The Assistant Director - Utility Distribution will manage a team in support of the Utility Division and campus utilities. They will lay out strategies with direction and unit goals for staff and be responsible for policy, specifications, maintain, replacement and long range planning on the distribution of campus utilities that include Fire mains, Domestic water and hot water, chilled water, natural gas, High voltage Electric, sanitary sewer, storm water, steam, compressed air, energy management. They will coordinate with Energy Manager, Utility Engineers, engineering consultants, Architects as well as Utility Assistant Directors and Maintenance Assistant Directors on building infrastructure systems and set up. Coordination with the Design Division on remodels or new construction projects along with input on master planning will be expected. Implement strategies to limit emergencies and their effect. Coordinate with KUB on KUB utility mains and services on campus. Plan and execute strategies for monitoring systems at a central location with planned preemptive actions in place. Train staff on new technologies as necessary. They also provides support for the Utility Director and Assistant Directors and fills in for them during absences. This position provides good customer service to internal and external customers.

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The Assistant Director - Utility Distribution will manage a team in support of the Utility Division and campus utilities. They will lay out strategies with direction and unit goals for staff and be responsible for policy, specifications, maintain, replacement and long range planning on the distribution of campus utilities that include Fire mains, Domestic water and hot water, chilled water, natural gas, High voltage Electric, sanitary sewer, storm water, steam, compressed air, energy management. They will coordinate with Energy Manager, Utility Engineers, engineering consultants, Architects as well as Utility Assistant Directors and Maintenance Assistant Directors on building infrastructure systems and set up. Coordination with the Design Division on remodels or new construction projects along with input on master planning will be expected. Implement strategies to limit emergencies and their effect. Coordinate with KUB on KUB utility mains and services on campus.

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Required Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Vocational or technical training in mechanical trade

• Experience:

  • High school diploma or GED and 4 years vocational training in a mechanical trade

    • A minimum of twelve years’ experience in industrial and commercial trade including five years of supervisory experience with 7 years of progressive growth.

• Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Comprehensive understanding of utility systems, including HVAC, Electrical, lighting, steam, plumbing, water resources and energy management systems.

    • Knowledge of control systems and communication campus system.

    • Knowledge of project management principles, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation specific to utility projects.

    • Ability to lead and manage a diverse team of technicians and subcontractors.

    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with customers, engineers, and team members.

    • Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues efficiently.

    • Skilled in coordinating various aspects of utility projects, including installation, commissioning, and maintenance.

    • Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including customers, engineers, and contractors.

    • Must have the ability to lead and care for the staff with the ability to communicate the vision for the future of facilities.

    • Experience consistent with progressive growth.

    • Technical skills and knowledge of campus systems.

    • Excellent leadership ability.

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a trade or engineering preferred
• Experience:
  • Ten years supervisory experience in a Craft or Engineering preferred
  • Ability to lead and supervise others in the performance of their duties.

  • Excellent technical skills and construction and operational knowledge.

Work Location

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

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR14
• 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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• Direct the inspection, repair and replacement of campus electrical, water, steam and gas systems.

• Ensure campus metering is in working condition and assist with BAS integration

• Evaluate and direct requested work or work in progress by visually observing through the completion of jobs.

• Assigns and manages staff on projects to ensure that completion is on time and in budget.

• Approves and submits employee time records, mentors and instructs employees and in conjunction with supervisors manage personnel matters as necessary.

• Investigates technical problems, troubleshoots and devises solutions to instruct staff in resolution of such problems.

• Participates in the design, testing and certification of utility systems to ensure proper functionality and operational integrity.

• Coordinate utility BAS data with Assistant Director BAS, energy manager, utility engineers and consultant engineers on data interpretation to optimize system and building efficiencies.

• Interacts daily with design personnel to provide technical expertise projects and in planning the future projects.

• Directs the implementation of the utility master plan.

• Plans work, estimates costs, reads blueprints and performs takeoff of materials as needed to assist the utility project manager and design division with utility projects and providing utility services to buildings.

• Plan and facilitate meetings with Utility Division, Design Division as well as others in facilities and outside cohorts.

• Plan and direct regular staff meetings.

• Review plans, goals with staff on master plan.

• Assist director in the planning and overall goals of projects and the strategic outlook for the Utility Division.

• Develop, plan, and manage central monitoring system for all controllable assets.

• Assist in budgeting for utility operations and the oversight of the unit budget.

• Assist the Director with the development of policies and procedures for the division and the implementation for the unit.

• Monitor and assist in the commissioning of the new mains and services to new buildings.

• Coordinate with utility engineering on utility standards and policies.

• Sets up training and encourages continual development and growth for staff.

• Fills in for the Assistant Director when needed during absences or as directed.

• Monitors work for compliance with industrial standards, safety and environmental standards as well as UT policies.

• Create and maintain a positive work environment.

• Provide direction to the unit during emergencies and provide information during emergencies as requested.

• Assist in control room set up and operational management during times of emergencies.