Backflow Prevention Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Lead Water Distribution and Collection Specialist performs the full range of skilled, journey-level plumbing work involved in the installation, maintenance, modification, inspection, and repair of mechanical plumbing systems and fixtures related to water, gas, oil, steam, sewage, fire prevention, and refrigeration systems including automated systems. The position provides lead work direction to skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers in the plumbing trade and ensures work meets safety, compliance, and operational standards.

The incumbent's primary responsibility is leading potable and recycled water distribution and collection system operations across campus, including monitoring, testing, and chemically treating water systems to maintain quality and compliance. The role includes performing backflow prevention device testing, cross-connection control, and ensuring regulatory adherence through documentation and preventive maintenance activities.

Additional duties include estimating labor and materials for plumbing projects, maintaining shop tools and equipment, inspecting contractor work, using computerized maintenance systems for record-keeping, and ensuring work meets applicable codes and standards. The incumbent collaborates closely with other trades within Facilities Development and Operations to maintain the reliability and safety of the university's utility systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide lead work direction to skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled staff in plumbing and water distribution operations; assign, monitor, and inspect work for compliance with codes, standards, and safety requirements
• Perform the full range of skilled plumbing work, including installation, modification, repair, and maintenance of mechanical plumbing systems for water, gas, oil, steam, condensate, sewage, fire prevention, and refrigeration
• Lead and perform maintenance, testing, and repair of potable and recycled water systems; monitor, test, and chemically treat water to maintain compliance with health and safety standards
• Conduct backflow device testing, recordkeeping, and maintenance; perform recycled and potable water cross-connection testing and corrective actions per regulatory standards
• Perform routine inspections, troubleshoot plumbing systems, and complete repairs to ensure reliability and water quality
• Estimate cost, labor, and materials; coordinate with other trades and contractors to ensure efficient and compliant project execution
• Follow established safety procedures, maintain required certifications, and ensure adherence to Cal/OSHA, state plumbing codes, and university safety policies
• Maintain detailed maintenance and testing records, document as-built changes, and prepare standard reports using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Communicate effectively with campus constituents to address plumbing service needs and ensure timely resolution of issues

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the plumbing trade and water distribution systems
• Working knowledge of effective supervisory and work coordination practices
• Thorough understanding of applicable state and federal health and safety codes, including California State Plumbing Code and Division of Industrial Safety orders
• Ability to lead, instruct, and coordinate the work of a small crew
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints, plans, and specifications
• Skill in estimating time, materials, and labor for plumbing projects
• Ability to maintain records and prepare standard and complex reports
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools, testing instruments, and water treatment equipment
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management and building automation systems
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to foster a positive, respectful, and customer-focused work environment
• Ability to take initiative, organize and prioritize work effectively, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Commitment to workplace safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

• These abilities normally would be acquired through any combination of progressively responsible training and experience which demonstrates achievement journey-level skills equivalent to that acquired through completion of a standard plumber's apprenticeship program
• One to two years of experience as a journey-level plumber that included work coordination responsibilities
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License and driving record that allows for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required for the position

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of backflow prevention assembly testing credential
• Possession of cross-connection specialist credential
• Possession of Water Distribution or Treatment Operator credential (Grade 2 minimum)
• Experience leading groups of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled trades people
• Experience with a public water system (PWS)

Compensation

Classification: Lead Plumber
Anticipated Hiring Range: $7,551/month - $8,014/month (Step 7 - Step 10)
CSU Salary Range: $ 6,705/month - $ 9,768/month (Step 1 - Step 20)
San Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

This position is open until filled.

Work Schedule

Selected candidates will be placed in one of the following shifts based on operational needs.
Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)
All San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.