Journeyperson Plumber, Campus Operations
The University of Saskatchewan is one of the top research-intensive universities in Canada. Guided by our University Plan: The University the World Needs, we work together across disciplines and with our communities to find creative solutions to the most pressing global challenges. The main campus also houses our campus partners such as the Royal University Hospital, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, National Research Council, and others. The total building area is 8.1 million square feet (754,000 square meters) across 766 hectares of land.
The Facilities team is comprised of over 300 service workers and trades personnel that provide trusted services and stewardship in support of teaching, learning, and discovery. This team is responsible for operations, maintenance, service, utilities distribution, and customer support. The Facilities Team Charter describes the purpose, vision, and values that in turn support the campus community.
Primary Purpose: To provide expert service, maintenance, and repair of campus plumbing systems and related mechanical systems, with a strong focus on preventive and predictive maintenance. This role plays a critical part in ensuring reliable building operations while contributing positively to a collaborative, accountable, and safety-conscious team culture.
Nature of Work: Reporting to an Assistant Manager, Facilities, this position works in a multi-trade environment across a large and diverse campus. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and involves moderate to heavy physical labor. The role requires independent work as well as collaboration with other trades, clients, and contractors, often in high-pressure situations and under changing priorities. Physical demands include lifting heavy objects, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces, crawlspaces, elevated platforms, and construction zones, sometimes under hot, humid, noisy, or low-visibility conditions. Workers may encounter hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, silica, biohazards, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection requiring a clean-shaven face, will be provided and must be worn when required.
This position participates in a rotational on-call schedule and may have shift changes based on operational needs.
Summary:
Performs skilled plumbing work to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair water distribution, drainage, natural gas, and specialty piping systems across the University. Supports the safe and reliable operation of academic, research, administrative, and residential facilities through preventive maintenance, emergency response, and technical expertise. Contributes to renovation and capital projects by providing trade knowledge and system recommendations. Maintains compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and safety standards while supporting service excellence and the University's operational and sustainability objectives.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and modify domestic water, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, and natural gas systems serving University facilities.
- Diagnose complex plumbing and gas system issues, investigate failures, and implement corrective actions to restore service and minimize operational disruptions.
- Respond to emergency situations including water leaks, burst pipes, sewer backups, flooding events, and gas system incidents, taking appropriate action to mitigate risk and property damage.
- Provide technical expertise for renovation, renewal, and capital construction projects by reviewing requirements, supporting system design considerations, and completing trade-related installations and modifications.
- Maintain specialty plumbing systems and equipment such as backflow prevention assemblies, reverse osmosis systems, deionized water systems, medical gas systems, compressed air systems, and acid waste systems, as assigned.
- Conduct preventive maintenance activities including inspections, testing, calibration, and servicing of plumbing infrastructure and related equipment to identify deficiencies and extend asset life.
- Repair, replace, and service plumbing fixtures and associated equipment including toilets, urinals, sinks, faucets, eyewash stations, safety showers, drinking fountains, and bottle filling stations.
- Monitor system performance and identify opportunities to improve water conservation, reduce waste, and support sustainability initiatives.
- Document completed work, maintain service records, and communicate effectively with building occupants, contractors, colleagues, and other stakeholders regarding maintenance activities and service requirements.
- Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
- Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement.
- Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.
Qualifications:
- Red Seal Plumbing Journeyperson Certificate.
- General Gas Certificate.
- Backflow Cross Connection Certificate.
- Valid Class 5 Driver's License
- Minimum 10 years of experience maintaining and repairing domestic water, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, and natural gas systems.
- Minimum 5 years of experience working with backflow prevention systems and preventive maintenance programs.
- Experience providing customer service in occupied institutional, commercial, or industrial environments.
- Knowledge of the National Plumbing Code of Canada, Saskatchewan plumbing regulations, occupational health and safety requirements, and backflow prevention standards.
- Demonstrated skill in troubleshooting, diagnosing, installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems and equipment.
- Ability to prioritize competing service requests and contribute to a team culture focused on safety, accountability, respect, and professionalism.
- Strong relationship building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and project management software; experience with AutoCAD and technical drawing development.
The University of Saskatchewan recognizes alternate career paths; therefore, a combination of education and experience may be considered.
Department: Campus Operations
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: CUPE 1975
Shift: Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 and on-call as required
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $35.70 - 46.10 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Trade Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 10/21/2026
Closing Date: 11/24/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.
