MAINTENANCE MECHANIC – PLUMBING

OVERVIEW

The United States Embassy in Lilongwe invites applications from eligible and qualified candidates for the position of Maintenance Mechanic – Plumbing in its Facility Management Office.

The successful candidate will work at journeyman level, carrying out skilled maintenance and repair work on critical and non-critical mechanical and plumbing systems throughout the New Embassy Compound (NEC), New Consulate Compound (NCC), office buildings, residential properties, support facilities, infrastructure, and other owned or leased properties.

JOB TYPE: Full Time

WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week

Date Posted: Thursday, 29th October 2026

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 11th November 2026

Series/Grade: LE-1210-6

Promotion Potential: LE-6

Salary: USD $10,774 per year

Hiring Agency: Embassy Lilongwe

Reports to: Supervisory Building/Mechanical Engineer

Telework Eligible: No

POSITION: MAINTENANCE MECHANIC – PLUMBING

JOB SUMMARY

The Maintenance Mechanic – Plumbing will carry out skilled maintenance, troubleshooting, installation, and repair work on plumbing and mechanical systems across Embassy facilities and related properties.

The position requires a qualified journeyman-level plumber with practical experience in commercial or industrial plumbing systems, pumps, water treatment equipment, and different pipe materials.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Academic and Professional Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• Completion of secondary school.
• Completion of a vocational training programme from an accredited institution recognised as producing journeyman-level plumbers and mechanical systems specialists trained in the maintenance of commercial or industrial buildings and facilities.
• Training through a recognised apprenticeship programme provided by a trade union will also be accepted.

Professional Experience

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience working as a journeyman-level plumber in the repair and maintenance of plumbing and mechanical systems in commercial or industrial facilities.
• Experience working with PVC, CPVC, copper, galvanised, concrete, and black pipes.
• Experience with circulation and well pumps and water treatment equipment.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

• English: Level 2 – Limited knowledge in speaking, reading and writing.
• Chichewa: Level 3 – Good working knowledge in speaking, reading and writing.

JOB KNOWLEDGE

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Thorough technical knowledge of building plumbing and mechanical systems, with a specialisation in plumbing.
• Familiarity with water, wastewater, stormwater, chilled water, water treatment, swimming pool, fire suppression, compressed air, and irrigation systems.
• Familiarity with common pipe types and fittings, including PVC, CPVC, copper, galvanised, concrete, and black pipe.
• Ability to identify the root cause of problems and determine the materials and equipment required for repairs.
• Knowledge of safe working practices, including lock-out/tag-out procedures.
• Knowledge of International Building Code (IBC) standards and fire and life safety codes.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to:

• Read and interpret technical drawings, diagrams, equipment schedules, and manufacturer manuals.
• Diagnose, test, and repair plumbing, pump, filtration, and water systems.
• Install and repair common pipe types, including PVC, CPVC, copper, galvanised, concrete, and black pipe.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and specialised equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment using sounds, colour codes, and odours.
• Respond quickly to emergencies.
• Work in confined spaces, at heights, and in extreme temperatures.
• Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with colleagues, contractors, and vendors.
• Use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Prepare reports and emails and conduct online research.
• Organise work effectively and manage a heavy workload involving multiple tasks.

ELIGIBILITY AND SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

All selected candidates must be able to obtain and maintain:

• Local Security Certification.

Additional requirements:

• All selected candidates will undergo a background investigation.
• Candidates may be required to complete a pre-employment medical examination.
• The selected candidate must be able to begin work within a reasonable period of four (4) weeks after receiving the required agency authorisation, clearances, and certifications. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the termination of the candidacy.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official United States Embassy recruitment portal.

Application Link: Apply for Maintenance Mechanic – Plumbing

United States Embassy Careers Website: https://careers.state.gov/

Open Period: 29th October – 11th November 2026

Closing Date: Wednesday, 11th November 2026

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION

• Applicants must complete the online application form and provide all required supporting documents.
• Applications must clearly address the qualifications and requirements, including education, experience, language proficiency, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
• Applicants may be required to complete a pre-employment language or skills assessment.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the full vacancy announcement and submit complete applications through the official recruitment portal before the deadline.