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Plumber Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Service Plumber

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Occasionally assist with light commercial plumbing work * Maintain a clean and professional work environment Requirements: * Experience in residential service plumbing * Ability to work independently ...

Plumber Journeyman

Newberg, OR · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Participate in ongoing training and development to stay current with industry trends. * Assist in mentoring apprentices and less experienced team members. Requirements: * Valid Oregon plumbing ...

Plumber Journeyman

Salem, OR · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Participate in ongoing training and development to stay current with industry trends. * Assist in mentoring apprentices and less experienced team members. Requirements: * Valid Oregon plumbing ...

Plumber Journeyman

Eugene, OR · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Participate in ongoing training and development to stay current with industry trends. * Assist in mentoring apprentices and less experienced team members. Requirements: * Valid Oregon plumbing ...

Educate and assist customers in choosing the best finance options and service club agreements ... Knowledge of local plumbing codes. Residential service or installation experience is preferred.

Journeyman Service Plumber | $50-$55 Hourly | NO On-Call | 4-Day Workweek Available Canby, OR $50.00-$55.00 per hour (DOE) + Performance Bonuses Your Skills Built Your Reputation. Let Roth Help Build ...

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Showing results 1-20

Plumber Assistant information

See Oregon salary details

$12

$20

$31

How much do plumber assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for plumber assistant in Oregon is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plumber assistant?

Plumber assistants, also known as plumber helpers, support licensed plumbers by performing a variety of tasks on job sites. These duties can include carrying tools, preparing materials, cleaning work areas, and assisting with the installation and repair of plumbing systems. They often help with measuring, cutting, and assembling pipes, as well as troubleshooting basic plumbing issues under supervision. Plumber assistants play an essential role in ensuring plumbing projects run smoothly and efficiently, and the position is often a stepping stone to becoming a licensed plumber.

What is the difference between Plumber Assistant vs Plumber?

AspectPlumber AssistantPlumber
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or technical training
Work EnvironmentAssist in installation and repair under supervision, often in residential or commercial settingsPerform plumbing installations, repairs, and maintenance independently or with team
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by plumbing companies for entry-level support rolesLicensed professionals performing full plumbing services

The main difference between a Plumber Assistant and a Plumber is experience and responsibility. A Plumber Assistant supports plumbing work under supervision, often with minimal certifications, while a Plumber performs independent work with required licenses and more advanced skills.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a plumber assistant, and how do they support licensed plumbers on the job?

As a Plumber Assistant, your daily tasks usually include preparing and cleaning job sites, transporting tools and materials, and assisting with installing or repairing pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing systems under the guidance of a licensed plumber. You may also be expected to handle basic measurements, cut and prep piping, and help troubleshoot minor issues. By efficiently supporting the lead plumber, you not only ensure projects run smoothly but also gain hands-on experience that can be valuable for career advancement in the plumbing trade.
What are the most commonly searched types of Plumber jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Plumber jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Plumber Assistant jobs in Oregon? For Plumber Assistant jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plumber Assistant jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Plumber Assistant jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Plumber Assistant jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Plumber Assistant job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Plumber Assistant jobs in OR? For Plumber Assistant jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Plumber Assistant job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,413 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The Oregon National Primate Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.

Function/Duties of Position

The Plumber is responsible for accurately, effectively and competently operate and adjust the plumbing systems though out the campus, such as water heaters, pumps, drain systems, water systems, med gas systems, plumbing fixtures, and valves. Monitor equipment and record readings. Observe the operation of mechanical devices and determine problems; take corrective action as necessary. Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on equipment assigned. Be available to the facilities management staff as needed.

  • Installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing systems, including the animal drinking water and housing wash down systems.
    • Install and or replace pipes, valves, drain systems, pumps; repair breaks in pipes; clean and open drains and other lines; repair water pumps and heaters; occasionally install and repair steam and gas systems.
    • Assists in maintaining the RO/DI watering systems throughout the Center, taking daily logs and making system adjustments as necessary.
  • Responsible for a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks related to troubleshooting.
    • Repair and maintenance of a variety of equipment and systems including the following: chillers, evaporators, boilers, cage washers, pumps, and motors.
    • Perform preventive maintenance inspections and maintenance repairs including checks on belts, sheaves, fans, and bearings for wear and vibration.
    • Clean, lubricate and adjust equipment and machinery such as electric and gas-powered motors, water heaters, fan units and pumps.
  • Assist in the fabrication of tools, machinery and machine parts for metal, wood, plastic and sheet metal.
  • Maintain inventory, assuring maintenance of shop equipment and supplies.
    • Activities include keeping tool bits sharpened and available, lubricate and adjust machine shop equipment, and maintain various hydraulic pumps. May coordinate work of other trades, vendors and contractors.
  • Lead and instruct lesser skilled facilities staff and coordinate with contractors as needed for renovation projects.

    • Provide technical advice and assistance to other departments regarding plumbing, design problems and maintenance repairs.
    • Identify and report deteriorating equipment and facilities, for use in long- range maintenance planning and immediate actions required.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
  • A valid Oregon Plumber's license; AND

  • One of the following:

    • One year experience as a journey-level plumber; OR

    • Completion of an approved apprenticeship program.

  • A valid driving License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Demonstrated mechanical ability.

  • Analytical ability to resolve complex mechanical problems.

  • Ability to lay out work for others and direct them in this work.

  • Ability to read, write and follow oral and written instructions.

  • Demonstrated ability to read, interpret and work from shop drawings, sketches, blueprints and diagrams.

  • Keep accurate records, both written and electronic, and communicate effectively in oral and/or written formats with both technical and professional staff

  • Basic computer skills with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook are required.

  • Ability to move through various research and office buildings and animal housing areas, located in several separate buildings, indoor/outdoor, and outdoor facilities in order to provide services.

  • Perform duties taking into consideration any scheduling conflicts with animal care staff and researchers associated with on-going experiments or other OHSU West Campus operations.

  • Ability to drive ONPRC vehicles on and off campus.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Trade-school, technical or military training in plumbing operations and maintenance.
  • Backflow tester certified.

  • Medical gas & air experience.
Additional Details

Regular shifts are Monday through Friday between 7:00 and 3:30 but can be arranged to include weekends and may require overtime. This position will participate in the facilities on-call program. An "on call" period is shared with all designated Facilities staff on a rotating basis. The 'On Call" period generally lasts one week at a time.

Working Conditions

  • Work is performed in all seasons, both indoors and outdoors, and will be performed in administrative offices, research laboratories and animal housing areas.
  • Work may involve exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, zoonotic diseases, biological agents and potentially hazardous items such as steam pipes, electrical wiring, icy roofs and power machines and tools.
  • The job occasionally entails work in cramped, uncomfortable places such as crawl spaces and roofs, and involves moving on wet and/or slick surfaces, through narrow corridors, climbing stairs, prolonged periods of standing and work on high ladders. 

Physical Conditions

  • Lift and carry objects weighing up to 75 lbs. to approximately shoulder height.
  • Climb ladders and work from elevations.
  • Must be able to wear appropriate PPE while working around Biohazard and Zoonotic diseases.

Benefits

  • Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
  • $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
  • Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
  • Vacation - up to 200 hours per year dependent on length of service.
  • Sick Leave - up to 96 hours per year.
  • 9 paid holidays per year.
  • Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Childcare service discounts.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Employee discounts to local and national businesses.
Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887