This position provides chemical and operational leadership for campus water treatment programs, overseeing the treatment of mechanical systems to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency. The role coordinates the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of chemical feed systems while supporting all utility chemical treatment needs. Serving as the primary point of contact for chemical treatment standards on capital projects, the position communicates expectations to campus stakeholders, utility providers, and Facilities Services teams and works closely with Environmental Health & Safety to ensure chemical use and treatment practices meet safety and regulatory requirements. The role is critical to maintaining optimal water and air quality, preventing equipment corrosion, mitigating Legionella risk, and supporting energy‑efficient operation of complex chilled and hot water systems. Responsibilities also include collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, and local utility providers; communicating treatment standards to students, faculty, deans, and administrators; developing and maintaining safety documentation; and organizing and leading meetings with internal and external partners. This position reports directly to the Assistant Director of Utilities and Projects.

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This position provides chemical and operational leadership for campus water treatment programs, overseeing the treatment of mechanical systems to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency. The role coordinates the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of chemical feed systems while supporting all utility chemical treatment needs. Serving as the primary point of contact for chemical treatment standards on capital projects, the position communicates expectations to campus stakeholders, utility providers, and Facilities Services teams and works closely with Environmental Health & Safety to ensure chemical use and treatment practices meet safety and regulatory requirements. The role is critical to maintaining optimal water and air quality, preventing equipment corrosion, mitigating Legionella risk, and supporting energy efficient operation of complex chilled and hot water systems.

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Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemical, Chemical Engineering or related degree
• Experience:
  • A minimum of 2 years’ experience in chemical treatment or related fields.

    • Technical background and work experience that provides a comprehensive understanding of utility maintenance work and water treatment best practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Master’s Degree

  • EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant License
• Experience:

  • 5 years’ experience in chemical treatment or related fields.

    • Strong technical background and work experience that provides a comprehensive understanding of utility or HVAC work, industry best practices, and chemical treatment.

• Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Manage, organizing and coordinating skills.

  • Ability to obtain EPA 608 universal Refrigerant License

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.

  • Knowledge of building automation systems and water treatment processes.

  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and codes applicable to chemical treatment.

  • Knowledge and understanding of utilities operations and standards as applied to a large-scale public facility.

  • Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.

  • Skill in the use of a computerized chemical management system.

• 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: MR
• 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.

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• Lead and support technical staff, including supervising technicians and directing chemical technicians through training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Plan and execute preventive maintenance programs, with a strong emphasis on chemical treatment for water-based HVAC systems to sustain long-term asset health.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements, maintaining a strong safety culture and audit-ready practices.
• Oversee HVAC and thermal plant systems to maintain reliable system operations and optimize efficiency across campus utility infrastructure.
• Direct third-party water treatment vendors and service contracts, managing chemical services and coordinating specialized repair support.
• Design and implement water treatment programs (e.g., scale inhibitors, biocides) to control scaling, corrosion, and microbial growth.
• Coordinate system upgrades and resolve work orders, partnering with stakeholders to prioritize needs and restore/maintain service.
• Reduce operational risk by supporting corrosion prevention, managing Legionella exposure risk, and sustaining energy-efficient operation of complex chilled and hot water systems.
• Monitor performance targets and KPIs such as cycles of concentration and kW/ton to reduce water consumption and energy waste.
• Support the Steam Plant chemical team by recommending treatment options, providing training, and overseeing remote chemical feed stations across campus.
• Ensure utility systems meet applicable OSHA, EPA, and ASHRAE standards, with focused oversight of Legionella prevention protocols and refrigerant handling requirements (EPA Section 608).
• Maintain a strong compliance and safety posture by monitoring adherence to established standards and coordinating closely with Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) to address risks, documentation, and corrective actions.
• Plan, estimate, and schedule future utility projects in collaboration with the management team and the Office of Capital Projects, aligning scope, budget, and timelines.
• Review design drawings and project documents to confirm designs meet established campus standards and operational requirements.
• Coordinate with utility superintendents to complete technical reviews, resolve constructability/operations concerns, and implement required design changes.
• Manage utility projects end-to-end, including scheduling, procurement, budget oversight, and direction of project design and execution.
• Serve as the technical lead during system failures, performing Root Cause Analysis (RCA), directing troubleshooting efforts, and coordinating emergency repairs to restore service safely and quickly.