Senior High-Pressure Steam & Plumbing Specialist

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is seeking a Plumbing Specialist to perform advanced plumbing and heating tasks across campus utility systems, including steam, water, gas, and sewer. Work involves high-pressure steam operations, installation, maintenance, and repair with minimal supervision.

Candidates should have vocational or technical training and at least five years' experience in plumbing or related trades; the role requires strong problem-solving, safety awareness, and the ability

Qualifications

• Knowledge of high-pressure steam operations and water systems.
• Ability to perform advanced repairs and installations, including welding.
• Read blueprints and prepare material lists as needed.
• Work under extreme pressure in public and departmental settings.
• Valid driver license and legal work authorization.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced plumbing and heating tasks, including layout, repair, and installation of utility piping systems.
• Work on steam distribution systems, including steam plant condensate return and campus-wide steam distribution.
• Maintain and repair high-pressure steam operations, including valves, expansion joints, steam traps, pressure reducing stations, condensate tanks, pumps, heat converters, and domestic hot water equipment.
• Water Systems: Operate, install, and repair water systems including valves (up to 123), water reducing stations, backflows, VFD pumps, fire hydrants, sewer lift stations, and sewer lines.
• Address issues related to chilled water distribution, including installation and repair.
• Gas Utility Systems: Investigate, repair, and install industrial gas‑fired water heaters and other gas utility systems.
• Underground Utilities: Install and repair campus‑owned underground utilities such as high‑pressure steam distribution, low‑pressure steam, condensate, domestic water, chilled water, gas, sewer, and storm sewers.
• Acquire knowledge of pipe systems, supports, and related equipment for operations and testing.
• Equipment Installation & Repair: Install new equipment and repair existing equipment, including gas‑fired domestic water boilers, steam water heaters, storm quality units, water service lines, sewer lines, fire hydrants, geothermal systems, hazardous chemical systems, heat converters, chillers, and water fountains.
• Assist Maintenance & Repair with issues outside their expertise and support Construction with major plumbing or steam jobs and special projects.
• Reporting & Communication: Report job information to supervision and/or Senior Plumber, including ongoing work and any unsafe practices or conditions.
• Obtain materials needed for daily work assignments and perform preventive maintenance (PM) as defined.
• Learn and use computer‑based facility operation software.
• Safety & Learning: Follow instructions and work effectively in emergency situations.
• Increase knowledge of welding to assist with welding operations and utility systems.
• Continuously learn about the Universitye2e2 s utility systems, internal and external building systems, and related safety protocols.

Skills

High-pressure steam ops

Water systems

Blueprint reading

Welding skills

Education

Vocational or technical training

Job description

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is seeking a Plumbing Specialist to perform advanced plumbing and heating tasks across campus utility systems, including steam, water, gas, and sewer. Work involves high-pressure steam operations, installation, maintenance, and repair with minimal supervision.

Candidates should have vocational or technical training and at least five years' experience in plumbing or related trades; the role requires strong problem-solving, safety awareness, and the ability