Construction Technician

KNOXVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Knoxville Utilities Board is seeking a Construction Tech to operate heavy equipment and support the build and maintenance of gas, water, and wastewater infrastructure. You will operate excavators, dump trucks, loaders, trailers, and small cranes, read maps and prints, and assist with material transport in varying weather and shift schedules.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, valid driver’s license with TN CDL within six months, and experience with utility mains installation

Qualifications

• Requires high school education or equivalent with mechanical ability.
• Experience operating heavy construction equipment and tools for utility mains.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and TN CDL within six months.
• Ability to work in varying weather and emergency scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment (excavators, dump trucks, loaders, trailers, small cranes) on utility projects.
• Read maps and construction prints to support installation and repair work.
• Transport materials and assist crew to protect public and infrastructure.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Blueprint reading

Safety compliance

Equipment maintenance

Strong communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Excavators

Dump trucks

Small cranes

Job description

Classification: Construction Tech

Work Hours: 40+ hours / week: M – F; Various shifts including weekends, nights, and holidays

About KUB

About KUB: KUB is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric, gas, water, wastewater, and fiber services to more than 520,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We are looking for employees who want to be a part of a mission-driven organization with strong values that support a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.

About the Role

Do you enjoy operating heavy equipment and building the infrastructure that keeps a community running? Join KUB and play a hands‑on role in constructing and maintaining the natural gas, water, and wastewater systems that serve our customers every day. In this role, you’ll work in a variety of environments and weather conditions while safely operating equipment such as excavators, dump trucks, loaders, trailers, and small cranes. You’ll help install, repair, and maintain pipelines, transport and manage materials, and interpret maps and construction prints to support critical utility projects across the community. Safety is at the core of everything we do. You’ll learn and apply safety standards from KUB, DOT, OSHA, and other regulatory agencies while working closely with your crew to protect each other, the public, and the systems we rely on. This position is subject to be called‑in at any time and must be able to work overtime as required. This position operates on rotating shifts and stand‑by schedules and may require responding during emergencies to help restore essential utility services when our community needs it most.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements:

Requires heavy physical work and endurance including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, stooping, squatting working in close spaces and trench boxes as required. Requires operating various hand tools and equipment that may weigh more than 75 pounds. Requires above normal mental and visual alertness. Requires physical and mental stamina to work for extended periods of time during emergencies and in extreme weather conditions. Will be required to work a rotating second shift and standby. Works outside during all seasons of the year including unfavorable and inclement weather conditions. Work is often in wet conditions. Will be exposed to high noise levels, dirt, dust, and traffic. May be required to wear the appropriate protective clothing and equipment including respirators, boots, faceshields, and eye protection. Subject to be called‑in at any time. Must be able to work overtime as required.

Minimum Requirements

• High school education or equivalent with a high degree of mechanical ability
• Experience and/or ability to operate large vehicles, equipment, and tools required in the installation, maintenance, and repair of utility mains and services
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Tennessee Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within six (6) months
• Must demonstrate critical thinking skills in a stressful environment in emergency situations

Please note that due to job responsibilities, KUB does not provide immigration sponsorship for and/or based on this position.

Preferred Requirements

• One (1) to four (4) years of experience in utility construction and maintenance
• Progression through a natural gas Operator Qualification (OQ) program, either through KUB or similar program
• One (1) to four (4) years of experience operating heavy construction equipment, tools, instruments, and vehicles necessary to perform utility construction
• Possess a current Class A TN Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Knowledge and experience in reading blueprints and engineering diagrams associated with pipeline construction; making measurements and field sketches and logging construction activities
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience and demonstrated ability to use a computer in order to manage work

Selection Process

• Phase 2 – Experience, training, and education evaluation
• Phase 3 – Interview with department representatives
• Phase 4 – Written, performance, and behavioral exercises
• Phase 5 – Background Investigation
• Phase 6 – Physical assessment and/or drug screen*

*KUB is part of the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Program

If special accommodations are needed at any phase of the selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance.

Knoxville Utilities Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer