OPT Plumber Jobs
Plumber jobs on OPT are available but require careful navigation. Most plumbing roles involve hands-on trade work, so your degree field must align with the position to satisfy STEM or standard OPT authorization. Employers who sponsor visas for skilled trades are fewer than in tech, making early outreach essential.
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Plumber – Campus Maintenance
The primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.
Join our UAB Facilities Campus Maintenance team and put your plumbing expertise to work across our dynamic, growing campus. Make a daily impact and help keep UAB flowing forward as our next Campus Maintenance Plumber.
Position Summary
Reads, understands and interprets blueprints, drawings, floor plans, schedules and manufacturer's operating and/or maintenance specifications as they relate to electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC and special equipment, building structures and finishes. Maintains and perform repairs, modifications, replacement and installations on a wide variety of plumbing systems and equipment. Performs corrective, routine, and preventive maintenance to include operating, cleaning, inspecting, troubleshooting, adjusting, tightening, replacing, lubricating, reporting problems, and other similar tasks on a wide variety of plumbing systems and equipment. Installs and maintains natural gas piping. Enters time into departmental specific system (i.e., Maximo, WebTMA, CMMS or other designated system). May be called upon to assist the work of other maintenance personnel or to assist in the completion of their work to include HVAC Mechanics, Electricians, Maintenance Technicians, Carpenters, Masons and others. Responds to requests for maintenance and service from building occupants to include emergencies, maintenance problems, requested installations, modifications, repairs and adjustments, projects, and other similar tasks. Performs other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or directed by Division management and supervision.
Essential Accountabilities:
- Maintains and performs repairs, modifications, replacements and installations of Domestic Hot and Cold Water Systems to include pumps, piping, valves, dietary equipment, rest room fixtures, filters, water treatment equipment support, etc.; HVAC Hot and Chilled Water Components to include coils, boilers, hot and chilled water piping, valves, Heat exchanger, etc.; and Waste Removal Systems to include grease traps, piping, sewage processing equipment, sanitary drain lines, traps, sewage ejectors, bed pan washers, and other similar type equipment.
- Maintains and performs repairs, modifications, replacements and installations of steam and other systems to include traps, piping, valves, heat exchangers, condensate return systems, pressure reducing valves, flash tanks, boilers, laundry equipment, and other similar equipment. Installation and maintenance of natural gas piping.
- Maintains and performs repairs, modifications, replacements and installations of life safety systems and specialized medical and research equipment to include fire protection systems, medical gas lines, autoclaves, sterilizers, vacuum systems, and other similar equipment.
- Responds to requests for maintenance and service from building occupants to include emergencies, maintenance problems, requested installations, modifications, repairs and adjustments, and other similar tasks.
- For positions working in UAB hospital, abides by and implements water system construction and renovation risk assessment (WSCRRA), infection control risk assessment (ICRA), interim life safety measures (ILSM), risk assessment, and all other related healthcare environment of care measures, standard, and policies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Basic mechanical aptitude
- Knowledge of trades mathematics and measurements
- Knowledge of trades communications
- Skilled in plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair
- Experience with steam‑fitting and pipe‑fitting skills
- Ability to diagnose and repair plumbing system issues efficiently
- Ability to identify and resolve leaks, blockages, and pressure problems
- Must be self‑directed, self‑motivated, and able to work independently
- Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to shift between tasks of varying complexity while maintaining productivity
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and foster a cooperative, supportive work environment.
- Flexibility to adapt and perform well in a fast‑paced, constantly changing environment.
- Ability to perform effectively when confronted with emergency, critical, unusual or dangerous situations
Hourly Pay Range:
$21.80 - $27.00 (Commensurate with experience & qualifications), plus incentives for holding a Master Plumber’s License.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Associate’s degree or Technical Diploma in a related field OR successful completion of a plumbing apprenticeship training program as defined by the State of Alabama Plumbers & Gasfitters Examining Board
- Three (3) years of related experience, including plumbing maintenance in similar facilities
- Work experience may substitute for the education requirement
Licensure Requirements:
- Currently licensed with a Journeyman Plumber Registration or Master Plumber License issued by the State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board (required)
- Fire Pump and Backflow Prevention certifications (preferred)
- Satisfactory completion of 6,000 hours of verifiable on‑the‑job training for Plumber certification, or equivalent verifiable experience
MVR (Motor Vehicle Record):
Driving record must meet University underwriting guidelines, including:
- Valid U.S. driver’s license
- Minimum age of 21
- At least three years of driving experience
- Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
Customer Service Relationships:
Handles challenging customer situations with tact and diplomacy. Uses advanced interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships. Finds creative solutions to meet customer needs.
Physical Requirements:
Must possess the physical ability, with or without mechanical assistance, to safely perform job duties, including:
- Lifting and carrying a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.
- Climbing stairs, ladders and scaffolding, and working at heights above thirty (30) feet.
- Performing tasks requiring bending, stooping, kneeling, and walking significant distances between and within buildings on campus.
- Working in confined spaces and extreme temperatures
- Working within extreme temperature ranges
Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm (Must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the University and department).
Additional Information:
Incomplete job profiles will not be processed. Please ensure your application reflects the full depth and breadth of your experience relevant to this position.
About UAB:
UAB provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, competitive retirement options, wellness programs, and a wide range of employee perks designed to support you both at work and at home. You can explore the full benefits overview here: https://www.uab.edu/humanresources/home/benefits
For more information about UAB Facilities, please visit: https://www.uab.edu/facilities/
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
Primary Location: University
Job Category: Facilities
Organization: 112302000 Campus Maintenance
Employee Status: Regular
Shift: Day/1st Shift
Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager): Onsite
Description
Plumber – Campus Maintenance
The primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.
Join our UAB Facilities Campus Maintenance team and put your plumbing expertise to work across our dynamic, growing campus. Make a daily impact and help keep UAB flowing forward as our next Campus Maintenance Plumber.
Position Summary
Reads, understands and interprets blueprints, drawings, floor plans, schedules and manufacturer's operating and/or maintenance specifications as they relate to electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC and special equipment, building structures and finishes. Maintains and perform repairs, modifications, replacement and installations on a wide variety of plumbing systems and equipment. Performs corrective, routine, and preventive maintenance to include operating, cleaning, inspecting, troubleshooting, adjusting, tightening, replacing, lubricating, reporting problems, and other similar tasks on a wide variety of plumbing systems and equipment. Installs and maintains natural gas piping. Enters time into departmental specific system (i.e., Maximo, WebTMA, CMMS or other designated system). May be called upon to assist the work of other maintenance personnel or to assist in the completion of their work to include HVAC Mechanics, Electricians, Maintenance Technicians, Carpenters, Masons and others. Responds to requests for maintenance and service from building occupants to include emergencies, maintenance problems, requested installations, modifications, repairs and adjustments, projects, and other similar tasks. Performs other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or directed by Division management and supervision.
Essential Accountabilities:
- Maintains and performs repairs, modifications, replacements and installations of Domestic Hot and Cold Water Systems to include pumps, piping, valves, dietary equipment, rest room fixtures, filters, water treatment equipment support, etc.; HVAC Hot and Chilled Water Components to include coils, boilers, hot and chilled water piping, valves, Heat exchanger, etc.; and Waste Removal Systems to include grease traps, piping, sewage processing equipment, sanitary drain lines, traps, sewage ejectors, bed pan washers, and other similar type equipment.
- Maintains and performs repairs, modifications, replacements and installations of steam and other systems to include traps, piping, valves, heat exchangers, condensate return systems, pressure reducing valves, flash tanks, boilers, laundry equipment, and other similar equipment. Installation and maintenance of natural gas piping.
- Maintains and performs repairs, modifications, replacements and installations of life safety systems and specialized medical and research equipment to include fire protection systems, medical gas lines, autoclaves, sterilizers, vacuum systems, and other similar equipment.
- Responds to requests for maintenance and service from building occupants to include emergencies, maintenance problems, requested installations, modifications, repairs and adjustments, and other similar tasks.
- For positions working in UAB hospital, abides by and implements water system construction and renovation risk assessment (WSCRRA), infection control risk assessment (ICRA), interim life safety measures (ILSM), risk assessment, and all other related healthcare environment of care measures, standard, and policies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Basic mechanical aptitude
- Knowledge of trades mathematics and measurements
- Knowledge of trades communications
- Skilled in plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair
- Experience with steam‑fitting and pipe‑fitting skills
- Ability to diagnose and repair plumbing system issues efficiently
- Ability to identify and resolve leaks, blockages, and pressure problems
- Must be self‑directed, self‑motivated, and able to work independently
- Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to shift between tasks of varying complexity while maintaining productivity
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and foster a cooperative, supportive work environment.
- Flexibility to adapt and perform well in a fast‑paced, constantly changing environment.
- Ability to perform effectively when confronted with emergency, critical, unusual or dangerous situations
Hourly Pay Range:
$21.80 - $27.00 (Commensurate with experience & qualifications), plus incentives for holding a Master Plumber’s License.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Associate’s degree or Technical Diploma in a related field OR successful completion of a plumbing apprenticeship training program as defined by the State of Alabama Plumbers & Gasfitters Examining Board
- Three (3) years of related experience, including plumbing maintenance in similar facilities
- Work experience may substitute for the education requirement
Licensure Requirements:
- Currently licensed with a Journeyman Plumber Registration or Master Plumber License issued by the State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board (required)
- Fire Pump and Backflow Prevention certifications (preferred)
- Satisfactory completion of 6,000 hours of verifiable on‑the‑job training for Plumber certification, or equivalent verifiable experience
MVR (Motor Vehicle Record):
Driving record must meet University underwriting guidelines, including:
- Valid U.S. driver’s license
- Minimum age of 21
- At least three years of driving experience
- Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
Customer Service Relationships:
Handles challenging customer situations with tact and diplomacy. Uses advanced interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships. Finds creative solutions to meet customer needs.
Physical Requirements:
Must possess the physical ability, with or without mechanical assistance, to safely perform job duties, including:
- Lifting and carrying a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.
- Climbing stairs, ladders and scaffolding, and working at heights above thirty (30) feet.
- Performing tasks requiring bending, stooping, kneeling, and walking significant distances between and within buildings on campus.
- Working in confined spaces and extreme temperatures
- Working within extreme temperature ranges
Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm (Must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the University and department).
Additional Information:
Incomplete job profiles will not be processed. Please ensure your application reflects the full depth and breadth of your experience relevant to this position.
About UAB:
UAB provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, competitive retirement options, wellness programs, and a wide range of employee perks designed to support you both at work and at home. You can explore the full benefits overview here: https://www.uab.edu/humanresources/home/benefits
For more information about UAB Facilities, please visit: https://www.uab.edu/facilities/
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
Primary Location: University
Job Category: Facilities
Organization: 112302000 Campus Maintenance
Employee Status: Regular
Shift: Day/1st Shift
Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager): Onsite
See all 84+ OPT Plumber Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Plumber Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Plumber
Verify your OPT authorization covers the role
Plumbing jobs must relate directly to your degree field to count as valid OPT employment. If your degree is in mechanical engineering or construction management, document how the role applies before accepting an offer.
Target contractors with commercial or industrial projects
Large commercial and industrial plumbing contractors are more likely to sponsor visas than residential outfits. Companies working on hospitals, data centers, or government projects typically have HR infrastructure to support work authorization paperwork.
Get your state plumbing license early
Most states require a journeyman or apprentice plumbing license to work legally. Starting the licensing process before your job search makes you a stronger candidate and removes a common barrier employers raise when evaluating OPT applicants.
Be upfront about your OPT timeline and end date
Tell employers your OPT expiration date in the first conversation. Employers who are willing to sponsor H-1B visa or other visas need enough lead time to file petitions, so transparency prevents wasted time for both sides.
Look for union-affiliated employers with apprenticeship programs
Union plumbing contractors operating apprenticeship programs often have established processes for sponsoring workers long-term. These employers are more accustomed to structured hiring and may be more open to visa sponsorship conversations.
Frame your degree as an asset, not just a requirement
Employers in the trades sometimes undervalue academic backgrounds. Highlight how your engineering or construction degree reduces on-site errors, improves project planning, or qualifies you for estimating and supervisory roles alongside hands-on plumbing work.
Plumber OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a plumber on OPT?
Yes, if your plumbing work is directly related to your degree field. A mechanical engineering or construction management graduate taking a plumbing role can qualify, but the connection must be documentable. Purely trade-based work with no academic tie to your degree could jeopardize your OPT status, so confirm the link before accepting an offer.
Do plumbing employers commonly sponsor OPT or H-1B visas?
Sponsorship is less common in plumbing than in tech or finance, but it does exist. Large commercial and mechanical contractors, especially those working on infrastructure or federal projects, are more likely to have experience sponsoring workers. Searching on Migrate Mate filters for employers who have demonstrated sponsorship willingness, which saves significant time over cold outreach.
Does a plumbing job qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Only if your degree is classified under a STEM-designated field and the plumbing role uses that training directly. Degrees in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or construction engineering technology may qualify. The role itself is not automatically STEM-eligible; what matters is your degree classification and how the job duties align with it.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files for an H-1B?
If your OPT expires before an H-1B is approved, you lose work authorization and must stop working immediately. H-1B cap-subject petitions are filed once a year with an October 1 start date, so timing is critical. Some plumbing employers may qualify as cap-exempt if affiliated with nonprofits or research institutions, which allows year-round filing.
Do I need a U.S. plumbing license to work on OPT?
Licensing requirements vary by state and by the scope of work. Most states require at least an apprentice or journeyman license to perform plumbing work independently. Some employers will hire OPT students under a licensed supervisor while the licensing process is underway. Check your specific state's plumbing board requirements before starting your job search.