Class Description
Valid as of: July 2018
This class series uses three levels in the Labor, Trades, and Crafts Occupational Group and describes work involved in the fabrication, assembly, installation, maintenance and repair of gas, steam, air, refrigeration, or plumbing fixtures, equipment, pipes, fittings, and controls. Positions install valves, pumps, pipes, compressors, condensers, motors, temperature controls, control panels, fans, gauges, and switches; fabricate, assemble and install duct work and sheet metal items; bend, cut, thread, join and connect pipe to components and power or water systems; test and adjust gauges and controls for efficient operation; and screw, bolt, rivet, weld, and braze parts to assemble structural and functional components. Some positions may require licensure or certification.
PIPE/MECHANICAL TRADES I D6C1XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the clearly defined level where positions follow established work procedures. Positions operate within standard guidelines and alternatives which are known and any deviation from such requires prior approval. Some assignments do not move beyond this level.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making -- The decisions regularly made are at the defined level, as described here. Within limits prescribed by the operation, choices involve selecting alternatives that affect the manner and speed with which tasks are carried out. These choices do not affect the standards or results of the operation itself because there is typically only one correct way to carry out the operation. These alternatives include independent choice of such things as priority and personal preference for organizing and processing the work, proper tools or equipment, speed, and appropriate steps in the operation to apply. By nature, the data needed to make decisions can be numerous but are clear and understandable so logic is needed to apply the prescribed alternative. Positions can be taught what to do to carry out assignments and any deviation in the manner in which the work is performed does not change the end result of the operation.
Complexity -- The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is prescribed, as described here. Positions apply established, standard guidelines which cover work situations and alternatives. Action taken is based on learned, specific guidelines that permit little deviation or change as the task is repeated. Any alternatives to choose from are clearly right or wrong at each step.
Line/Staff Authority -- The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team. This level may include positions performing supervisory elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.
PIPE/MECHANICAL TRADES II D6C2XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the full-operating level. Positions operate independently to perform the full range of tasks and determine solutions to the full range of problems. Judgment is used to select the most appropriate guidelines and adapt them to accomplish the tasks. Positions continually determine practical solutions to problems by applying specific processes, techniques, and methods. Positions serve as a resource to others. Some assignments do not move beyond this level. This class differs from Pipe/Mechanical Trades I on Decision Making and Complexity.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making -- The decisions regularly made are at the operational level, as described here. Within limits set by the specific process, choices involve deciding what operation is required to carry out the process. This includes determining how the operation will be completed. By nature, data needed to make decisions are numerous and variable so reasoning is needed to develop the practical course of action within the established process. Choices are within a range of specified, acceptable standards, alternatives, and technical practices.
Complexity -- The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions study information to determine what it means and how it fits together in order to get practical solutions to problems. Guidelines exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines which may change for varying circumstances as the task is repeated. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation.
Line/Staff Authority -- The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team. This level may include positions performing supervisory elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.
PIPE/MECHANICAL TRADES III D6C3XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the supervisory level. The supervisor is responsible for a work unit including accountability for the use of equipment, space, and resources. Supervisors in this class directly control the work of assigned staff and determine the work procedures for the unit. This class differs from Pipe/Mechanical Trades II on Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making -- The decisions regularly made are at the operational level, as described here. Within limits set by the specific process, choices involve deciding what operation is required to carry out the process. This includes determining how the operation will be completed. By nature, data needed to make decisions are numerous and variable so reasoning is needed to develop the practical course of action within the established process. Choices are within a range of specified, acceptable standards, alternatives, and technical practices.
Complexity -- The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions study information to determine what it means and how it fits together in order to get practical solutions to problems. Guidelines exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines which may change for varying circumstances as the task is repeated. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation.
Line/Staff Authority -- The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as a unit supervisor. The unit supervisor is accountable, including signature authority, for actions and decisions that directly impact pay, status, and tenure of three or more full-time equivalent positions. At least one of the subordinate positions must be in the same series or at a comparable conceptual level. The elements of formal supervision must include providing documentation to support recommended
corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
Entrance Requirements
Minimum entry requirements and general competencies for classes in this series are contained in the State of Colorado Department of Personnel web site.
For purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the essential functions of specific positions are identified in the position description questionnaires and job analyses.
History of Changes Made to Class Description
The following is a summary of changes made to this class description.
- July 1, 2018
Effective 7/1/18: Update the Class Code of D6C1TX to D6C1XX per administrative updates.
- June 30, 2015
Updated and removed the purpose of contact 6.30.2015
- July 1, 1999
Effective 7/1/00 (LLB). Sign Fabricator II - IV (D2Q2-4) and Tunnel Maintenance Mechanic (D2T3-4) abolished as part of the LTC consolidation study. Draft published 3/31/99, proposed 5/24/99, and final 7/1/99.
- July 1, 1999
Effective 7/1/99 (LLB). LTC Consolidation Study. Sign Fabricator I (D2Q1) abolished as vacant. Plumber (D2O1-D2O2), Tunnel Maintenance Mechanic (D2T3-D2T4), Pipe/Mechanical Trades Assistant (D2P), HVAC Mechanic (D3D1-D3D2), Instrument Pipefitter (D3F1-D3F2), Pipefitter (D3H1-D3H2), Sheetmetal Worker (D3J1), Steamfitter (D3M1-D3M2) consolidated. Draft published 3/31/99 and proposed 5/24/99.
- October 1, 1994
Revised 10/1/94 (LDS). Revised wording in Description of Occupational Work and Class Concept for Pipe/Mechanic Trades Assistant.
- September 1, 1993
Effective 9/1/93 (LDS). Job Evaluation System Revision project. Published proposed 6/1/93. Pipe/Mechanical Trades Assistant (D2P1), Tunnel Maintenance Mechanic (D2T3-D2T4), Plumber (D2O1-D202), Sign Fabricator (D2Q1-D2Q4), HVAC Mechanic (D3D1-D3D2), Instrument Pipefitter (D3F1-D3F2), Pipefitter (D3H1-D3H2), Sheetmetal Worker (D3J1), Steamfitter (D3M1-D3M2).
- December 1, 1986
Revised 12/1/86. Changed class code, title, nature of work, entrance requirements, and pay differential on Sign Fabricator (A4580X), Senior Sign Fabricator (A4581X), Supervising Sign Fabricator (A4582X), Sign Shop Supervisor (A4583), Plumber (Maintenance), (A4832X), Plumber (A4834X), Supervising Plumber (A4836X), Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic (A4838X), Supervising Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic (A4840X), Refrigeration Mechanic (A4842X), Instrument Pipefitter (A4846X), Supervising Instrument Pipefitter(A4848X), Pipefitter (A4850X) and Supervising Pipefitter (A4852X), Sheet Metal Worker (A4854X), Steamfitter (A4849X) and Supervising Steamfitter (A4851X).
- December 1, 1986
Created 12/1/86. Tunnel Mechanic (A4680X).
- July 1, 1984
Revised 7/1/84. Changed in-grade hire step on Plumber (A4834X), Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic (A4838X), Supervising Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic (A4840X), Refrigeration Mechanic (A4842X), Instrument Pipefitter (A4846X), Pipefitter (A4850X), Sheet Metal Worker (A4854X).
- July 1, 1981
Revised 7/1/81. Changed grade and relationship on Instrument Pipefitter (A4846X), Supervising Instrument Pipefitter (A4848X).
- December 1, 1980
Revised 12/1/80. Changed class title, nature of work, and entrance requirements on Instrument Pipefitter (A4846X), Supervising Instrument Pipefitter (A4848X).
- July 1, 1980
Revised 7/1/80. Reinstated Refrigeration Mechanic (A4842X), changed entrance requirements on Sr. Tunnel Mechanic (A4681X).
- November 1, 1976
Created 11/1/76. Sr. Tunnel Mechanic (A4681X).
- April 1, 1975
Revised 4/1/75. Changed class code, title, grade Senior Sign Fabricator (A4581X).
- January 1, 1975
Created 1/1/75 Sign Fabricator (A4580X), Senior Sign Fabricator (A4581X), Supervising Sign Fabricator (A4582X), Sign Shop Supervisor (A4583), Plumber (Maintenance) (A4832X), Plumber (A4834X), Supervising Plumber (A4836X), Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic (A4838X), Supervising Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic (A4840X), Refrigeration Mechanic (A4842X), Instrument Pipefitter (A4846X), Supervising Instrument Pipefitter(A4848X), Pipefitter (A4850X), Supervising Pipefitter (A4852X), Sheet Metal Worker (A4854X), Steamfitter (A4849X), and Supervising Steamfitter (A4851X).
Summary of Factor Ratings
| Class Level | Decision Making | Complexity | Line/Staff Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe/Mechanical Trades I | Defined | Prescribed | Individual Contributor |
| Pipe/Mechanical Trades II | Operational | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
| Pipe/Mechanical Trades III | Operational | Patterned | Unit Supervisor |
Minimum Qualifications
Valid as of: September 1, 2023
This document includes the following levels:
| Class Title | Class Code |
|---|---|
| Pipe/Mechanical Trades I | D6C1XX |
| Pipe/Mechanical Trades II | D6C2XX |
| Pipe/Mechanical Trades III | D6C3XX |
PIPE/MECHANICAL TRADES I (D6C1XX)
Experience Only:
Two (2) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education, formalized apprenticeship program, and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to two (2) years
PIPE/MECHANICAL TRADES II (D6C2XX)
Experience Only:
Three (3) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education, formalized apprenticeship program, and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to three (3) years
PIPE/MECHANICAL TRADES III (D6C3XX)
Experience Only:
Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education, formalized apprenticeship program, and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years
History of Changes Made to Minimum Qualification
The following is a summary of changes made to this minimum qualification.
- June 1, 2017 (Whole Document)
- Part of the 2017 MQ Project
- New format
- Conditions of employment (COEs) have been removed from the minimum qualifications statement. COEs are position specific, and should be documented in the position description (PD) and job analysis. Further, all COEs should be placed in the Conditions of Employment section of the job announcement
- Removed special requirements/qualifications. Special requirements or qualifications can appear as a special qualification in the job posting, if justified in the position description and job analysis
- Language referring to, “at the agency’s discretion,” was removed
- June 1, 2017 (D6C2XX)
- The experience requirement of four (4) years was lowered to three years. The minimum qualifications reflect the class description as written, and the the II level did not substantiate four (4) years of experience
- June 1, 2017 (D6C2XX, D6C3XX)
- Language referring to, “at the agency’s discretion,” was removed, as was language that allowed demonstrated proficiency to substitute for experience
- October 18, 2017 (Whole Document)
- Standardized language and made the substitution statements consistent with a year-for-year methodology\
- Added substitution: successful completion of a formalized apprenticeship will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.” This substitution was in the original MQs
- July 1, 2018 (D6C1TX changed to D6C1XX)
Review and correction of the classification codes to align with the 2018-19 pay plan and compensation grades approved by the CHRO
- Nov. 7, 2023 (Whole Document)
- New format (updating to adhere to accessibility standards)
- Updated minimum qualifications to align with the Skills-based Hiring initiative