Description

The City of Roanoke's Department of Public Works is looking for skilled Facilities Trades Professionals to join our team. Depending on your area of assignment, you'll bring your expertise to one of the following divisions:

Mechanical Division (Plumber)

You'll repair, maintain, troubleshoot, and install commercial plumbing systems, including HVAC piping, rainwater recovery systems, and swimming pool and decorative fountain maintenance. You'll study plans, drawings, specifications, and work orders to determine what each job requires and how to sequence repairs or installations, and you may assist your supervisor or foreman with layout sketches, material lists, and time estimates.

You should be a proficient backhoe operator, comfortable installing and repairing light utility piping, fitting steel pipe systems, and assisting a welder or fabricator as needed.

This position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of experience and/or a journeyman-level plumber license. You'll be given ample time to obtain your Virginia State Master Plumber Certification. Backflow Certification is preferred, but if you don't already have it, you'll be given time to earn your Virginia State Backflow Certification.

Structural Division (Carpentry/Building Envelope/Roofer)

You'll clean, service, repair, and replace roofs, windows, doors, siding, caulking, flashing, and gutters on City of Roanoke buildings. You'll also help develop and maintain a database cataloging information on all City-owned roofs, buildings, and structures, so we can plan field maintenance schedules and replacement needs ahead of time.

You'll supervise and take part in the work of a crew handling a variety of maintenance and construction projects, assisting your supervisor or foreman with layout sketches, material lists, and time estimates. You'll study plans, drawings, specifications, and work orders to determine the scope and sequence of each job.

As a rough and finish carpenter, you'll install and remove frame walls, drywall, ceramic tile, carpet, windows, doors, blinds, and siding, and handle structure demolition when needed. You should also be comfortable constructing or repairing office furniture and pouring and finishing concrete across City-owned buildings.

HVAC Division

You'll perform technical work maintaining, repairing, replacing, and installing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, controls, and distribution systems. You may assist the Lead HVAC Technician with designing HVAC systems, including new installations and modifications to existing ones, and you'll help train other technicians and staff on preventative maintenance best practices.

You should be comfortable climbing and working on ladders and lifts to reach high ceilings and walls.

You'll need a high school diploma or GED, along with 3-5+ years of progressively responsible experience working with complex HVAC systems and equipment — including chillers, boilers, package units, and VAV systems (direct digital, pneumatic, and automated controls). This role requires 3-5 years of experience and/or a minimum of a journeyman-level HVAC license. You'll be given ample time to obtain your Virginia State Master HVAC Certification.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

These are non-exempt positions.

Examples of Duties

Performs work in multiple (mechanical/structural/ HVAC/welding/sheet metal) skilled trades. May lead and participate in the work of a crew engaged in highly skilled maintenance, and construction activities. High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and three to five years' experience and/or training in trades area assigned or equivalent combination of education and experience. Requires possession of a valid VA driver's permit.

Typical Qualifications

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

May include the following depending on area of assignment

Knowledge of pertinent rules and regulations, guidelines, safety orders, departmental operating procedures and safety regulations sufficient to ensure that work is performed in compliance with applicable law.
Discuss job requirements and receives detailed instructions from supervisor or foreman
Inspects work in progress to ensure conformance with instructions;
Maintains accurate log sheets and checklists
Assists with special events, snow removal and other emergency tasks, including some nights, weekends and holidays, as needed
Operates heavy and light equipment during snow removal, special events, and other emergency tasks, including some nights, weekends, and holidays when needed
Adheres to established safety procedures as well as sound safety and housekeeping practices
Requisitions parts and materials used in the repair of equipment
Inspects equipment for proper safety and ensure truck is equipped with all necessary equipment for the day's assignment (i.e. water cooler, first aid kit, safety flares, etc.)
Performs at minimum journey-level trades work in one of the following areas: carpentry, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and/or welding
Must be able to climb/work on ladders/lifts to reach high ceilings or walls
Trains and instructs subordinates (when directed by Supervisor or Foreman)
Follows safety rules/procedures; avoid known hazards in the work environment.
Reviews safety procedures before beginning each job with known hazards
Places avoidance of injury or property damage above all other job requirements
May be required to operate out of a bucket truck, training will be provided if needed
May be required to take classes or training to enhance job performance
Assist with on-call on a rotating basis as requested by Manager or Superintendent (Tuesday at 3:30 PM-Tuesday at 7:00 AM)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May act as a Lead for specific job tasks, when needed

Supplemental Information

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and three to five years of experience and/or training in the trades area assigned or equivalent combination of education and experience.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Requires a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia

HVAC Division requires a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience and/or a journeyman level HVAC license - Will be provided ample time to obtain a Virginia State Master HVAC Certification.
Mechanical Division (Plumber) requires a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience and/or a journeyman level plumber license, will be provided ample time to obtain a Virginia State Master Plumber Certification. Backflow Certification preferred, if the candidate doesn't have this certification, he/she will be provided ample time to obtain a Virginia State Backflow Certification.

May be required to pass CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Systems) background check due to working in secured areas, depending on area of assignment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to walk, climb or balance, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; the employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 100 pounds; Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus. May be required to wear some type of respiratory protection in the performance of their duties; Pulmonary test will be provided by the city.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Working conditions include restricted movement, dirty environment, hazardous materials, lifting and carrying heavy objects. While the employee he/she performs the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.

Overview of Benefits for Full-Time Employees:

Paid leave is time off from work available for use by an employee upon approval by supervisor. The first 24 consecutive leave hours for any illness must be charged to paid leave with additional time charged to extended illness leave. Paid leave for employees of the city shall accrue as follows:

Years of Service Hours Per Month Fire 24-hr shift Employees
0 - 4 12 19.75
5 - 9 14 22.75
10- 14 16 25.50
15 - 19 17 26.75
20 - 24 18 28.75
25 + 20 32

Extended Illness Leave: shall accrue at the rate of six (6) hours per month. Fire suppression employees shall accrue extended illness leave at nine (9) hours per month.
Funeral Leave: for family, up to three consecutive days.
Military Leave: Twenty-one work days per Federal fiscal year.
Holidays: The City provides 96 hours of annual paid holiday time.

Mental Health & Well-Being Leave: Employees receive 24 hours (Fire Suppression receives 34 hours) of Mental Health & Well-Being Leave upon hire. Certification of mental health diagnosis is not required and leave will not be paid out upon separation.

Shared Leave Bank (effective 1/1/2023): Voluntary membership for full-time Employees who will be out for an extended period of time and has exhausted all other forms of leave. Members are required to provide 8 hours of their Extended Illness per fiscal year and at least 8 hours per assessment. Assessments will be limimted to 4 times per fiscal year (max of 40 hours per fiscal year).

Health Insurance: Four coverage types are available: Employee only, Employee + 1 Child, Employee + Spouse and Family. Coverage is available through payroll deduction.

Additionally, the city offers the following three Aetna Health Plan Options:

PPO 750 – Provides 100% coverage for preventive care; lower deductible and out-of-pocket maximums than other medical plans; and has higher employee premiums. This is comparable to the current insurance program.
PPO/HRA 1500 – Provides 100% coverage for preventive care; has higher deductible and out-of-pocket maximum than the PPO 300 plan; has lower employee premiums than the PPO 300 plan; and the employer makes contributions to an account through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). The City of Roanoke contributes $500 for employee only coverage and $1,000 for all other tiers. Contributions are pro-rated dependent upon enrollment date.
PPO/HDHP-HSA – Provides 100% coverage for preventive care; has higher deductible and out-of-pocket maximum than other medical plans; has lower employee premiums; and both the employer and the employee make contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for medical expenses which apply to the deductible. The City of Roanoke contributes towards the Health Savings Account (HSA), $1,600 for employee only coverage and $3,100 for all other tiers. Contributions are pro-rated dependent upon enrollment date.

Optum RX (Pharmaceutical Benefits Manager) - Manages pharmacy benefits, processes employee pharmacy claims and answers employee pharmacy benefit questions.

Aetna Health Plan 2026 Monthly Rates
PPO 750
Employee Only: $81.94
Employee + Child: $306.26
Employee + Spouse: $718.38
Family: $785.44

PPO/HRA 1500
Employee Only: $53.06
Employee + Child: $260.06
Employee + Spouse: $660.64
Family: $669.94

PPO/HDHP-HSA
Employee Only: $25.10
Employee + Child: $195.72
Employee + Spouse $547.88
Family: $550.56

Dental Insurance: Four coverage types are available: Family, Employee and Spouse, Employee and Child, and Employee only. Coverage is available through payroll deduction.

Delta Dental 2026 Monthly Rates
Employee: $2.80
Employee/Child: $18.88
Employee/Spouse: $18.88
Family: $49.36

Life Insurance: Paid by the City at no cost to employees. Coverage is equal to the annual salary rounded to the next highest thousand and then doubled. For an accidental death, the coverage would be twice this amount.

Optional Life Insurance: Paid by the employee. Various amounts of coverage, including family members, available through payroll deduction.

Long Term Disability Insurance: Designed to provide a monthly benefit to assist employees with bills and maintaining a standard of living when disabled as a result of a covered sickness or injury. Coverage is available through payroll deduction. Annual cost is your annual salary multiplied by .00255. This amount is half of the total premium and the City pays the other half.

Retirement: Employees contribute 5% of salary and choose between participating in a traditional defined benefit plan or a hybrid program. Employees vest in the employer component of either plan upon completing five (5) years of service.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Normal retirement after 55th birthday, and when combination of age and creditable service equals 85; or, 65th birthday if completed at least five years of creditable service. For sworn officers in Police and Fire/EMS, normal retirement after 50th birthday, and when combination of age and service equals 75; or, 65th birthday or older with 5 years of creditable service. An annual retirement benefit equals 2.0% of salary (based on an average of the highest five years) times the number of creditable years with a maximum of 63%. Early retirement options are available and reductions may apply based on age and service.

Hybrid Program: Provides the characteristics of the traditional pension plan with that of a deferred compensation plan. The pension plan provides an annual benefit equaling 1% of salary (based on an average of the highest five years) times the number of creditable years with a maximum of 63%. The deferred compensation component provides for the employee contribution to be deposited in an account directed by the member. The combination of the two components is structured to provide approximately the same actuarial benefit as the Defined Benefit Pension Plan. International City Management Association - Retirement Corporation (ICMA-RC) provides the third party administration of this deferred compensation plan for participating employees.

Sheriff's Department Employees are covered b the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). Previous service covered by VRS may be portable to the Roanoke Retirement System.

Retirement Health Savings Plan: All employees contribute 1% of salary to a 401(h) health savings account. Employees vest in the City match of 1% upon completing five (5) years of service. International City Management Association - Retirement Corporation (ICMA-RC) provides the third party administration of this plan for participating employees.
Deferred Compensation: Employees may voluntarily contribute salary deferred dollars into a City Sponsored 457 Plan. International City Management Association - Empower provides the third party administration of this deferred compensation plan for participating employees.

Flexible Spending Account: Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars from their pay checks to pay for child care and/or medical and dental expenses not covered by the City's health care or dental plans. You may also set aside pre-tax dollars to cover certain transit or parking expenses. Keep in mind only transit or parking expenses may be rolled over from year to year.

Virginia College Savings Plan: Two plans to choose from at a reduced application fee, Virginia Prepaid Education Program and the Virginia Education Savings Trust.

Employee Health Services: The City employee health services provides medical care for employees, retirees, and eligible spouses.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services available to assist employees facing life challenges.

Pay Days: Direct deposit is required for all new employees. Paid bi-weekly, 26 pay periods per year.

Vision Insurance: Paid by the Employee. Includes annual routine eye exam, discounts on eyeglass frames, eyeglass lenses and contact lenses.
CEC 2026 Monthly Rates
Employee: $6.68
Employee/Spouse: $12.69
Employee/Child(ren): $13.36
Family: $19.71

Voluntary Benefits: Critical Illness, Accident Insurance and Hospital Indemnity Insurance is offered by The Hartford. CHUBB offers Cancer Advocacy, Life Insurance and Long-Term Care. Identity Protection if offered through LegalShield and IDShield. Personal loans are offered through Purchasing Power and Kashable. Pet Insurance is offered through PetPartners. All voluntary benefits may be payroll deducted.

City of Roanoke

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