Maintenance Foreman I - Facilities Services - UTK

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Tennessee, Knoxville seeks a 2nd Shift M&R/Utilities Foreman to supervise maintenance personnel and oversee the repair, operation, and reliability of campus facility systems during evening and overnight hours. The role requires broad expertise across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and general maintenance to support a cross-functional team.

The Foreman acts as a liaison between day and night shifts, ensures proper handoffs, and maintains thorough work order documentation and reporting

Qualifications

• Eight+ years in maintenance or facilities with supervisory duties.
• Ability to estimate types, quantities, and quality of supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Strong communication with campus customers and follow-up of issues.

Responsibilities

• Directs the activities of technicians, mechanics, and specialized trades, including assigning tasks and providing guidance.
• Plans and coordinates work for 2nd shift personnel to ensure coverage and efficiency.
• Leads personnel management actions: performance evaluations, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Coordinates maintenance and repair activities based on priority, workload, and resources.
• Ensures completion of assigned work and projects, within skill level and time.
• Performs and supports a wide range of skilled trades work as needed.
• Monitors work in progress for quality and timeliness.
• Liaises between day and night shift operations to ensure continuity.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

HVAC knowledge

Electrical knowledge

Plumbing knowledge

Facilities maintenance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

The 2nd Shift M&R/Utilities Foreman is a leadership role responsible for supervising maintenance personnel and overseeing the repair, operation, and reliability of facility systems during evening and overnight hours. This position ensures that buildings, infrastructure, and critical equipment are operational and ready for the next day’s campus activities. This position is expected to perform a wide range of skilled trades work while directing the efforts of the assigned team. The role requires a broad working knowledge across multiple trades including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and general maintenance to effectively support a cross-functional workforce during off-hours operations. The Foreman serves as a key liaison between day and night shift operations, ensuring continuity of work through proper communication, work order closeout, and clear documentation or notification of outstanding issues to the day shift team. The Foreman supports a proactive maintenance approach through the execution of preventive maintenance strategies and contributes to a safe, reliable, and efficient campus environment.

Responsibilities

• Directs the activities of technicians, mechanics, and specialized trades (electricians, HVAC, plumbing), including assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and providing technical guidance.
• Plans and coordinates work for 2nd shift personnel to ensure proper coverage and efficient operations.
• Leads personnel management actions including performance evaluations, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Plans, schedules, and coordinates maintenance and repair activities based on priority, workload, and available resources.
• Ensures completion of assigned work and projects appropriate to team skill level and available time.
• Assists in planning project work, developing estimates, and implementing phased approaches.
• Performs and supports a wide range of skilled trades work as needed.
• Monitors work in progress to ensure quality, timeliness, and adherence to standards.
• Serves as a liaison between day and night shift operations to ensure continuity of work.
• Manages handoff from day shift and prepares updates/reports for the morning crew.
• Ensures accurate work order documentation, including completion, closeout, and communication of outstanding issues.
• Reviews work orders and communications daily and conducts field verification of completed work.
• Acts as a liaison between Facilities Services, customers, contractors, and vendors.
• Coordinates work involving outside contractors and communicates with day shift Foremen on related activities.
• Collaborates with campus stakeholders to support service delivery and operational needs.
• Enforces safe work practices and proper use of tools, equipment, and protective gear.
• Ensures compliance with environmental, hazardous materials, and safety regulations.
• Supports and participates in safety training and in-service programs.
• Maintains certifications (e.g., OSHA) and reinforces University safety policies.
• Reviews and places work orders and material requests on behalf of 2nd shift personnel.
• Evaluates purchasing options based on usability, quality, and cost.
• Ensures teams have necessary tools, equipment, and materials by monitoring usage and forecasting needs.
• Requisitions, tracks, and distributes supplies and equipment to support operations.
• Recruits, selects, trains, and develops staff to support day-to-day operations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education:
• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience:
• Minimum of eight (8) years of maintenance, facilities, or related experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Ability to accurately estimate types, quantities, and quality of supplies, materials, and equipment required to support maintenance and repair operations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with campus customers, respond to service requests, and ensure timely resolution and follow-up of issues.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing university operations.
• Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions, and to clearly communicate expectations to assigned personnel.
• Working knowledge of procurement practices, including identifying, ordering, and tracking parts, materials, and equipment necessary to support maintenance activities.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution and the ability to address personnel or customer concerns in a professional and productive manner.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and lead personnel in day-to-day operations.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and schedule work activities for maintenance teams.
• Knowledge of troubleshooting maintenance issues and providing technical guidance across multiple trades.
• Ability to serve as a liaison between Facilities Services, contractors, and campus customers.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with stakeholders to support and maintain services and programs.
• Other Conditions: Valid Driver’s license

Work Location

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

Compensation And Benefits

• UT market range: MR
• 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.