About The Role

The General Superintendent of Plumbing and Steam Distribution supervises and directs employees in maintaining and servicing campus utility systems, providing technical guidance, training, and development opportunities to support employee advancement. The position supports and serves as backup to the Assistant Director of Utilities Distribution, orders materials for special projects and work orders, and helps ensure the reliable operation of critical campus systems. The role also assists other campus departments with projects, coordinates with contractors to ensure work meets campus standards, and collaborates with Engineering by providing system expertise and input on the design and condition of utility infrastructure.

Supervise and instruct employees in the performance and completion of assigned duties.
Assist foremen, craft, and heavy equipment employees with ordering needed parts and supplies to insure delivery for timely completion of service requests and projects.
Report job information to supervision to ensure the commitment of funds needed is available to complete needed projects.
Make decisions which can affect the safety of students, faculty, staff, and critical systems on campus and is imperative to completing assigned tasks and projects on schedule and within budget.
Monitor existing plumbing and steam piping systems and propose new or rework of piping and/or systems.
Ensure that foremen for heavy equipment and distribution have work prioritized and on schedule within budgeted amounts.
Interact with students, faculty, staff, and the general public to ensure their concerns and problems are heard and acted upon in a positive manner.
Strive to always provide a professional appearance when dealing with our customers.
Assist team members in receiving customer service training and help them understand the necessity for good customer relations.
Review design criteria for new building projects and renovation of campus structures.
Work with designers and contractors to ensure that all projects are completed to campus standards.
Review new construction and generate a list of any deficiencies found during review for repair by contractors.
Assist plumbers in investigating technical problems and determining solutions.
Report and correct any unsafe conditions or practices found.
Counsel and instruct employees in proper departmental practices and procedures.
Required Education:
Vocational or technical training
Required Experience:
10 years in commercial/industrial plumbing and/or steam systems including pumps, steam components, controls, boilers, heat exchangers and other plumbing components
8 years in a supervisory position with multiple employees with various levels skilled crafts people
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Knowledge of commercial/industrial plumbing and steam systems and components
Knowledge of but not limited to utility piping and distribution of water, steam, chilled water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, natural gas, lab gases, air, chemical drains and geothermal.
Ability to lead and motivate employees.
Skilled in proper business management practices.
Knowledge of supervisory practices in handling multiple employees and projects.
Preferred Qualifications:
Associates, Bachelors, or Masters Degree in a mechanical or civil discipline.
12 years in commercial/industrial plumbing and/or steam systems including pumps, steam components, controls, boilers, heat exchangers and other plumbing components
10 years in a supervisory position with multiple employees with various levels skilled crafts people
A working knowledge of standard construction practices and codes
Ability to continue education to stay current in the ever changing fields of excavation, utility plumbing and steam
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: MR12
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.