Plumbing Spec II (SR) - Pumps - Facilities Services - UTK

The Senior Plumber II (Pumps) is responsible for the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of campus-wide low-pressure steam and condensate systems. This includes steam lines, traps, condensate return systems, and associated equipment such as pumps, valves, PRVs, and heat exchangers. This role requires very specialized knowledge of steam systems and safety protocols, as well as the ability to troubleshoot system inefficiencies and failures.

• Install, maintain, and repair low-pressure steam lines, condensate return piping, and related infrastructure.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and service steam traps, strainers, valves, pumps, and pressure-reducing stations.
• Perform preventive maintenance and system flushing to optimize performance and ensure safety compliance.
• Master welding techniques to optimize welding operations and improve overall utility system efficiency.
• Conduct leak detection and repair in steam and condensate systems using specialized tools. Replace or rebuild condensate pumps, including motor alignment, seal replacement, and pipe fitting.
• Interpret piping schematics, system blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with other trades and engineers for shutdown coordination, new installations, and upgrades.
• Maintain logs, records, and work orders using CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements for pressurized systems.
• Respond to emergency calls and participate in on-call rotation as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • ADA Gas Codes Certification
• Experience: Five (5) years of experience or a combination of trade school and experience. Experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Ability to understand standard equipment operating and handling safety protocols.
  • Mechanical knowledge and skills to service and repair steam and plumbing systems and related equipment.
  • Ability to follow given instructions and keep records.

Work Location

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR09
• 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.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!