Plumbing Specialist I - Facilities Services - UTK

This position will be responsible for performing work on steam distribution from steam plant condensate returns back to the steam plant throughout all buildings on campus. This position is also responsible for campus owned domestic water, natural gas and chilled water distribution, and sewer and storm water collection. Oher important duties for this position include the ability to learn and have knowledge of high-pressure steam operations including operation and repair of up to 16" valves, expansion joints, steam traps, steam pressure reducing stations, condensate tanks and pumps, heat converters and steam domestic hot water equipment. This person will also work on water systems including operations installation and repair of up to 12" valves, water reducing stations, backflows, VFD pumps for increasing pressure, fire hydrants, sewer lift stations, and sewer line repair and performs necessary work on gas utility including investigating, repairing and installing industrial gas fired water heaters.

• Perform in the installation and repair of all campus owned underground utilities including high pressure steam distribution, low pressure steam for building heat, condensate and domestic water, chilled water for cooling, gas, sewer, and storm sewers.
• Acquire a deeper understanding of pipe systems, supports, and related equipment for operations and testing.
• Increase knowledge for system operation, assessment, diagnosis, repair, and replacement of all piping systems according to specifications.
• Obtain a knowledge of welding to better assist welding operation and utility systems as a whole.
• Learn the University's utility systems and structure as well as internal and external building systems.
• Follow instructions as given and be equipped to work in emergency situations.
• Perform the installation of new equipment and repair of existing equipment on campus including gas fire domestic water boilers, gas fired water heaters, steam water heaters, storm quality units, water service lines, sewer lines, fire hydrants, Geothermal systems, hazardous chemical systems, heat converters for building heat, building heat water pumps, chillers, chiller piping, water fountains and bottle fillers.
• Assist other Facilities Services units with issues outside of their expertise.
• Reports job information to supervision and/or Senior Plumber over on-going work.
• Report any unsafe practices or conditions and makes corrections as directed.
• Acquire materials needed for day-to-day work assignments.
• Perform Preventive Maintenance (PM) on piping and steam equipment as defined by campus standards

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years in plumbing or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience. Experience may be substituted for Education on a year-to-year basis.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of plumbing distribution systems and equipment, controls, piping, skills in use of all equipment and tools relating to plumbing areas of work.
  • Requires the ability to perform under extreme pressure in both a public contact and internal departmental capacity.
  • Ability to perform duties in a highly technical and sometimes hazardous and hectic environment.
  • Ability to solve problems and repair plumbing and piping systems and components and interact with others in an efficient and responsible manner.
  • Skills in Reading blueprints and developing a material list as needed.
• Other Conditions: Valid Driver’s license

Work Location

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR07
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.