Heavy Equipment Foreman - Facilities Services - UTK

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is seeking an experienced supervisor for Utilities Heavy Equipment Services to lead field crews, coordinate work with the Superintendent, and ensure safe, on‑time completion of campus projects.

The role requires extensive heavy equipment operation, personnel training, OSHA compliance, and the ability to plan and manage multiple crews across campus; CDL B with progression to CDL A is required within 6 months.

Qualifications

• Ability to review construction drawings and execute installation.
• Ability to perform hard, physical work for long periods in all types of weather.
• Ability to read and follow instructions; operate multiple types of heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of OSHA Trench Safety and be able to pass OSHA trench safety certification.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prioritize, and coordinate special projects with Facilities Services divisions and campus departments.
• Plan utility excavation work and organize crews for daily jobs.
• Restore disturbed work and coordinate pavement/concrete restoration.
• Lead staff, enforce policies, and manage equipment maintenance.

Skills

Heavy equipment ops

Supervisory experience

OSHA compliance

Plan and coordinate

Training and development

Education

High School diploma or GED

CDL B; must acquire CDL A within 6 months

Job description

Job Description

This position will supervise and direct Utilities Heavy Equipment Services employees in the performance of their duties and coordinate work with the Superintendent. Responsibilities include laying out work and providing technical direction for assigned tasks; offering training opportunities to field employees and preparing them for advancement; supporting the Superintendent in their duties and serving as acting superintendent in their absence; ordering materials for special projects; assigning and processing work orders; and maintaining the general working order of critical campus systems. This position will also assist other shops and departments across campus with the completion of various projects and requests and will collaborate with campus contractors to ensure that all work is completed in accordance with campus standards.

Job Description

This position will supervise and direct Utilities Heavy Equipment Services employees in the performance of their duties and coordinate work with the Superintendent. Responsibilities include laying out work and providing technical direction for assigned tasks; offering training opportunities to field employees and preparing them for advancement; supporting the Superintendent in their duties and serving as acting superintendent in their absence; ordering materials for special projects; assigning and processing work orders; and maintaining the general working order of critical campus systems. This position will also assist other shops and departments across campus with the completion of various projects and requests and will collaborate with campus contractors to ensure that all work is completed in accordance with campus standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prioritize, and coordinate special projects with Facilities Services divisions and campus departments.
• Plan utility excavation work, organize and manage crews for daily jobs.
• Restore disturbed jobs upon completion of the utility work including coordinating pavement and concrete restoration.
• Assist in planning snow removal and schedule crews accordingly. Be available for after hour emergencies and crew on call.
• Order materials/equipment and complete/submit all required documents.
• Responsible for filling in for other Supervisor personnel during absences
• Inspect/evaluate work in progress, assign tasks, train personnel, complete performance evaluations, and handle discipline issues.
• Ensure job site meets all OSHA standards and safety regulations are being met, including OSHA's Trenches and Excavations standards and MUTCD section 6 for roadway and sidewalk.
• Ensure that each job has trained competent people on site.
• Assess strengths/weaknesses and coach team members toward improving weaknesses
• Responsible for leading staff, enforcing policies and procedures, and applying UT disciplinary action processes as needed.
• Manage equipment maintenance/repair and database inventory.
• Ensure all equipment is in good working conditions and maintained.
• Make recommendations for new equipment purchases based on maintenance and repair data.
• Demonstrate reliability, attendance, punctuality
• Demonstrate positive attitude during interactions with others

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Commercial Drivers License Class B; must acquire CDL Class A within 6 months of start date
• Experience:
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of experience operating heavy equipment for excavation activities and rigging including at least five (5) years of supervisory experience and three (3) years in utility type excavation.
• Other Conditions:
  • Valid Driver’s License & Commercial Driver's License Class B (must acquire CDL Class A within 6 months of start date)
  • All Facilities Services personnel are considered "Essential Personnel." In the event of extraordinary situations, the University may suspend normal operations and classes in whole or part. In such instances, all Essential Personnel must fulfill their duties in order to (1) ensure the continuation of critical University operations; (2) attend to the needs of students and other members of the University community; and (3) protect the University’s assets. Essential Personnel are expected to come to work in any and all extraordinary/emergency situations unless it is unsafe to do so or they are specifically excused by their supervisor.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Ability to review construction drawings and execute installation
  • Ability to perform hard, physical work for long periods in all types of weather
  • Ability to read and follow instructions -Ability to operate multiple types of heavy equipment including track-excavators, backhoes, front end loaders, bobcats, tractors, cranes, dump trucks, etc.
  • Knowledge of OSHA Trench Safety and be able to pass an OSHA trench safety and competent person certification
  • Knowledge of proper storage and containment for fuels, oils, and chemicals
  • Knowledge of equipment and tools required to complete job tasks
  • Knowledge of safety measures to use when approaching tasks and operating equipment
  • Knowledge of and experience with snow/ice removal procedures to include maintenance of associated equipment

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.

Work Location

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

Compensation And Benefits

• UT market range: MR11
• 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.

About Us

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.