Utilities Distribution Technician Senior

About the role

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Utilities Distribution Technician Senior to join the Utilities & Energy Management team. This position supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the university's utility distribution systems through maintenance, repairs, inspections, testing, utility locates, and operational support activities. Working in collaboration with Lead Utilities Distribution Technicians, the Utilities Distribution Technician Senior provides advanced technical expertise, trains and mentors technicians and associates, and helps ensure utility systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections, maintenance, and repairs of utility vaults, tunnels, ancillary systems, and related utility infrastructure
• Support utility system outages, shutdowns, startups, and restoration activities while coordinating with customers, contractors, maintenance personnel, and utilities staff
• Troubleshoot complex utility system issues and perform repairs on piping, pumps, valves, steam traps, condensate systems, meters, and related equipment
• Conduct leak detection activities, water sampling, testing, steam trap evaluations, stormwater inspections, and equipment assessments
• Perform KY811 utility locates and coordinate utility mapping updates to help maintain accurate campus utility records
• Maintain inventories of utility system materials, equipment, safety supplies, and emergency repair components
• Train technicians, associates, and others in utility distribution technologies, operations, and maintenance practices
• Support recordkeeping, documentation, inventory management, and regulatory compliance activities

Qualifications

• Associate's degree and 5 years of related experience (equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered per UK equivalency guidelines)
• Valid driver's license
• Strong technical knowledge of utility distribution systems, mechanical infrastructure, piping systems, pumps, valves, meters, and related equipment
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve complex utility system issues
• Experience with plumbing, pipe fitting, brazing, soldering, steel pipe threading, and PVC piping installation and repair
• Knowledge of utility testing, inspections, leak detection, sampling procedures, and utility locating practices
• Strong planning, organization, communication, and customer service skills
• Ability to maintain accurate records, manage inventory, and work with databases and spreadsheet applications
• Experience training, mentoring, and sharing technical knowledge with technicians and associates
• Commitment to safety, quality workmanship, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement
• MS Windows/Office; MS Project; SAP; KRONOS
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and experience using hand/power tools
• Knowledge of general labor, construction, or maintenance
• Ability to lead in a team and provide on-the-job training to entry level associates
• Active listener with strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Grit, determination, responsiveness, adaptability, and safety-first commitment

Physical requirements

• Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs
• Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs
• Sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods
• Repetitive motion
• Frequent outdoor field work exposing position holder to various weather elements, loud noises, fumes, below ground surface spaces, heights over four feet, confined spaces, wet environments, and temperature extremes while on a job site
• Performs physical activities requiring considerable use of arms, legs, and movement of the whole body, including climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials
• Ability to work off scissor lift, aerial lift, and ladder

Schedule

7:30am – 4:15pm (Monday – Friday). Hours of work may vary dependent upon situational factors, emergencies, crisis management, and/or weather-related factors requiring nights, weekends, and holiday response. The Utilities Distribution Technician Senior is subject to 'on call' rotation assignment.

Pay

$21.48-34.36/hour