About the Veterans Home at Holyoke:
The Veterans Home at Holyoke is a state-funded, fully accredited health care facility that offers veterans quality health care, including full-time residential accommodations, and provides educational and social services for Veterans in the Commonwealth. The Veterans Home at Holyoke is staffed by approximately 330+ administrators, clinicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, skilled trade, dietary staff, housekeeping staff, contractors, consultants and general administrative personnel. The tradition of service to the veterans of Massachusetts is surpassed only by a continued commitment to excellence in care for those who are in need now and in the future. Our mission is to provide “Care with Dignity, Honor, and Respect” to our Veterans.
We are seeking a skilled and dependable Plumber and Steamfitter II to join our team at the Veterans Home at Holyoke. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise, a positive and professional attitude, and a deep commitment to our mission of treating veterans with honor, dignity, and respect. In this role, you'll ensure our plumbing systems run safety and efficiently while working collaboratively with staff to create a comfortable, respectful living environment for those who served our nation.
SCHEDULE:
Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm, but be available to call ins for night, weekend, and holiday emergency responses.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (these duties are a general summary and are not all inclusive):
The Plumber is responsible for the continuous installation, maintenance, inspection, and emergency repair of all water supply, drainage, waste, gas, and specialized medical/safety piping systems across the facility. This role directly impacts the safety, infection control, and daily comfort of Veteran residents. All work must adhere to the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR) and healthcare safety mandates
Core Plumbing & Facility Maintenance:
• System Operations: Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair hot/cold water distribution networks, sewage ejectors, main lines, and grease traps.
• Fixture Upkeep: Install and repair resident-room fixtures, specialized walk-in tubs, anti-scald mixing valves, bedpan washers, and commercial kitchen/laundry infrastructure.
• Clog Management: Perform routine and emergency snaking, hydro-jetting, and auger clearing of clogged lines.
• Preventative Maintenance: Execute regular inspections of water heaters, storage tanks, recirculation pumps, and backflow preventers to avoid system downtime.
• Apprentice: Mentor apprentice to provide foundational skills, technical safety knowledge and necessary hours required to achieve a Massachusetts Plumber License.
Healthcare & Safety Compliance
• Code Adherence: Ensure all repairs and updates comply with the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
• Infection & Water Control: Maintain water systems to strictly comply with Department of Public Health (DPH) standards, explicitly managing temperature controls to eliminate scald risks and prevent Legionella or bacterial stagnation.
• Safety & Medical Gas: Inspect and maintain facility backflow prevention devices, emergency eyewash stations, and localized oxygen or vacuum delivery infrastructure if applicable.
• Work Order Logging: Document all activities, code permits, and parts changes using the facility’s CAMIS System.
Resident-Centric & Environment Care
• Disruption Control: Plan non-emergency work during low-impact hours to preserve resident sleep, dining, and therapy schedules.
• Containment Protocol: Utilize dust and containment barriers when cutting into walls or ceilings to prevent airborne contaminants in patient areas.
• Veteran Interaction: Conduct repairs in active Veteran living quarters with high degrees of empathy, respect, privacy, and patience
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:
Licenses & Certifications
•Massachusetts Journeyman or Master Plumber License (Required; must be active and in good standing).
•Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License (Class D).
•Backflow Prevention Tester Certification (Highly preferred).
•Medical Gas Certification: Experience & Education
•High School Diploma or equivalent trade school background.
•3+ years of commercial or institutional plumbing experience.
•PRO and Mega Press Certification
•Prior experience in a healthcare facility, hospital, or nursing home is strongly preferred.
Skills & Knowledge
•Advanced blueprint, layout schematics, and plumbing code interpretation.
•Expertise in working with diverse materials (PVC, copper, cast iron, PEX, galvanized steel).
•Knowledge of CMS and VA regulation
•Assist other trades as Necessary
•Snow Removal during the winter season
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
