Maintenance Technician/Plumber Helper
Houston Baptist University
You will be taken to the employer's application page. Listing expires September 5, 2026.
Job Description
Reports To: Director of Maintenance & Operations
Job Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
Under general supervision from higher level management staff, performs skilled work involving the installation, maintenance and repair of pipes, fittings and fixtures of heating, water, drainage and gas systems and lines, and irrigation systems; performs a variety of preventive maintenance within the area of assignment; operates and maintains a variety of hand and power tools and equipment; and performs a variety of general maintenance work relative to assigned area of responsibility.
Primary Responsibilities
General plumbing issues, install, and repair pipe, leaks, fixtures, apparatus and control equipment. Also will help other areas when needed.
Knowledge of:
- Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in plumbing and irrigation work
- Practices and techniques in plumbing
- Electrical systems related to landscape irrigation
- Operational characteristics of maintenance and construction equipment and tools used in the area of assignment
- Standard uniform plumbing code
- Occupational hazards and standard safety practices
Ability to:
- Perform general plumbing maintenance, installation and repair work
- Use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, and power tools and equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner
- Identify and correct general plumbing problems
- Install, maintain and repair a variety of fixtures, valves and pipes
- Work effectively and independently in the absence of supervision
- Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures
- Estimate time, material, and labor costs for maintenance and repair projects
- Understand and follow oral and written communication
- Exhibit professionalism and respect when working with the community of college students
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Education/Training
High School or GED.
Experience
Two years of plumbing experience.
Qualifications
Entry Level To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform and handle multi-tasks. Industrial construction/maintenance industry experience preferred.
Physical Requirements
Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, Crawling, Reaching, Standing, Walking, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Grasping, Feeling, and Repetitive Motions
Additional Information
Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian liberal arts institution with a diverse student body. It has access to all the cultural advantages of one of the largest metropolitan centers in the country. For more information about the University, visit hc.edu. The University has implemented its Ten Pillars vision (hc.edu/vision) and anticipates significant growth in student enrollment and university programs. The successful candidate will also be able to articulate a vision for the role of his or her discipline at HCU that is supportive of the Ten Pillars vision statement.
Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University sets forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of personnel.
Disclaimer Background checks are performed on every new hire. If your application is selected to continue with the interviewing process you will be required to submit a Background Check form. If you decline, your application may be denied. By proceeding with the online application you understand and accept this process.
What Most Plumbers Job Listings Don't Tell You
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
Plumbing is a licensed trade in Texas. You start as a registered apprentice, log paid on-the-job hours, and work under a licensed plumber before you can sit for the tradesman or journeyman exam. Many job posts list a title like plumber but expect a specific license tier, so read the fine print. Pay is usually hourly for apprentices and shifts toward flat-rate or commission on the service side, where a share of each ticket rewards speed and upselling.
New hires are often surprised by the truck and on-call reality. Service plumbers frequently drive a stocked company van, run a rotating after-hours or weekend shift, and handle emergency calls for burst lines and backups. New-construction and commercial work runs steadier daytime hours but leans on rough-in speed and blueprint reading. Houston humidity, slab foundations, and older cast-iron systems mean steady demand year round, with spikes after freezes and heavy storms.
What to Expect Day-to-Day
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
A service day starts with a dispatch list and a stocked truck. You confirm parts, plan a route, and roll to the first call. Typical work includes clearing drains, swapping water heaters, fixing leaks under slabs, repairing fixtures, and running camera inspections on sewer lines. You diagnose the problem, quote the repair, and get sign-off before turning a wrench.
Customer interaction is a big part of the role. You explain options in plain language, protect floors and finishes, and leave the work area clean. Paperwork follows every job. You log parts, take photos, and close out the ticket in the field. New-construction plumbers spend more of the day on rough-in, setting drain and vent lines to code, then return for the finish stage to set fixtures. Either path involves lifting, crawling into tight spaces, and coordinating with inspectors so the job passes the first time.
What Plumbers Jobs Pay in Houston
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area. Median is about $29.47/hr.
Becoming a Licensed Plumber in Texas
Plumbing is licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. You register as an apprentice, then work under a licensed plumber while you log paid hours. After enough hours you can test for tradesman or journeyman, and with more experience you sit for the master plumber exam. Backflow and medical gas are separate endorsements that add earning power. Each step requires documented hours and a passing exam, so keeping careful records of your time matters. Texas recognizes experience from some other states, but you still test here to hold a Texas license.
Career Ladder and Pay
- 1 Registered Apprentice $49,254/yr
Learn on the job under a licensed plumber and log paid hours.
- 2 Tradesman / Journeyman Plumber $61,298/yr
Pass the exam and work with less supervision on service and installs.
- 3 Master Plumber $75,691/yr
Top license tier. Pull permits, design systems, and supervise crews.
- 4 Estimator / Foreman $75,691/yr
Bid jobs and run crews on larger residential and commercial work.
- 5 Shop Owner $85,675/yr
Hold the responsible master license and run your own plumbing company.
Licensing paths and timelines are general guidance for this trade in Texas. Confirm current requirements with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or the relevant state agency.
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