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University of Washington

Plumber

Seattle, WASalary not listedPosted 5 days ago

Immigration summary

Visa sponsorship

LikelyLow confidence

This employer sponsors, but not for roles like this one.

195 recent H-1B filings

View visa evidence

Green card sponsorship

Strong historyMedium confidence

This employer has recently sponsored green cards at scale.

25 recent certified PERM filings

View green card evidence

Job description

Job Description

UW Facilities Maintenance & Construction

has an outstanding opportunity for a Plumber [Plumber/Pipe/Steamfitter (NE S WFSE Trades)].

Work Schedule

  • Full time, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • This position is based at the Plant Services Building on the Seattle campus.

About this opportunity

Reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor II and receiving day-to-day direction from the Plumber Lead, the Plumber performs journey-level plumbing work to maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and service complex plumbing, piping, and related building systems across University facilities. The position supports the safe and reliable operation of campus infrastructure through preventive and corrective maintenance and works collaboratively with supervisors, other trades, and campus partners to provide responsive, high-quality plumbing services in support of the University community.

Key Responsibilities – 100%

Plumbing Maintenance and Repair

  • Inspect, diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, test, and service plumbing, backflow, heating, cooling, waste, and other process piping systems; clear plugged waste lines. 
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on plumbing fixtures and equipment, including water closets, sinks, drinking fountains, showers, kitchen and laboratory equipment; remove, replace, or install components as necessary. 
  • Maintain and repair piping, tanks, and pressure vessels for fuels, steam, water, air, gas, and drainage systems; service, repair, replace, and adjust pumps, ejectors, valves, dishwashers, stills, heat exchangers, and coils. 
  • Repair and construct pipe joints for high and low pressure systems using appropriate methods, including threading, brazing, soldering, welding, and lead wiping. 
  • Cut, fit, fabricate, repair, and assemble piping and related materials, including steel, copper, brass, glass, plastic, cast iron, corrosion resistant pipe, tile, concrete, and transite. 
  • Read and interpret plans, blueprints, and sketches to troubleshoot existing systems and plan repairs, replacements, modifications, and piping assemblies in accordance with pipefitting practices. 

Planning and Coordination

  • Coordinate planned repairs, modifications, and proposed changes with the Lead before proceeding; keep Leads and supervisors informed of work progress, system conditions, and material and equipment needs. 
  • Develop cost estimates for maintenance, repair, and installation work as assigned; may instruct semiskilled workers. 
  • Communicate and coordinate work with other UW Facilities shops and business partners, including EH&S, Engineering Services, Design Services, Project Delivery, and UW Information Technology; participate in required meetings and training and provide excellent customer service. 

Equipment, Safety, and Compliance

  • Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, high rangers, UW vehicles, and other equipment; load, unload, transport, and handle materials, tools, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform assigned work. 
  • Know and comply with occupational health and safety requirements applicable to the work, including Safety Data Sheet (SDS) instructions, Hazard Review Checklists (HRCs), and required personal protective equipment (PPE). 
  • Comply with UW and UW Facilities policies and procedures and M&C protocols, including Individual Accountability Protocols (IAP); support M&C management directives, vision, values, and process improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as a plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter, OR full journey status as a plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter in a union, OR four years’ applicable work experience. Vocational training may be substituted for work experience on a year-for-year basis.
  • Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license may be required.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience performing plumbing maintenance and repair in institutional, industrial, and/or commercial environments.
  • Experience with steam distribution, heat exchangers, and closed loop piping systems in an institutional, industrial, or commercial environment.
  • Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Journey-level Plumber Certification (PL-01).
  • Knowledge and practical experience with WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety & Health Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) regulations.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, take direction, work well with others, and contribute as a member of a team.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with standard productivity software including Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent products.
  • Specialized certifications relevant to assigned work, including Medical Gas Certification, Seattle Fire Department Confidence Testing Certification AS-3, and/or Aquatic Facility Operator Certification.

Working Conditions

  • May be required to accept variable work shift.
  • Possession of a valid Washington State driver’s license.
  • Maintaining a valid Washington State PL-01 Plumber License may qualify eligible employees for a 10% Trades License Premium, subject to the WFSE Primary Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Washington State Department of Health Backflow Assembly Tester Certification or obtain certification within 120 days of employment.
  • Work may require access to confined spaces and heights using approved safety precautions.
  • Ability to lift and move heavy material may be required.
  • Must wear approved footwear while performing assigned work.
  • Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job.
  • Must participate in medical screening/monitoring (such as TB screening and proof of measles inoculation) required for work assignments in locations, including but not limited to, nonhuman primate areas, the Animal Research and Care Facility, and the University of Washington Medical Center.
  • Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
  • Regular and predictable attendance is required.

About UW Facilities

UW Facilities (UWF) manages the University’s buildings, infrastructure and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a diverse set of roles. Our organization is comprised of multiple groups including Operations, Asset Management, Campus Energy Utilities & Operations, and other smaller units. Operations is the largest group in UWF and has the most direct responsibility for ensuring the University is ready for business each day. Operations includes Building Services Department, Maintenance & Construction, Transportation Services, and Regulated Materials. https://facilities.uw.edu/units/operations

Maintenance & Construction (M&C) is responsible for general maintenance, repair, and renovations of all University of Washington (UW) main campus facilities including building interiors, exteriors, and grounds, as well as logistics, moving, and disposal of surplus equipment and furniture.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$83,268.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$110,964.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

WFSE Skilled Trades

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

Sponsorship evidence

Why Openbound reached the conclusions above.

Visa sponsorship evidence

Current posting

Silent on sponsorship

Other openings

3 of 330 recent openings at this employer mention sponsorship.

Employer H-1B history

195
recent certified H-1B filings
112
new-hire petitions
0
filings for similar roles
153
so far in FY2026
More evidence details
  • 195 recent certified H-1B filings across the employer
  • Still filing this year — 153 filings in FY2026
  • 183 USCIS H-1B new-employment approvals, counted separately from LCA filings
  • Strong filing activity in WA
  • 3 other recent postings at this company mention sponsorship
  • 187 further USCIS approvals for extensions or transfers
  • We checked 45 filing titles for this employer and none describe work like this role
  • The posting says nothing about sponsorship either way

Strong filing activity in WA.

Green card sponsorship evidence

Employer PERM history

25
recent certified PERM filings
0
filings for similar roles
25
filings in this location
Certified PERM filings by fiscal year
202314
202429
202527
202624YTD

Filing history reflects past employer behavior; it isn't a promise for this opening.

All open roles at University of Washington
How Openbound evaluates sponsorship

Visa history uses official U.S. Department of Labor H-1B LCA disclosure data and USCIS H-1B petition history. Green card history uses DOL PERM disclosure data. Each is read for the employer as a whole, for roles like this one, and for this location, weighted toward the most recent fiscal years.

An employer is matched to its filing entities by verified legal name and reviewed aliases; a match is never made on a name resemblance alone. Where no verified entity can be matched, the page says so and draws no conclusion from the absence. 45 filing titles were examined for this employer.

What this posting states outranks history in both directions, and an employer's published policy outranks past filings. Filing history reflects past behavior; it is not a promise of sponsorship for this opening, and none of this is legal advice.