Plumber Sub-Foreperson
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Plumber Sub-Foreperson
Facilities & Services
Job Summary
The primary function of the Plumber Sub-Foreperson is to plan schedule, coordinate and supervise the work of Plumbers.Duties & Responsibilities
- Works at the direction of the Foreperson who reports to the Superintendent of Building Maintenance.
- Assigns pipe fitting work to assigned Plumbers and apprentices submitted from the Work Management Center to be completed in accordance with prioritized needs and schedules.
- When requested, assists with providing estimates as requested for labor and materials cost of jobs.
- Makes recommendations for hiring and discipline and addresses employee performance issues.
- Assists Building Maintenance in developing preventive maintenance estimates and schedules.
- Works closely with the Service Department, Crafts, Engineers, and Forepersons to meet the requirements of the Campus.
- Verifies time cards and monitors work performance of assigned Plumbers.
- Plans and organizes the pipe fitter project and/or maintenance and alteration work performed by Plumbers, and other assigned personnel.
- Assist Foreperson to maintain records of work completed, material purchasing, overtime list, training records, and inventories of tools and equipment.
- Monitors work to assure compliance with prevailing codes and University Building Standards, as well as correct procedures and techniques.
- Is responsible for tools, equipment and materials assigned for use to the plumbing shop.
- The Sub-Foreperson must be available to provide leadership for emergency response during off normal working hours to handle problems relating to the building plumbing system.
- Visits job sites to ensure satisfactory work quality and completion requirements are being met.
- Responsible for safety and policy enforcement.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Physical Demands
Working Conditions
Additional Physical Demands
1. Work is assigned through the Work Management Group, Service office, or via the Director of Building Maintenance & Grounds or his Designee in oral or written form. There is very limited supervision provided. The Sub-Foreperson is responsible for assuring the work or projects are completed properly in accord with statues and codes in a safe and timely manner. The Sub-Foreperson is expected to support the Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and management operational directions and philosophies of Facilities and Services. The Sub-Foreperson is expected to support F&S management operational directions and philosophies. The Sub-Foreperson must exemplify high standards of leadership, loyalty, craftsmanship, and dedication.2. Interacts with Campus Customers, Supervision, peers and employees. Creates a work environment which develops accountability for performance and develops team work and unity within the shop and throughout the University campus.
3. May work in extreme weather conditions.
4. Must be aware of potential danger from moving parts and equipment.
5. May be exposed to dust, loud noise, smoke, and cleaning compounds.
6. This position requires the ability to multi-task on a routine basis due to the number of issues that must be dealt with daily.
7. The workload associated with the position can be stressful at times.
8. The employee is expected to support the Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and management operational directions and philosophies of Facilities and Services.
9. Must be able to work in temperature extremes ranging from freezing weather to steam tunnels.
10. Must be able to work at heights to inspect equipment located on platforms or hung above tall ceilings.
11. Must be able to work amid hazards of work sites such as dust, noise, and in areas such as coal fired power plants, animal rooms, and laboratories.
12. May be exposed to radiation and chemical fumes, molten lead and welding arcs. Use of Personal Protective Equipment is required when hazards exist.
Minimum Qualifications
1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Successful completion of a recognized plumber apprenticeship program or five (5) years (60 months) of full-time journey- level plumber experience.
3. Two (2) additional years (24 months) of full-time journeyman-level plumber experience.
4. Possession of current State of Illinois Plumber's License.
5. Possession of a valid State of Illinois driver's license at the time of hire and maintained throughout employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- 1. Possess an advanced knowledge of plumbing.
- 2. Good communication skills.
- 3. Ability to work effectively with and understand customer needs and requirements.
- 4. Ability to read and understand blueprints, schematics, etc.
- 5. Thorough knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and safe and proper use of tools and equipment.
- 6. Ability to effectively supervise others (plan, organize, prioritize, assign, and follow up) assignments.
- 7. Thorough knowledge and use of Plumbing tools and equipment.
- 8. Thorough knowledge of Plumbing systems.
- 9. Ability to give directions both orally and in written form that are concise and understandable.
- 10. Thorough knowledge of safety procedures.
- 11. Ability to read and interpret drawings, sketches, and blueprints.
- 12. Thorough knowledge and understanding of all plumbing work and University Building Standards.
- 13. Promote safe operations, provide safety training, and support departmental safety initiatives and programs.
- 14. Ensure shop tools and equipment are functioning properly and personnel are well trained on how to use the equipment.
- 15. Monitor personnel to assure safety and security policies are being followed.
- 16. Ability to multi-task on a routine basis due to the number of issues that must be dealt with daily.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 1930 - Plumber Sub-Foreman position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 2/9/2026. Salary is $57.68/hour.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 26th, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Weaver jdw86@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1034388
Job Category: Crafts & Trades
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu