Utilities Distribution Technician

About the role

The NC State University Facilities Division’s Utilities Distribution team is responsible for maintaining and repairing essential systems that support research facilities, academic buildings, residence halls, and athletic spaces. This position involves skilled mechanical and piping work, diagnostics, and repairs for systems like steam tunnels, pump stations, heat exchangers, PRVs, and grease traps.

Responsibilities

- Diagnose and repair equipment such as fans, pumps, receivers, steam lines, condensate lines, and pressure-reducing stations. - Inspect, maintain, and repair steam and hot water systems, including components like traps, strainers, expansion joints, and piping. - Utilize welding technologies for torch work, including welding, brazing, soldering, and cutting, and fabricate parts from blueprints, sketches, and verbal instructions. - Install, operate, maintain, and rebuild mechanical pumps, PRVs, and associated piping and equipment. - Cut, thread, solder, and assemble piping; connect valves and test gas, water, sanitary, and storm lines; eliminate leaks and replace faulty fittings. - Test and certify backflow preventers, conduct fire hydrant flow tests, and perform inspections of wastewater collection systems, including grease traps and SSOs. - Conduct annual inspections of wastewater distribution systems and report findings to the Environmental Engineer and shop supervisor. - Align motors and pumps, set frames, and install related equipment such as fans, PRVs, and turbines for steam generation and control. - Serve as backup ORC for wastewater collection system compliance, ensuring adherence to permit requirements. - Anticipate, identify, and address customer service needs by balancing multiple priorities, ensuring repairs or solutions meet expectations, and fostering positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors and subcontractors, while proactively developing options, implementing solutions, and verifying customer satisfaction. - Lift and transport materials weighing up to 90 to 150 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations and perform a wide range of physically demanding tasks in varied environments, ensuring safe handling practices and maintaining productivity. - Perform tasks requiring standing for extended periods, working in confined spaces, and utilizing various tools. Safely climb and work from different types of ladders to access elevated or below-grade areas (such as roofs, above-ceiling spaces, and utility pits). - Be exposed to and work in areas where insects or small animals are occasionally present. - Communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors and the public; follow verbal and written instructions to complete work assignments accurately and efficiently.

Qualifications

- High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some positions may require special licenses or certification(s). - Experience in the maintenance and operation of utility distribution systems, including steam/condensate, chilled water, storm/sanitary sewer, and potable water. - Experience in a university or municipal setting. - Heavy equipment experience with excavators, backhoes, and compaction equipment. - Experience with steam PRVs, motors, pumps, air compressors, fans, and water treatment programs. - CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) preferred. - Valid Driver’s License Required. - North Carolina Driver’s license required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained. - Cross connection/Backflow preventer test certification required within 60 days of hire.