UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
Specification for Class
TRADES HELPER
UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP
8870 (WFSE Skilled Trades)
DEFINITION
Perform semi-skilled work in the institution's building maintenance and alterations program.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Positions in this class are distinguished by responsibility for assignment to a specific shop to work under and assist journey-craft tradesworkers in performance of semi-skilled work assignments.
TYPICAL WORK
General (Common to all Trades Helpers)
Clean up, service and operate a variety of hand and power tools;
Assist journey tradesworkers in performance of maintenance and alterations work assignments;
Have knowledge of common materials used by the trade; obtain, prepare and deliver materials to the job site for installation by journeyworkers;
Assist in shop office routines, including material storage and record keeping;
Set up and work from a variety of ladders and scaffolding;
Clean up and maintain shop areas, work sites and storage areas;
Sheet Metal Work
Assist roofing crews, operate tar pot, handle and place roofing materials;
Use common shop instruments, including rules and micrometers;
Cut, grind and polish sheet metal materials;
Operate power shop equipment including drill press and punch press;
Operate the sand blaster;
Make minor assemblies of pre-formed sheet metal components including installation of fasteners;
Carpenter Work
Receive, stack and select lumber materials for use by journeyworkers;
Operate a fork-lift truck;
Cut lumber to length with power saw;
Perform simple fabrication work, such as nailing forms, benches, flats, and installation of fasteners;
Assist journey carpenters on maintenance and alterations projects, including nailing plasterboard, driving stakes, assembling stud walls, maintenance and installation of doors and closers;
Operate shop equipment, including saws, sanders and drills;
Clean and remove nails from lumber;
Assist in installation of shades, drapes and other window coverings.
Paint Work
Order a wide variety of paint materials and equipment used by journey painters;
Maintain receiving, staging and storage of paint materials for issue to journeyworkers for projects and maintenance work;
Clean, service and adjust paint shop equipment such as tools, brushes;
Assist journeyworkers in tree fireproofing;
Mix colors and prepare paint materials for use by journeyworkers;
Assist journeyworkers in other painting projects as assigned;
Electrical Work
Replace incandescent lamps and fluorescent tubes in a wide variety of lighting fixtures throughout the campus;
Assist journey electricians in pulling wire, hanging fixtures, cutting and threading conduit;
Take electrical meter readings;
Clean up and wash light fixtures;
Cut and prepare metal shapes for use in hanging electrical devices;
Operate hand and portable tools, including drill motors, metal cutting equipment and power hammer;
Plumbing and Pipefitting Work
Operate portable and shop power equipment including drills, tapping machines, air compressors, pumps and grinders;
Assist journey plumbers and pipefitters in cutting and threading pipe, making up pipe joints; repair of valves, pneumatic controls and refrigeration equipment; and installation of equipment;
Assist in cutting and patching building structures for installation or removal of piping;
Assist journey pipefitters and refrigeration mechanics in testing and adjusting flow rates, temperatures, air quantities, pressures in ventilation, refrigeration and water systems;
Read and operate a variety of testing equipment;
Assist journeyworkers in maintaining drainage and waste piping including use of hand-power operated pipe cleaning equipment;
Perform related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - UW Contract Classified
High School graduation or GED Certificate; AND six months' general work experience requiring use of trades tools at the unskilled level. Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license may be required.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Examination Requirements:
A job element examination (including written, E & T and oral components) scored on the basis of job related experience, training, skill, ability and other elements which are established through job analysis.
New Class: 7-12-73
Revise MQ: 7-2-90
CSR Class Conversion (mc): 06-01-05