Plumber Pipefitter Apprentice

Compensation Grade:

AT19

Salary Range:

$21.01-$33.26

Opening Date:

September 4, 2026

Closing Date:

September 19, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Plumber-Pipefitter Apprentice in the Airports Authority’s Trades Apprentice Employment Program, you will have the opportunity to gain the experience and training that can lead to becoming a licensed, journey level Plumber-Pipefitter.

Plumber-Pipefitter Apprentice

This is a non-career, term job.

Serves in the Engineering and Maintenance Department at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Participates in a state-approved Airports Authority Trades Apprentice Employment Program to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become a licensed, journey level Plumber-Pipefitter. Performs progressively complex and responsible plumbing-pipefitting work as knowledge, skills and abilities in the trade increase. Training received is both on-the-job and in a classroom. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Learns to install pipes, plumbing and related equipment, from elementary to fully proficient levels of plumbing-pipefitting, as consistent with the Trades Apprentice Employment Program.

Learns to proficiently use manuals, technical guides, plumbing/operation diagrams and schematics, and hand and power tools, instruments and devices, used by the trade.

Assists full performance (journey) level Plumber-Pipefitters to assemble and transport tools and materials to job sites, and at the job site to complete the work to include handling of tools and cleaning up.

Guided by a full performance (journey) level Plumber-Pipefitter, learns to install and repair pipes, pumps, and plumbing fixtures; to disassemble pumps and back-flow preventers and replace parts; to use schematics; to install lines on sprinkler systems; and to perform preventive maintenance.

Performs other tasks as assigned including storing and stocking materials and equipment; removing debris and painting pump rooms; shoring ditches for work site safety; using jackhammers and chisels to expose pipelines; checking pipes, joints, valve sizes, pumps and system pressures that move water and waste; and vacuums solid waste and sludge.

Learns and uses knowledge of building, fire, Federal Aviation Administration, and other codes and regulations pertinent to the trade, in general and in an airport environment.

Assists in preparing and maintaining work orders, trouble calls and preventive maintenance utilizing the Airports Authority’s computerized work order system.

Drives a pick-up truck or similar vehicle on the airport complex, landside and airside to work sites and to/from suppliers with tools, parts, etc.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Ability to learn bodies of knowledge and gain skills in the Plumbing-Pipefitting trade consistent with the schedule for progression as an Apprentice in the Trades Apprentice Employment Program.

Ability to drive a pick-up truck and learn to use similar vehicle (with tools, parts, etc.).

Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures needed to do so.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Skill in using a computer, computerized work order and time and attendance system.

Ability to successfully complete an Airports Authority’ background investigation.

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) at the time of hire.

Completion of at least one trades course (such as Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Automotive Mechanics) in high school OR be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a trades school accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Labor.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver’s license in good standing at the time of hire.

Depending on assignment, may be required to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License or Certification as Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

NECESSARY SPECAL FACTORS

Work is physically demanding and requires bending, stooping, crouching or otherwise positioning self to access confined spaces, hard to reach places and high structures.

Work may require the ability to lift, push/pull or position items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Work is performed inside and outside in all kinds of weather (rain, snow, ice).  May be exposed to hazardous materials, substances and conditions; to temperatures exceeding 115 degrees F; and to raw sewage, dirt and mud. Work requires use of personal protective equipment.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

Subject to shift holdovers and recall on a 24-hour basis, for essential services and emergencies, including night hours and weekends.

Operates a vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).

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A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.