OPT Master Plumber Jobs
Master Plumber jobs on OPT are rare but not impossible. Most F-1 students in this field hold degrees in construction management or mechanical engineering and work under a licensed master plumber while completing OPT. Your 12-month standard OPT window applies, and STEM extension is unlikely unless your degree qualifies.
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Recruitment/Posting Title Master Plumber/Steamfitter
Job Category AFSCME Local 888
Department Facilities Utilities UW
Overview
The Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O) employs a workforce of approximately 2,700 staff, represented by 15 collective negotiations agreements, and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations, which encompasses an expansive range of comprehensive service and business operations across the State of New Jersey. These include planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Master Plumber/Steamfitter for the Master Plumber/Steamfitter.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
Provides trade, technical, and code compliance leadership in all aspects of plumbing, pipefitting, and mechanical duties required for University facilities and utilities.
Provides compliance plans for proposed work.
* Leads and oversees the work of lower-level maintenance mechanics through the successful completion of projects.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 20
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 53261.120
Mid Range Salary 62773.340
Maximum Salary 72501.050
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
Life insurance coverage
Employee discount programs
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
Union Description AFSCME - Local 888
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit Facilities Maintenance – New Brunswick
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility PERS
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
* High school/vocational school education or equivalent.
Certifications/Licenses
A valid driver’s license with two years driving experience is necessary.
Will be required to successfully complete the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
* Certified journey-level plumber’s license from the State of New Jersey.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Good communication skills, the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, and the ability to read and comprehend technical manuals and blueprints.
Must have training in estimating and planning plumbing and steamfitting work.
* Also requires experience cutting, brazing and welding metals and pipes.
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Special Conditions
Shift hours/Schedule: Mon- Fri 7:00 am-3:30 pm
Clean Driving Record
Posting Details
Posting Number 25ST1500
Posting Open Date 07/10/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY: To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 07/18/2025. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.
Regional Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City New Brunswick
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
-
- Are you currently a member of AFSCME - Local 888?
- Yes
- No
-
- Do you have a high school/vocational school education or equivalent?
- Yes
- No
-
- Do you have a valid driver's license with two years driving experience?
- Yes
- No
-
- Do you possess a certified journey-level plumber's license from the State of New Jersey?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
* Resume/CV
Position Details
Recruitment/Posting Title Master Plumber/Steamfitter
Job Category AFSCME Local 888
Department Facilities Utilities UW
Overview
The Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O) employs a workforce of approximately 2,700 staff, represented by 15 collective negotiations agreements, and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations, which encompasses an expansive range of comprehensive service and business operations across the State of New Jersey. These include planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Master Plumber/Steamfitter for the Master Plumber/Steamfitter.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
Provides trade, technical, and code compliance leadership in all aspects of plumbing, pipefitting, and mechanical duties required for University facilities and utilities.
Provides compliance plans for proposed work.
* Leads and oversees the work of lower-level maintenance mechanics through the successful completion of projects.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 20
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 53261.120
Mid Range Salary 62773.340
Maximum Salary 72501.050
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
Life insurance coverage
Employee discount programs
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours 40.00
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
Union Description AFSCME - Local 888
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit Facilities Maintenance – New Brunswick
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility PERS
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
* High school/vocational school education or equivalent.
Certifications/Licenses
A valid driver’s license with two years driving experience is necessary.
Will be required to successfully complete the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
* Certified journey-level plumber’s license from the State of New Jersey.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Good communication skills, the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, and the ability to read and comprehend technical manuals and blueprints.
Must have training in estimating and planning plumbing and steamfitting work.
* Also requires experience cutting, brazing and welding metals and pipes.
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Special Conditions
Shift hours/Schedule: Mon- Fri 7:00 am-3:30 pm
Clean Driving Record
Posting Details
Posting Number 25ST1500
Posting Open Date 07/10/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY: To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 07/18/2025. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.
Regional Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City New Brunswick
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
-
- Are you currently a member of AFSCME - Local 888?
- Yes
- No
-
- Do you have a high school/vocational school education or equivalent?
- Yes
- No
-
- Do you have a valid driver's license with two years driving experience?
- Yes
- No
-
- Do you possess a certified journey-level plumber's license from the State of New Jersey?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
* Resume/CV
See all OPT Master Plumber Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Master Plumber Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Master Plumber
Lead with your engineering or construction degree
Master plumber roles require state licensure, but employers hiring OPT students typically place you in a supporting engineering or project management capacity. Frame your degree in mechanical, civil, or construction engineering as your primary qualification when applying.
Target commercial and industrial contractors, not residential
Large commercial contractors and mechanical subcontractors are more likely to have HR infrastructure for OPT paperwork. Residential plumbing shops rarely navigate work authorization. Focus your search on companies with 50 or more employees doing commercial work.
Clarify your OPT authorization timeline upfront
Plumbing contractors often have no experience with OPT. Explain that your EAD card is your work authorization and that no employer petition is required. Removing that misconception early prevents unnecessary rejections from otherwise willing employers.
Pursue your state journeyman or master license while on OPT
Many states allow non-citizens to sit for plumbing licensing exams. Starting or completing licensure while on OPT makes you significantly more valuable and signals long-term commitment, which can ease employer hesitation about future sponsorship conversations.
Highlight apprenticeship or field experience prominently
Employers in skilled trades weight hands-on experience heavily. If you completed any internship, co-op, or CPT work in plumbing or mechanical systems, put it at the top of your resume. Theoretical coursework alone rarely wins interviews in this field.
Look for union-affiliated contractors with established hiring processes
Union mechanical contractors in major metros often have standardized onboarding and legal teams familiar with work authorization. They are more likely than independent shops to process OPT documentation correctly and consider future H-1B visa sponsorship for engineering roles.
Master Plumber OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally work as a master plumber on OPT?
It depends on your state and your degree. Master plumber status requires a state-issued license, which most states restrict to individuals with permanent work authorization or citizenship. On OPT, you can work in roles that support plumbing operations, such as project engineer or construction manager, under a licensed master plumber, as long as the work relates directly to your degree field.
Does a master plumber role qualify as a STEM OPT extension?
Generally no, unless your underlying degree is from a STEM-designated program such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or construction management technology. The job title alone does not determine STEM eligibility. Your employer also must be enrolled in E-Verify. If your degree qualifies, the role needs to align with STEM field criteria, not just the trade itself.
How do I find employers who will hire master plumber candidates on OPT?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find employers already open to OPT candidates in construction and skilled trades. Beyond that, large mechanical contractors, facilities management firms, and municipal utilities tend to have more experience with work authorization than small residential shops. Filter your search toward companies with formal HR departments.
What happens to my OPT if I finish a plumbing apprenticeship and need a license to work independently?
Your OPT authorization does not change based on licensure status. You can continue working in a plumbing-related role that matches your degree even without holding a master license yourself, as long as you are employed and your work is authorized. If you complete your apprenticeship and the employer wants to retain you long-term, they would need to explore H-2B visa or H-1B sponsorship depending on your role.
Can I work for myself or start a plumbing business on OPT?
Self-employment on OPT is permitted in limited circumstances, but it is heavily scrutinized by USCIS and requires that you are the owner of a legitimate business that employs you in a role related to your degree. Running an unlicensed plumbing operation would not qualify. Most immigration attorneys advise OPT students to avoid self-employment arrangements unless they have an attorney guiding the structure.