Plumber-First Class (1101)
Company
Septa
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
8 days ago
Via
Septa Careers
Job Description
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth largest transportation system in the United States, with a vast network of fixed route services including bus, subway/elevated, trackless trolley, light rail, and commuter rail serving a 2,200 square mile service region.
We are seeking candidates for the position of Plumber-First Class (1101) in the Maintenance/Bridges & Buildings.
• Starting Pay Rate: $37.11/hour - After 12 Months: $41.23, based on applicable contract.
OVERALL DESCRIPTION
Assembles, installs, repairs, inspects or tests pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, drainage systems fire equipment and alarm systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
• Installs and repairs plumbing in: street water and sewer connections, ejectors, drain lines, sprinkler pipe, rain conductors, gas and gasoline pipe tanks and equipment, air pipes, lubrication oil pipes.
• Installs pipe and boiler insulation, brass and copper tubing and fittings, and other related equipment.
• Inspects and tests, fire equipment, alarm systems, grounds and vehicles.
• Installs and repairs brass and copper tubing and related fittings.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
• Must be experienced in the installation, maintenance and repair of plumbing and related parts and accessories along with heating, high and low pressure steam and water heating and power units. Must be able to create shop drawings, layout work, compile material lists and complete work reports.
• Must satisfactorily complete qualifications tests: basic mathematics, blue print reading, and plumbing and hand tools.
• Must have valid Philadelphia journeyman's card.
• Must have valid driver's license. Will be required to obtain CDL permit within 60 days of transfer.
• There will be times in the course and scope of your duties in the CTD when working in a truck-mounted bucket will be required. Said bucket has a maximum extension capacity of approximately 30 feet high.
• As part of the qualification test, you will be required to climb an extension ladder (of approximately 20 feet) and descend back to the ground.
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
We are seeking candidates for the position of Plumber-First Class (1101) in the Maintenance/Bridges & Buildings.
• Starting Pay Rate: $37.11/hour - After 12 Months: $41.23, based on applicable contract.
OVERALL DESCRIPTION
Assembles, installs, repairs, inspects or tests pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, drainage systems fire equipment and alarm systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
• Installs and repairs plumbing in: street water and sewer connections, ejectors, drain lines, sprinkler pipe, rain conductors, gas and gasoline pipe tanks and equipment, air pipes, lubrication oil pipes.
• Installs pipe and boiler insulation, brass and copper tubing and fittings, and other related equipment.
• Inspects and tests, fire equipment, alarm systems, grounds and vehicles.
• Installs and repairs brass and copper tubing and related fittings.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
• Must be experienced in the installation, maintenance and repair of plumbing and related parts and accessories along with heating, high and low pressure steam and water heating and power units. Must be able to create shop drawings, layout work, compile material lists and complete work reports.
• Must satisfactorily complete qualifications tests: basic mathematics, blue print reading, and plumbing and hand tools.
• Must have valid Philadelphia journeyman's card.
• Must have valid driver's license. Will be required to obtain CDL permit within 60 days of transfer.
• There will be times in the course and scope of your duties in the CTD when working in a truck-mounted bucket will be required. Said bucket has a maximum extension capacity of approximately 30 feet high.
• As part of the qualification test, you will be required to climb an extension ladder (of approximately 20 feet) and descend back to the ground.
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Plumber Jobs
What hourly rate including overtime applies to plumber positions in the United States starting January 2026?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, plumbers receive a base rate of $32.45 per hour with time-and-a-half at $48.68 per hour for all hours over 40 in a workweek as of January 1 2026. This rate applies nationwide under the Fair Labor Standards Act for non-exempt plumbing roles. Union contracts in 12 states add an additional $4.25 per hour shift differential.
What visa and work permit steps are required for foreign plumbers to work legally in the United States in 2026?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires an approved H-2B petition with a valid temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor showing no qualified U.S. workers available. The visa cap for fiscal year 2026 is set at 66,000 with an additional 20,000 returning worker exemption available until March 31 2026. Applicants must submit Form I-129 and pay the $460 filing fee plus $150 fraud prevention fee.
What education and experience minimums qualify someone for licensed plumber jobs in the United States?
The U.S. Department of Labor requires completion of a 4-5 year registered apprenticeship program totaling at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of related classroom instruction. A high school diploma or GED is mandatory before starting the apprenticeship. Four states additionally require 2 years of documented prior experience for license examination eligibility in 2026.
Which documents must be submitted when applying for plumber positions through official U.S. government workforce channels in 2026?
Job seekers must upload a completed ETA Form 9089, current plumbing license, and proof of apprenticeship completion to the Department of Labor's job bank system. A valid Social Security card and state-issued photo ID are required for I-9 verification within three business days of hire. Background check authorization forms must also be signed before any conditional offer.
