City and County of San Francisco

Under immediate supervision of a qualified journey level Utility Plumber, the 7463 Utility Plumber Apprentice I performs apprentice work by assisting in the installation, care and maintenance of water mains, pipes, meters, fire hydrants, gates and valves. Work is performed as part of a recognized program of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada and is subject to the local coordinating committee of the Joint Apprenticeship Committees of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry; all work that may be performed is specified in the Points of Jurisdictions of the existing collective bargaining agreement. The apprentice is expected to complete satisfactorily the training and related instruction for each type of equipment and to qualify for promotion to 7464 Utility Plumber Apprentice II. Requires progressive responsibility for carrying our duties according to instructions. Nature of work involves considerable dexterity in the use of fingers, hands, limbs and body with exposure to physical and working conditions where moderately serious injuries may occur.

The Utility Plumber Apprentice works under direct supervision of a qualified journey level Utility Plumber during the apprenticeship required by the trade, learning the operation, repair and maintenance of water mains, pipes, meters, fire hydrants, gates and valves. Class 7463 Utility Plumber Apprentice I is distinguished from the next higher class 7464 Utility Plumber Apprentice II in that the incumbents in the latter class perform increasingly higher level duties under direct supervision by a journey level Utility Plumber.

None.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Assists in the installation and maintenance of new water services and mains or replaces or relocates services with copper, cast iron, wrought iron, plastic, or steel pipe, and bronze, copper or galvanized fittings; drills and taps water mains.

2. Assists in locating and repairing underground and surface leaks on service pipes and water mains; makes repairs under water pressure, using various methods; installs, changes, removes, and makes field repairs to water meters; sets meters and meter boxes in conformity with established sidewalk grades; installs, relocates or changes temporary water mains and makes necessary alterations to water services and meters; removes meters and conducts flow and pressure tests; repairs and maintains high pressure recorders; assists with maintenance of building standpipes; assists in the excavation and backfilling of trenches.

3. Assists in cleaning and maintaining traps; repairs gate valves, changes broken or worn spindles; repacks glands; assists in the operation of gate valves; checks air valves when filling mains; repairs leaks in cast iron mains using leak clamp for minor breaks, or in the case of large breaks, cuts out and removes broken meters or registers on water mains and meters; re-caulks joints on new and old mains; lays out and installs new mains and pertinent fittings; assists with the removal, installation, cleaning and maintenance of all pipes, valves and tanks in and around the reservoirs; assists with performing incidental maintenance or installation of inside plumbing when required.

4. Assists in the laying and maintenance of various types of fire devices, services, parts and equipment, including high and low pressure fire hydrants.

Knowledge of: the methods, tools and equipment used in the repair, maintenance, and installation of water mains, pipes and meters.

Ability and Skill to: lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds; operate a 90 pound thrust jack hammer; climb ladders and work in deep trenches; learn the use of pertinent tools and equipment; drive a truck;  carry out instructions and cooperate with others in the performance of duties;  perform heavy physical work.

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:
Applicant must be on a current UA Local 38 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry Apprentice eligible list; OR 

Applicant must be a current indentured UA Local 38 Utility Plumber Apprentice who has not completed more than two (2) years (4000 hours) of their combined work process and classroom study.

Experience:

License and Certification:
Possession of a valid Class C California driver's License

Substitution:

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.