Plumber - TSSOM

POSITION OVERVIEW

Plumber aboard Maine Maritime Academy‘s Training Ship State of Maine (TSSOM). Position reports to the First Assistant Engineer or their designee, during both underway and non-underway periods. The Plumber will assist with the planned maintenance and repair of the ship's black water, grey water, and potable water systems. Additionally, the ship’s plumber provides training to cadets during the annual sea term and during the academic year. Applicant must possess TWIC, Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), and USCG Medical Certificate (STCW Expiry).

• Is assigned to the vessel and as such participates in all deployments and sea terms.
• Work closely with the Ship’s engineering officers and logistics coordinator with regards to parts and supplies needed for the maintenance and repair of water, drain, and sewage systems.
• Responsible for identifying and completing needed maintenance/repairs on applicable systems.
• Responsible for testing of completed repairs and communicating work performed to the First Engineer.
• Frequently supervise and train students of varying experience levels.
• Act as a safety observer during any evolution involving groups of students and completing permits to work, risk analyses, or other documentation required by Safety Management Systems.
• Perform all duties normally associated with a shipboard plumber.
• Responsible for objectively evaluating student performance in cooperation with the ship’s engineering officers.
• As a uniformed crew, will comply with the regimental uniform regulations as modified by the Master of the Training Ship.
• Other duties as assigned.

This job description reflects the general duties of the job but is not a detailed description of all duties which may be inherent to the position. The Academy may assign reasonably related additional duties to individual employees consistent with policy and collective bargaining agreements.

SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge and familiarity with shipboard systems plumbing, vacuum toilet, drainage and potable water supply equipment.
• Minimum 5 years experience as an industrial or shipboard plumber.
• Willingness to teach and objectively evaluate Cadets.
• Ability to work with people in a closed, intense environment while providing effective leadership.
• Professional presentation, appearance, and work ethic.
• Ability to work irregular/extended hours/weeks, including night and weekend duties as required.
• Sufficient computer skills to operate shipboard and other automated systems.
• Ability to work in a student-oriented training environment.
• Ability to teach proper use of plumbing-related tools within the scope of the Safety Management Systems.

REQUIREMENTS

Merchant Mariner Credential

Note: Preference given to candidates with QMED endorsement or higher and/or Master Plumber license.

Valid USCG Medical Certificate

(STCW expiry date)

Valid US Passport

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

Computer proficiency

Knowledge of Windows Microsoft Office Suite.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Candidate must pass a pre-employment background check, physical examination, drug test, and be deemed fit for duty at sea.
• The physical requirements as outlined in the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Medical Manual, COMDTINST M16721.48 (series) are herein incorporated.
• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Ascend or descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, etc., using feet and legs and/or hands and reaching overhead with arms and hands.
• Frequently requires lifting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, and pulling.
• Requires use of hands to manipulate objects, tools, or controls.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must participate in USCG drug testing program.
• Participate in annual underway periods consisting of 2–3-month training cruises requiring time away from the Academy.
• Actively participate in MARAD deployments, shipyard periods or other operations where the ship may be utilized away from homeport.
• Perform watch and maintenance work in areas that may include but are not limited to such hazards as hot and cold weather, rain, salt spray, dirt, fumes, rough seas, moving mechanical equipment, loud noises, vibration, and working at heights.

Tobacco-Free Notice: For the health and wellbeing of our community, the Maine Maritime Academy campus and vessels (ashore and afloat) are smoke- and tobacco-free as of August 1, 2016.

Updated: March 2025

Wage Grade: 25