Plumbing Supervisor
Rice University
You will be taken to the employer's application page. Listing expires September 5, 2026.
Job Description
Special Instructions to Applicants
All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.
About Rice
Boasting a 300-acre, tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. These values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They are reflected in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.
Position Summary
The Plumbing Supervisor is responsible for supervising the plumbing staff in the Facilities and Capital Planning Department to ensure proper operation and maintenance of plumbing systems, building piping, and lab air distribution systems (within the buildings), including on-campus water, gas, sewer, steam, and condensate return systems. The supervisor also ensures adequate training, direction, and support for all employees under direct supervision. The incumbent trains, instructs, and monitors employees in diagnosing and correcting malfunctions in plumbing systems and oversees the quality of work being performed. The ideal candidate has plumbing certifications and at least 6 years of supervisory experience successfully leading and working with a large plumbing team.
Workplace Requirements
This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person at FP&CC PM Shop, Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change; schedules may change based on business needs and may include overtime or shifts to daytime hours. This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. This position is designated as essential during campus emergencies. The employee must be available to work on-site during emergencies or crises to ensure continuity of critical operations, provide designated essential services, and operate under the overall direction of the Crisis Management Team for the duration of the emergency. The employee must remain accessible to leadership to support institutional functions. After-hours work, work outside the regular schedule, and on-call availability may be required to respond to issues affecting campus operations.
Hiring Range: $33.00 - $38.00, contingent upon qualifications and experience. Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.
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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