ABOUT US
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.
Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.
Job Posting End Date:
11-25-2026 Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.
Apprentice, Plumber
ABOUT US
DESCRIPTION
This is entry-level and semi-skilled work in an apprenticeship program during which an employee develops the knowledge, skills and abilities required to become a journey-level Plumber. Employees in the class participate in a formal, state approved apprenticeship program and receive frequent written and verbal instruction through on-the-job training and attendance of formal classes.
Initially, work is frequently checked during progress and upon completion and performed under very close supervision of a journey-level tradesperson. As the employees’ knowledge of and skill in their specific trade increases, the employees are expected to perform semi-skilled and skilled work with a view towards becoming a journey-level Plumber.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A combination of education and experience may be considered.
Education:
- Possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Experience:
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Completion of or current enrollment in a plumbing trade school, vocational program, or pre-apprenticeship program.
- Experience in construction, maintenance, or another hands-on trade is preferred.
- Possession of a Maryland Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter license.
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
- Assists journey-level Plumber with maintaining plumbing systems in buildings by repairing leaks in fixtures and domestic piping, mechanically unclogging sewer lines and fixtures, and repairing pumps, bearing assemblies, and motors, including preventive maintenance. Also responsible for assisting with the maintenance and repair of sewer ejector pump stations.
- Assists with the maintenance of natural gas systems in buildings by repairing natural gas equipment, piping, and fittings.
- Assists with inspections, repairs, or replacement of backflow devices and associated components.
- Assists with emergency repairs to the fire sprinkler systems in kind using all like components.
Employee Safety
- The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
- The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.
- Fundamental knowledge and skill of mechanical components and functions of plumbing systems.
- Ability to correctly and safely use all tools associated with the trade.
- Demonstrate common use of math (including algebra or equivalent), reading, writing, and the ability to communicate clearly is required.
- Ability to learn standard practices, methods, tools, instruments, and equipment in a specific trade.
- Ability to learn applicable trade and building codes.
- Ability to learn all phases of shop mathematics needed in performing trade work.
- Ability to learn to read blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams and other specifications.
- Ability to learn how to diagnose mechanical, and plumbing defects/problems/issues.
- Ability to climb and work from scaffolds, ladders and catwalks.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
- Ability to maintain satisfactory grades in classroom training and to pass written aptitude tests of classroom training.
- Ability to understand and act on oral and written instructions in English.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Working Environment
- Work may be performed indoors or outdoors in varying weather conditions and may involve exposure to dust, noise, odors, debris, confined spaces, and active construction or maintenance areas.
- Work involves the use of hand and power tools and may include exposure to sharp edges, heavy doors and hardware, moving mechanical components, elevated work areas, and construction-related hazards.
- Work requires lifting, carrying, positioning, and installing doors, frames, and hardware weighing 50 pounds or more. Duties may also require climbing ladders, standing for extended periods, bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
Physical Requirements
- Required protective equipment may include safety glasses or goggles, work gloves, hearing protection, safety footwear, hard hats, high-visibility clothing, dust masks or respirators, and fall-protection equipment, as appropriate for the task.
The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.
Licensure
- Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
Working Hours
- This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement. Maintenance employees are issued a school system cell phone to receive calls from their supervisor and respond to emergency events as needed.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Compensation
This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade VII on the Audio Visual / Grounds / Maintenance / Warehouse salary scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.
Retirement Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.
Benefits
HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.
Pre-Employment Requirements Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.
All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.
Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.
For questions regarding this posting, please contact Philip Wentt (philip_wentt@hcpss.org) OR humanresources@hcpss.org.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org.
HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
