Location:
Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Advertised Salary:
$30.30 per hour. Hourly rate pursuant to the FSU and AFSCME/AFL-CIO Agreement.
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.)
AFSCME Benefits
Temporary/Continuing:
Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time:
Full-Time
Union Group:
Custodial, Maintenance, Dining, Skilled Trade (AFSCME Local 1609)
Term of Position:
12 Month
At Will/Just Cause:
Just Cause
Summary of Position:
Perform skilled trades work in assembling, repairing, and installing various plumbing systems including hot water systems under high or low pressure. Repair and maintenance of gas fired appliances. Normal working hours for this position are anticipated to be M-F, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Will be required to be on-call.
Required Education:
High school diploma or GED equivalency.
Required Work Experience:
No additional work experience needed beyond what is required to obtain a Journeyman Plumber license.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Valid State of Michigan Journeyman Plumber License. Valid driver's license.
Physical Demands:
- Bending
- Carrying
- Electrical Hazards
- Inclement Weather
- Moving
- Reaching
- Sitting
- Twisting
- Balancing
- Climbing
- Driving
- Heights
- Pulling/Pushing
- Repetitive movement
- Standing
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:
Preference will be given to candidates who possess a Master’s license, current backflow preventer testing and certification, pipe welding certification and knowledge of steam and condensate systems as well as to those who demonstrate an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Apply pipe insulation.
Assemble and install pipe and pipe fittings of brass, copper, glass, plastic and other materials.
Estimate time and material requirements for assigned work.
Fabricate and/or weld various equipment as needed.
Inspect, install, and repair all water mains, service, sewer, air and gas lines, valves, gauges, pumps, and fixtures; including sinks, commodes, urinals, dishwashers, disposals, stoves, ovens, residential boilers, furnaces, baseboard heat, food service equipment, steam and water lines, traps, relief and pressure reducing valves, vacuum systems, circulating and sump pumps, water softeners, expansion joints, belts, gas and steam lines, acid waste, etc.
Inspect, maintain, and install hot water heating systems, piping, and convectors; and, small residence related furnace and heating systems.
Inspect, maintain, and repair well and potable water distribution systems, including fire hydrants.
Join piping by threading, caulking, soldering, brazing, cementing or welding.
Locate underground utilities.
Maintain and repair interior and exterior sanitary and storm sewer systems.
Maintain assigned tools, keep equipment and mechanical space in a neat, organized and clean non-hazardous environment.
May be required to secure and maintain required plumbing permits.
Monitor air for confined space entry.
Prepare records and service reports.
Requisition materials and parts.
Stock, maintain and operate a service vehicle in a neat, organized and safe manner.
Test piping systems for leaks, using air, water, and/or gauges.
Unplug clogged drains, pipes, drinking fountains, and fixtures.
Operate university motor or personal vehicles safely while carrying out job responsibilities.
Maintain safety and security of equipment, vehicles, keys, tools, materials, and inventories.
Maintain safety, health, and quality standards in all duties and responsibilities.
Report to immediate supervisor.
Train and guide the work of other employees in the performance of the characteristic duties.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Assist in or perform work on other mechanical systems as needed.
Skills and Abilities:
Communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty and visitors.
Direct and train others in the performance of the characteristic duties.
Erect and work from ladders, scaffolding, boom truck, and related devices.
Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Have thorough knowledge of applicable plumbing codes, rules, and regulations (local, state, and federal).
Keep and maintain accurate records.
Maintain University standards of good workmanship in both quality and quantity.
Operate pipe cutters, pipe threaders, hack saws, drill press, impact drills, sewer cleaning equipment, sound detectors, soldering equipment, arc and gas welders, and various hand tools.
Perform mathematical computations with a high degree of accuracy.
Perform skilled work in all plumbing-related duties.
Read, understand, interpret, and follow blue prints, sketches, job specifications, layout piping and heating systems, directions, safety labels, equipment operations manuals, etc.
Understand and know methods, codes and regulations, materials, tools, equipment, and safety precautions of the plumbing trade.
Understand, use good judgment, and follow procedures established through safety training and the physical plant safety manual.
Work harmoniously with and guide others in situations of variable temperatures; occasional noise; in inclement weather environments and stressful workloads.
Work independently.
Work with least amount of inconvenience to all people involved.
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Certification/License
Special Instructions to Applicants:
All applicants need to ensure that their application information reflects how they meet the minimum qualifications that are posted on the job posting in order to be considered for the position.
Initial Application Review Date:
March 16, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?:
Yes
EEO Statement:
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
