Utilities Distribution Specialist

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

4d•$52,000 - $54,000•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Utilities Distribution Supervisor and working in a multi-discipline environment, the Utilities Distribution Specialist installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs critical utility infrastructure across Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg Campus. Systems and equipment include chilled water, steam, domestic water, storm drains, sanitary sewer, valves, traps, pumps, fans, fire hydrants, and related instruments. The role performs specialized steamfitter work and general service work on mechanical equipment, including maintenance, lubrication, and component replacement. The specialist proactively diagnoses utility distribution problems, lays out piping systems, and installs pipefitting in compliance with applicable codes and construction documents, as directed by departmental leadership. The incumbent works independently and as part of a team, provides clear instructions to team members, develops knowledge of utility-system materials and equipment, and may serve in the absence of a Utilities Distribution Lead. The position involves work around high- and low-voltage electrical distribution systems and operation of heavy equipment. This is a regular, 40-hour-per-week, non-exempt position eligible for overtime. It is designated as essential emergency personnel; employees must report during emergencies and authorized closings and may be required to work additional hours or shifts. The salary range is $52,000–$54,000, commensurate with experience. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship, and the successful candidate must undergo a criminal conviction check.

Requirements

Working skill in using plumbing-trade hand and power tools, including pipe threading machines, torches, drills, rotary hammers, and sewer cleaners.
Commercial Driver’s License with Class B endorsements and valid DOT medical certification.
Ability to safely and frequently handle up to 50 pounds alone and approximately 100 pounds with assistance or tools.
Ability to move materials on stairs; climb and work from ladders and scaffolds; and stand, walk, sit, reach, bend, and push or pull for extended periods.
Ability to safely work in designated confined spaces; training is provided.
Ability to work in all types of weather, including extreme temperatures.
Demonstrated general construction experience.
Familiarity with operating heavy equipment.
General computer skills for basic functions such as using Microsoft Outlook.
Must report during major emergencies or outages as designated emergency personnel; additional hours or shifts may be required.
Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.
Successful candidate must complete a criminal conviction check.

Nice To Haves

Journeyman-level general plumbing experience.
Demonstrated steamfitting experience.
Experience in industrial, commercial, or institutional building plumbing and piping installation and maintenance.
Experience operating backhoes, mini-excavators, and forklifts.
Considerable knowledge of steam distribution systems.
Experience with commercial or industrial distribution systems.
Experience reading and interpreting written instructions, blueprints, and schematic drawings.
Experience or knowledge handling utility locate requests, such as those from Miss Utility.
Familiarity working around low- and high-voltage areas to maintain and repair mechanical utility systems.
Experience in a multi-trade, multi-discipline environment.
Safety training in areas including chainsaw safety; confined-space entry/attendant supervision; electrical qualified person; excavation qualified person; fall hazard awareness and fall protection; first aid/CPR/AED; hazard communication/right-to-know; hearing conservation; hotline hold tags; ladder safety; authorized lockout/tagout; mobile crane safety; personal protective equipment; portable fire extinguishers; reverse signal operation; scaffold awareness; and VDOT flagger certification and work-zone basic safety.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and install steam lines, chilled water lines, utility lines, and instruments.
Install or replace water, storm, sanitary sewer, steam, heating hot water, condensate, and chilled-water piping systems and related equipment.
Work around high-voltage (12.47 kV) and low-voltage (under 600 V) electrical distribution systems in tunnels as required.
Read and interpret construction documents and shop drawings.
Promote responsible and efficient teamwork by giving clear, descriptive instructions.
Develop knowledge of materials and equipment used on projects for various utility systems.
Work independently or as part of a team to carry out repairs and installations.
Operate heavy equipment, including excavators, backhoes, trenchers, line/service trucks, forklifts, horizontal boring machines, and related equipment.
Proactively diagnose utility distribution system problems and perform repairs.
Lay out piping systems and install pipefitting in compliance with applicable codes and construction documents, as instructed by departmental leadership.
Perform general mechanical equipment service, maintenance, lubrication, and replacement of system components.
Serve in the absence of a Utilities Distribution Lead as needed.
Report to work during emergencies and authorized university closings, and work additional hours or shifts when required.