Preventive Maintenance Specialist - University Housing - UTK

University Of Tennessee College
University Of Tennessee College

Administration · Full-time

Knoxville, TN, USA

USD 19.38+ / hour

Posted on Sep 29, 2026

Responsible for maintaining equipment cleanliness, airflow, drainage, and overall operating condition to improve equipment reliability, efficiency, indoor air quality, and service life. Identifies equipment deficiencies during preventive maintenance and reports conditions requiring corrective repair to the appropriate HVAC personnel or supervisor.


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 to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

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!

Performs scheduled preventive maintenance, inspection, cleaning, and basic servicing of HVAC and mechanical equipment throughout University Housing facilities.

Required Qualifications

Education/Experience:

  • High School Diploma
  • One year of experience performing building maintenance, HVAC preventive, mechanical, facilities maintenance, or a related field.
  • Completion of vocational or technical program may substitute for experience.

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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices for HVAC and mechanical equipment.
  • Knowledge of proper methods for cleaning coils, blower assemblies, drain pans, condensate systems, filters, and equipment cabinets.
  • Knowledge of basic HVAC equipment operation and common indicators of equipment failure.
  • Skill in the safe use of hand tools, power tools, wet/dry vacuums, pressure-washing and coil-cleaning equipment, and other preventive maintenance tools.
  • Ability to recognize and report abnormal equipment conditions, leaks, excessive noise or vibration, electrical concerns, airflow restrictions, and other maintenance deficiencies.
  • Ability to follow preventive maintenance schedules, written procedures, safety requirements, and manufacturer recommendations.
  • Ability to accurately complete work orders and maintain preventive maintenance records.
  • Ability to work independently and effectively communicate equipment deficiencies to supervisors and HVAC personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

Education/Experience:

  • Vocational or technical program
  • Two years of experience performing HVAC preventive or facilities maintenance.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of HVAC preventive maintenance practices in institutional, commercial, or residential facilities.
  • Skill in identifying developing equipment problems before failure.
  • Ability to organize scheduled preventive maintenance work and communicate clearly with supervisors, technicians, and building occupants.

Work Location

  • Location: University of Tennessee - Knoxville Campus
  • This is a 100% onsite position

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: Non-Exempt MR05
  • Anticipated hiring range: Minimum salary $19.38/hr. Final salary commensurate with education and experience.
  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before 10/16/26.

  • Resume
  • List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division

The Division of Student Life is comprised of an outstanding group of professionals who create student-centered opportunities that contribute to a transformative Volunteer Experience. These opportunities allow students to grow their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. From health and wellness to service and engagement, we provide opportunities where students exemplify the Volunteer Spirit, inspiring others to learn, lead, and serve.

Our departments provide essential services that support student success and future growth, fostering engagement, leadership, and wellness while enhancing belonging. Together, they create transformative experiences that help students achieve both academic and personal goals.


Performs scheduled preventive maintenance on HVAC equipment including air handlers, water-source heat pumps, PTAC units, split systems, fan coil units, exhaust systems, and related equipment.

Cleans evaporator and condenser coils, blower wheels, blower assemblies, motors, cabinets, return-air areas, grilles, and equipment compartments; replaces or cleans air filters; removes dirt and debris; lubricates applicable components; inspects belts, bearings, motors, and other accessible components; and performs other routine maintenance necessary to maintain proper airflow, cleanliness, efficiency, and reliable equipment operation.

Inspects, cleans, flushes, and clears condensate drain pans, drain lines, traps, and associated drainage components.

Applies approved drain-pan treatments as required and identifies leaks, clogged drains, deteriorated insulation, excessive moisture, microbial growth, corrosion, or other conditions requiring corrective action.

Cleans air-handler closets, mechanical spaces, equipment cabinets, and surrounding work areas associated with preventive maintenance activities. Performs visual and basic operational inspections while completing preventive maintenance.

Completes assigned preventive maintenance work orders and accurately documents work performed, equipment condition, materials used, filters replaced, deficiencies identified, and follow-up repairs needed in the University's computerized maintenance management system.

Maintains accurate records and communicates equipment problems, safety concerns, recurring failures, and recommended corrective actions to the supervisor. Maintains tools, equipment, supplies, filters, cleaning materials, and preventive maintenance inventory in an orderly and serviceable condition.