Plumbing Specialist II - Facilities Services - UTK

The Plumbing Specialist performs advanced plumbing and heating duties with minimal supervision. This role involves working with various campus-owned utility piping systems to include; steam, water, gas, and sewer systems. A critical aspect of the role is the ability to learn and gain knowledge in high-pressure steam operations; which include the operation and repair of valves (up to 16"), expansion joints, steam traps, pressure reducing stations, condensate tanks, pumps, heat converters, and steam domestic hot water equipment. The specialist is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of high-pressure steam systems, domestic water systems, gas utilities, and other plumbing infrastructure.

• Perform advanced plumbing and heating tasks, including layout, repair, and installation of utility piping systems.
• Work on steam distribution systems, including steam plant condensate return and campus-wide steam distribution.
• Maintain and repair high-pressure steam operations, including valves, expansion joints, steam traps, pressure reducing stations, condensate tanks, pumps, heat converters, and domestic hot water equipment.
• Water Systems: Operate, install, and repair water systems including valves (up to 12"), water reducing stations, backflows, VFD pumps, fire hydrants, sewer lift stations, and sewer lines.
• Address issues related to chilled water distribution, including installation and repair.
• Gas Utility Systems: Investigate, repair, and install industrial gas-fired water heaters and other gas utility systems.
• Underground Utilities: Install and repair campus-owned underground utilities such as high-pressure steam distribution, low-pressure steam, condensate, domestic water, chilled water, gas, sewer, and storm sewers.
• Acquire knowledge of pipe systems, supports, and related equipment for operations and testing.
• Equipment Installation & Repair: Install new equipment and repair existing equipment, including gas-fired domestic water boilers, steam water heaters, storm quality units, water service lines, sewer lines, fire hydrants, geothermal systems, hazardous chemical systems, heat converters, chillers, and water fountains.
• Assist Maintenance & Repair with issues outside their expertise and support Construction with major plumbing or steam jobs and special projects.
• Reporting & Communication: Report job information to supervision and/or Senior Plumber, including ongoing work and any unsafe practices or conditions.
• Obtain materials needed for daily work assignments and perform preventive maintenance (PM) as defined.
• Learn and use computer-based facility operation software.
• Safety & Learning: Follow instructions and work effectively in emergency situations.
• Increase knowledge of welding to assist with welding operations and utility systems.
• Continuously learn about the University's utility systems, internal and external building systems, and related safety protocols.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Vocational or technical training
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in plumbing or trade school experience (experience may substitute for trade school education on a year-for-year basis).
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of high-pressure steam operations and water systems.
  • Ability to perform advanced repairs and installations, including welding skills.
  • Understanding of plumbing distribution systems and equipment, controls, piping, skills in use of all equipment and tools relating to plumbing areas of work.
  • 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.
  • Ability to read blueprints and make a material list as needed.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to follow detailed instructions.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding tasks related to plumbing and heating systems.

• Other Conditions:

  • Valid Driver’s license

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

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.