Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College . Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com * .

UM Housing invites applications for a Maintenance Plumbing Apprentice. The plumbing apprentice must have a strong desire to learn everything related to the plumbing & pipefitting trade. The apprentice must commit to, attend and complete a minimum of two hundred and forty-six hours (246) hours of classroom studies and training through the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters union through the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) outside of work hours each year for a period of five (5) years. The time spent in outside classroom studies is not paid work time. Trainings typically take place Monday and Tuesday evenings for three (3) hours and on Saturdays during the school year.

An apprentice will be hired at the entry rate upon initial recruitment. The apprentice may request, through the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC), a placement other than the entry based on previous education, certifications and experience. If the JATC determines that the apprentice shall be placed at a step other than entry the JATC will communicate their decision in writing to the University with information to support the placement.

The apprentice will perform unskilled and semi-skilled labor related to the plumbing and pipefitting trade. As the apprentice progresses they are expected to perform skilled duties related to the plumbing and pipefitting trade. The apprentice will learn to install and maintain drain, waste and vent plumbing systems, water piping, plumbing fixtures, water-using appliances and equipment, water mains, sewer mains, storm drains, gas lines and gas-using appliances. The apprentice will learn to install and repair, pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters, and fixtures such as sinks and toilets, using hand and power tools, underground storm, sanitary and water piping systems and extend piping to connect fixtures and plumbing to these systems. The apprentice will learn to assemble pipe sections, tubing and fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, soldering, and brazing in all types of plumbing systems including threaded, brass, copper, pex, PVC, and cast iron.

The apprentice will learn to use plumbing and pipefitting hand and power tools. The apprentice will learn to measure, cut, thread, and bend pipe to required angle, using hand and power tools or machines such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, and pipe-bending machine. The apprentice will learn to work from drawings, blueprints and sketches and will learn safety rules and procedures related to the trade and abide by all OSHA safety.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated math and algebra skills
• Demonstrated effective reading skills
• Possess a valid Montana driver’s license
• Ability to commit to, attend, and complete a minimum of 246 hours of classroom studies and training through the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters union through the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC), outside of paid work hours, each year for a period of five (5) years
• Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot systems
• Ability and skill to communicate clearly and effectively with foreman, other crafts people, work order desk, the campus community and the public.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions effectively.
• Ability to perform manual labor, work in environments that are dirty, stinky, hot, cold, wet, dry, and that sometimes contain hazardous materials.
• Ability to learn and retain all trainings and education to perform assigned tasks and to complete and pass the educational requirements of the Union’s training program
• Ability to learn the safety rules and procedures related to the trade and abide by all OSHA safety standards

Physical Requirements

(Qualified candidates must be able to meet minimum requirements and perform the primary functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.)

• Lifting: Ground to 60 inches, up to 55#. Ground to overhead, up to 50#.
• Carrying: Front carry up to 75# for 10 feet or less. Front carry, or 1 handed carry, up and down stairs, 40#.
• Pushing forces required (during the use of tools): 65# sustained.
• Pulling forces required (during the use of tools): 75# sustained.
• Steel pipe, up to 21 feet long and weighing up to 227#, is rarely lifted and carried by 2 workers.
• Steel pipe, up to 10 feet 6 inches long, and weighing up to 100# is rarely lifted and carried on one shoulder, a distance of 100 feet
• A sewer machine, weighing 150#, is rarely lifted and carried up and down stairs, by 2 workers.
• Fixtures, weighing up to 75#, are rarely lifted from the ground or floor, and carried short distances, during the day.
• A tank type toilet, weighing 90#, is rarely lifted between 16 and 32 inch height, and carried at knee height between the knees, a short distance
• Sewer snakes, tools, and materials, weighing up to 75#, are occasionally lifted, and carried up and down stairs.
• Squatting occasionally, and kneeling, crouching, squatting or sitting on the floor to work at low levels, for a prolonged period of time.
• Static trunk forward bending and / or twisting occasionally, from a standing, crouching or kneeling position while using tools.
• Reaching frequently with your arms in all directions.
• Working overhead occasionally from various positions (standing, squatting, and kneeling).
• Balancing when climbing and working on a ladder or scaffold.
• Walking various distances throughout the day on even and uneven surfaces, distances up to 1000 feet.
• Use of various grip circumferences (up to 5 ½ inches), and strengths (up to 75# of grip force in both hands), as well as static grip positions, during the use of various tools, and while manipulating various work materials.
• Manual steadiness, dexterity, speed, and coordination:
  • Manual Dexterity — the ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp and manipulate objects.
  • Wrist-Finger Speed — the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

Physical Screen will be administered prior to a final offer of employment.

Minimum Required Experience

• High school diploma (or equivalency) in addition to one-year (1) experience working in construction, maintenance, or other trade setting and have some mechanical experience; OR any combination of experience and education that provides the competencies necessary to successfully discharge the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the tools of the trade. Pipe machines, pipe wrenches, soldering equipment, drain cleaning equipment
• Knowledge of the UM Campus and buildings
• Intermediate computer skills
• Knowledge of materials used in the plumbing field
• Ability to perform gas, arc, MIG and TIG welding with proficient knowledge of welding equipment and tools (welders, gas torches, bead blasters)

About UM Housing and UM

UM Housing provides safe, clean, healthy, and affordable living and learning facilities that foster an inclusive community living environment for students, staff, faculty, and guests. Services provided in these facilities support and nurture educational experiences and personal development at the University of Montana.

The University of Montana is flagship, research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

To learn more about the University of Montana and Missoula, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
  • Video: Mission First, People Always
  • UM on YouTube

Position Details

Position Title: Maintenance Plumber Apprentice

Position Number: NEW

Department: UM Housing

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 4 pm, 12 months/year.

Salary: $16.494/hr – Current employee’s rate of pay for this position will be determined by the staff compensation plan and will minimally be this posted salary. For questions and details regarding the staff compensation plan , email theCompensation Department. The apprentice may request, through the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC), a placement other than the entry based on previous education, certifications and experience.

Union Affiliation: Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 459

Probationary Period: Six months

Benefits Include: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

The priority application date has passed however, this position is still accepting applications.

To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.

Please submit the following application materials** via the UM Jobs portal and by clicking "New Resume/CV" button. Please do not apply through Indeed.com*.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience.
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

*Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application. Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above.

**Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

Required Skills

Required Experience