City and County of San Francisco

Under general supervision, performs skilled plumbing work in the installation, maintenance and repair of water mains, pipes, meters, fire hydrants and hydrant leads. This is a journey-level class in the utility plumber series.

The 7388 Utility Plumber is distinguished from the next higher class 7250 Utility Plumber Supervisor I in that the incumbents in the latter class are responsible for organizing and supervising the activities of subordinates.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Installs new water services and mains or replaces or relocates services with copper, cast iron, wrought iron, plastic, or steel pipes and bronze, copper or galvanized fittings; drills and taps water mains.

2. Locates and repairs underground and surface leaks on service pipes and water mains; makes repairs under water pressure, using various methods; installs, changes, removes and makes field repairs to water meters; sets meters and meter boxes in conformity with established sidewalk grades; installs, relocates or changes temporary water mains and makes necessary alterations to water services and meters; removes meters and conducts flow and pressure tests.

3. Cleans and maintains traps; repairs gate valves; changes broken or worn spindles; repacks glands; assists in the operation of gate valves; checks air valves when filling mains; repairs leaks in cast iron mains using leak clamp for minor breaks, or in the case of large breaks, cuts out and removes broken section and installs new section; installs necessary piping and sets recording chart meters or registers on water mains and meters; recaulks joints on new and old mains; lays out and installs new mains and pertinent fittings.

4. Oversees a small crew of semi-skilled and unskilled helpers in the performance of various maintenance activities or installations of new services; oversees and assists in the excavation and backfilling of trenches, the disinfection and flushing of mains and fittings and the setting up and operating of various equipment necessary to maintenance and installation activities.

5. Inspects, services, repairs and replaces defective parts of high and low pressure fire hydrants; makes needed repairs in the field when possible or removes hydrants for shop repair; operates, inspects and makes repairs to high and low pressure gate valves; caulks joints using suitable caulking materials and tools; paints fire hydrants; rebuilds hydrant bodies, inspects the installation and alteration of high pressure mains and hydrant leads; tests, inspects and services building standpipes; inspects, makes repairs to and fills fire cisterns; makes repairs and adjustments to high pressure recorders; inspects, services, repairs and replaces defective parts of reservoirs and tanks; may perform incidental maintenance or installation of inside plumbing when required.

Knowledge of: the methods, tools, equipment and supplies used in the installation, servicing, repair and replacement of water mains, service pipes and connections, fire hydrants and other water supply installations.

Ability and Skill to: carry out duties according to instructions and use good judgment in making unsupervised or emergency repairs; cooperate with other employees in the performance of duties and supervise and inspect the work of subordinates.

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:
Completion of the recognized program of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada -- City and County of San Francisco Utility Plumber Apprenticeship program in Class 7463/7464.

Experience:

License and Certification:
Possession of a valid California driver license.

Substitution:
Completion of a recognized five (5) year plumber’s apprenticeship program and three (3) years of journey-level experience working with water mains, pipes, hydrants and services for a water utility may be substituted for the completion of the City and County of San Francisco Utility Plumber Apprenticeship.

Additional journey-level experience working with water mains, pipes, hydrants and services for a water utility may substitute for the completion of a recognized plumber’s apprenticeship program on a year-for-year basis.

PROMOTIVE LINES

To: 7250 Utility Plumber Supervisor I

From: 7464 Utility Plumber Apprentice II

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.