete assigned work according to company standards and instructions.
- Inspect your work and correct problems before considering a task complete.
- Communicate clearly with supervisors, coworkers, customers, and other trades.
- Develop the knowledge and judgment required to complete plumbing projects more independently over time.
What You Will Need
- Strong mechanical aptitude.
- A proven ability to follow detailed directions.
- Dependable attendance and a consistent work ethic.
- Basic experience using hand and power tools.
- Ability to measure accurately and perform practical jobsite math.
- Willingness to learn plumbing methods, materials, codes, and safety practices.
- Ability to accept instruction, feedback, and correction professionally.
- Valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
- Ability to pass required background and drug screening.
- Ability to lift more than 50 pounds and work while standing, crouching, kneeling, climbing, or carrying materials.
- Ability to work safely in basements, mechanical rooms, crawlspaces, construction sites, and outdoor conditions.
Previous plumbing or construction experience is preferred, but it is not required. We will train a mechanically capable person who demonstrates the right habits and attitude.
What This Position Is Not
This is not a position for someone who:
- Needs to be repeatedly reminded to stay productive.
- Ignores instructions and prefers to “figure it out” by trial and error.
- Covers up mistakes instead of asking for help.
- Is careless with customers’ property, company tools, or materials.
- Resists coaching or becomes defensive when corrected.
- Wants immediate independence without first proving competence.
We will provide training and oversight. In return, we expect attention, effort, accountability, and measurable progress.
What We Offer
- Hands-on training from experienced plumbing professionals.
- A clear opportunity to develop into a skilled plumber.
- Increasing responsibility as your capability grows.
- High earning potential through performance-based compensation.
- Year-round work.
- Paid time off.
- Paid holidays.
- IRA with company match.
- Health and dental insurance.
- Tool program and support.
- Well-stocked company vehicles.
- Dedicated office and operational support.
- A company that rewards skill, productivity, ownership, and growth.
Our Standards
At C&K, every employee is expected to be:
- Accountable — Take responsibility for your work, your assignments, and your results.
- Independent — Stay productive on your own while knowing when to ask for help.
- Organized — Maintain clean tools, orderly materials, efficient workspaces, and clear job information.
- Communicative — Listen carefully, ask useful questions, and provide clear updates.
- Coachability — Accept instruction, apply feedback, and continue developing your skills.
- Service-Minded — Treat customers, coworkers, and their property with respect.
- Growth-Oriented — Invest in becoming more capable, valuable, and dependable.
About C&K
C&K has served Central Iowa for more than 55 years. We provide heating, cooling, plumbing, gutter, and architectural metal services with one purpose: to improve people’s lives through care and expertise.
Our customers depend on us to make complicated home systems feel simple, clear, and reliable. That requires people who learn their craft, follow proven processes, communicate well, and execute exactly as promised.
This is an opportunity to enter a skilled trade, learn from experienced professionals, and build a career based on proven ability—not simply previous job titles.
Apply today and tell us about the hands-on work you have done, the tools you know how to use, and why you believe you can become an excellent plumbing professional.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) 3% Match
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Ames, IA 50010 (Required)
Work Location: In person
