Job Description
BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Plumber
DEPARTMENT OF WATER MANAGEMENT
Bureau of Operations and Distribution
Number of Positions: 15
Salary: $60.50 per hr
This position is open to the general public and to all current city employees covered under the terms of the City's collective bargaining agreement with THE CHICAGO JOURNEYMAN PLUMBERS UNION 130 (BARGAINING UNIT #16). Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid on this position.
BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid
site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled “Currently employed by the City of Chicago.”
2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled ‘payee/employee number’)
3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION
Under supervision, performs journey-level plumbing work in the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems, including municipal water distribution and sewer systems, and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Reads blueprints, specifications, and work orders to assess work required and to determine installation and repair methods to use
Removes and replaces damaged, defective, or obsolete piping and plumbing fixtures
Ensures adequate supplies of tools, equipment, and materials needed to complete jobs at work sites
Uses tools (e.g., saws, pipe cutters) to measure, cut, bend, and thread lengths of pipe needed for installation and repair work
Repairs and replaces valves, water meters, buffalo boxes, hydrants, and related equipment found in water distribution and sewer systems
Repairs broken water main and sewer pipes by locating leaks, replacing damaged pipe, and reconnecting the length of pipe with appropriate fittings
Installs new water and drainage lines in municipal buildings and connects to the outside water/sewer lines, ensuring pipes are properly sized, anchored, and supported
Maintains plumbing systems, opening and cleaning clogged drainpipes and traps, installing and replacing plumbing fixtures, and repairing broken pipes, valves, and water leaks
Operates specialized equipment and tools, including pipe threaders, rodders, pipe cutting machines, and cutting torches
Preparing work activity reports
Loads, transports, and unloads of equipment and supplies as required
Cleans equipment and work site after repairs as required
NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to positions within the class.
Location:
Various sites (Bureau of Operations and Distribution)
Days Off: Varies
Shift: Varies
Hours: Varies
Lunch: ½ hour
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
PREFERENCE
A valid driver’s license
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience
A valid plumber's license issued by the City of Chicago, OR
A valid plumber’s license issued by the State of Illinois
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
A valid Plumber License issued by either the State of Illinois or the City of Chicago is required
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position does not require a test or interview. Applicants who successfully apply for the position, meet the minimum qualifications, and possess the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be hired in a lottery/random order. Bid applicants will be selected in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Exposure to outdoor weather conditions
Exposure to loud noise, fumes or dust, oily or wet environment
Exposure to hazardous conditions (e.g., construction sites)
Work performed in cramped or confined locations
Work performed above or below ground level
EQUIPMENT
Personal protective equipment (e.g., hard hat, shoes, glasses, gloves)
Safety devices or equipment (e.g., cones, barricades, metal plates, scaffolding, ropes)
Measuring tools (e.g., tape measure, ruler, calipers, measuring wheel)
Standard tools and equipment of the plumbing trade (e.g., hammer, screwdriver, saw, pipe
cutter, threader, welding equipment, rodding equipment, torches) two-way radio
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Heavy lifting (up to 75 pounds) is required
Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time
Ability to quickly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with one's body, arms, and/or legs
Ability to climb staircases, ladders, and/or step stools
Ability to access difficult to enter spaces (e.g., roofs, basements, tanks, field equipment,
cramped quarters)
Ability to operate applicable hand tools, power tools, and equipment
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER WORK REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge
Moderate knowledge of:
Plumbing principles, theory, methods, and procedures
Plumbing repair and maintenance procedures
Plumbing equipment and properties and characteristics of plumbing materials
Applicable hand and power tools
Plumbing safety and code standards, including OSHA standards
Applicable safety principles, methods, practices, and procedures
Use of safety equipment and protective gear
Knowledge of applicable City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
Skills
ACTIVE LEARNING
o Understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
ACTIVE LISTENING
o Give full attention to what other people are saying, take time to understand the points being made, ask questions as appropriate, and do not interrupt at inappropriate times
CRITICAL THINKING
o Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
EQUIPMENT SELECTION
o Determine the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job
Abilities
COMPREHEND ORAL INFORMATION
o Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
SPEAK
o Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
RECOGNIZE PROBLEMS
o Tell me when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong
REASON TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
o Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense
Other Work Requirements
PERSISTENCE - Persist in the face of obstacles on the job
INITIATIVE - Demonstrate willingness to take on job challenges
STAMINA - Demonstrate energy and stamina to accomplish work tasks
DEPENDABILITY - Demonstrate reliability, responsibility, and dependability, and fulfill obligations
ATTENTION TO DETAIL - Pay careful attention to detail and thoroughness in completing work tasks
All employees of the City of Chicago must demonstrate commitment to and compliance with applicable state and federal laws, and City ordinances and rules, the City’s Ethics standards, and other City policies and procedures.
The City of Chicago will consider equivalent foreign degrees, accreditations, and credentials in evaluating qualifications.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59 pm CST on 11/26/25
Job Posting: Nov 12, 2026, 12:00:00 AM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External: Nov 26, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
BU: 16 | Salary: $60.50 / hr Pay Basis:Yearly
Plumber
DEPARTMENT OF WATER MANAGEMENT
Bureau of Operations and Distribution
Number of Positions: 15
Salary: $60.50 per hr
This position is open to the general public and to all current city employees covered under the terms of the City's collective bargaining agreement with THE CHICAGO JOURNEYMAN PLUMBERS UNION 130 (BARGAINING UNIT #16). Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid on this position.
BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid
site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled “Currently employed by the City of Chicago.”
2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled ‘payee/employee number’)
3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION
Under supervision, performs journey-level plumbing work in the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems, including municipal water distribution and sewer systems, and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Reads blueprints, specifications, and work orders to assess work required and to determine installation and repair methods to use
Removes and replaces damaged, defective, or obsolete piping and plumbing fixtures
Ensures adequate supplies of tools, equipment, and materials needed to complete jobs at work sites
Uses tools (e.g., saws, pipe cutters) to measure, cut, bend, and thread lengths of pipe needed for installation and repair work
Repairs and replaces valves, water meters, buffalo boxes, hydrants, and related equipment found in water distribution and sewer systems
Repairs broken water main and sewer pipes by locating leaks, replacing damaged pipe, and reconnecting the length of pipe with appropriate fittings
Installs new water and drainage lines in municipal buildings and connects to the outside water/sewer lines, ensuring pipes are properly sized, anchored, and supported
Maintains plumbing systems, opening and cleaning clogged drainpipes and traps, installing and replacing plumbing fixtures, and repairing broken pipes, valves, and water leaks
Operates specialized equipment and tools, including pipe threaders, rodders, pipe cutting machines, and cutting torches
Preparing work activity reports
Loads, transports, and unloads of equipment and supplies as required
Cleans equipment and work site after repairs as required
NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to positions within the class.
Location:
Various sites (Bureau of Operations and Distribution)
Days Off: Varies
Shift: Varies
Hours: Varies
Lunch: ½ hour
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
PREFERENCE
A valid driver’s license
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience
A valid plumber's license issued by the City of Chicago, OR
A valid plumber’s license issued by the State of Illinois
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
A valid Plumber License issued by either the State of Illinois or the City of Chicago is required
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position does not require a test or interview. Applicants who successfully apply for the position, meet the minimum qualifications, and possess the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be hired in a lottery/random order. Bid applicants will be selected in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Exposure to outdoor weather conditions
Exposure to loud noise, fumes or dust, oily or wet environment
Exposure to hazardous conditions (e.g., construction sites)
Work performed in cramped or confined locations
Work performed above or below ground level
EQUIPMENT
Personal protective equipment (e.g., hard hat, shoes, glasses, gloves)
Safety devices or equipment (e.g., cones, barricades, metal plates, scaffolding, ropes)
Measuring tools (e.g., tape measure, ruler, calipers, measuring wheel)
Standard tools and equipment of the plumbing trade (e.g., hammer, screwdriver, saw, pipe
cutter, threader, welding equipment, rodding equipment, torches) two-way radio
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Heavy lifting (up to 75 pounds) is required
Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time
Ability to quickly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with one's body, arms, and/or legs
Ability to climb staircases, ladders, and/or step stools
Ability to access difficult to enter spaces (e.g., roofs, basements, tanks, field equipment,
cramped quarters)
Ability to operate applicable hand tools, power tools, and equipment
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER WORK REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge
Moderate knowledge of:
Plumbing principles, theory, methods, and procedures
Plumbing repair and maintenance procedures
Plumbing equipment and properties and characteristics of plumbing materials
Applicable hand and power tools
Plumbing safety and code standards, including OSHA standards
Applicable safety principles, methods, practices, and procedures
Use of safety equipment and protective gear
Knowledge of applicable City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
Skills
ACTIVE LEARNING
o Understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
ACTIVE LISTENING
o Give full attention to what other people are saying, take time to understand the points being made, ask questions as appropriate, and do not interrupt at inappropriate times
CRITICAL THINKING
o Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
EQUIPMENT SELECTION
o Determine the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job
Abilities
COMPREHEND ORAL INFORMATION
o Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
SPEAK
o Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
RECOGNIZE PROBLEMS
o Tell me when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong
REASON TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
o Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense
Other Work Requirements
PERSISTENCE - Persist in the face of obstacles on the job
INITIATIVE - Demonstrate willingness to take on job challenges
STAMINA - Demonstrate energy and stamina to accomplish work tasks
DEPENDABILITY - Demonstrate reliability, responsibility, and dependability, and fulfill obligations
ATTENTION TO DETAIL - Pay careful attention to detail and thoroughness in completing work tasks
All employees of the City of Chicago must demonstrate commitment to and compliance with applicable state and federal laws, and City ordinances and rules, the City’s Ethics standards, and other City policies and procedures.
The City of Chicago will consider equivalent foreign degrees, accreditations, and credentials in evaluating qualifications.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59 pm CST on 11/26/25
Job Posting: Nov 12, 2026, 12:00:00 AM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External: Nov 26, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
BU: 16 | Salary: $60.50 / hr Pay Basis:Yearly
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Plumber position is now open for candidates interested in the Plumber Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Plumber Jobs is a plus.
