Utilities Distribution Technician

University of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); On-site; USD 27,758 - 45,667; Full time

Job summary

University of New Hampshire in Durham seeks a skilled professional to operate, inspect, and maintain campus utility distribution systems including potable water, heating water, steam, and sewer networks. The role involves coordinating with campus stakeholders, contractors, and engineering teams to ensure reliable utility service and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include project support, asset management, and ensuring safe work practices while on-call for emergencies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–5+ years in utility distribution or related trades.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with construction project management or mechanical/civil engineering is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate, inspect, maintain, repair, install, and troubleshoot campus utility distribution systems.
• Inspect and maintain stormwater, wastewater, steam, and other networks; respond to issues.
• Coordinate with engineers, project managers, and campus stakeholders on projects.
• Oversee outside contractors and inspect their work for compliance.

Skills

Confined spaces

On-call emergencies

PPE usage

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

NH driver's license

Job description

Perform duties related to the operation, inspection, maintenance, design, and installation of distribution systems for potable water, heating water supply and return, domestic hot water supply and return, chilled water supply and return, stormwater, wastewater, steam, and condensate. Inspects and maintains campus utility distribution system components, including but not limited to stormwater treatment systems, sewage lift stations, underground utility tunnels and valve pits, and fire hydrants.

Utility Distribution System Operations & Maintenance (40%)

• Perform operation, inspection, maintenance, repair, installation, and troubleshooting activities for campus utility distribution systems, including potable water, heating water, domestic hot water, chilled water, stormwater, wastewater, steam, and condensate systems.
• Inspect and maintain utility infrastructure components including stormwater treatment systems, sewage lift stations, underground utility tunnels, valve pits, and fire hydrants.
• Install and maintain temporary utility services required for construction and campus projects.
• Respond to operational issues and coordinate corrective actions to ensure reliable utility service and system performance.

Regulatory Compliance, Asset Management & System Assessment (25%)

• Ensure utility distribution systems are operated and maintained in compliance with University policies and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Conduct inspections and support condition assessments of utility infrastructure to identify maintenance, repair, and replacement needs.
• Inspect erosion and sediment control measures associated with construction activities.
• Assist with maintaining utility asset information within Facilities asset management and GIS systems to support planning, tracking, and regulatory requirements.

Project Coordination & Contractor Oversight (20%)

• Coordinate with engineering consultants, project managers, and campus stakeholders on utility infrastructure assessments, design activities, construction projects, and system improvements.
• Schedule and oversee outside contractors performing utility installations, maintenance, and repair work.
• Inspect completed contractor work to verify compliance with project requirements, quality standards, and operational expectations.
• Assist in planning and implementing infrastructure renewal and capital improvement projects.

Stakeholder Support, Inventory & External Coordination (15%)

• Coordinate with Town of Durham Public Works staff regarding potable water, wastewater, and stormwater system operations and related issues.
• Support University Facilities personnel and other campus departments on utility-related matters.
• Assist the Utilities Distribution Superintendent with maintaining critical materials, equipment, and supply inventories.
• Provide technical support and coordination to ensure effective communication and collaboration among internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• 2-5+ years of experience in utility distribution, or related trades such as plumbing, pipefitting, high pressure steam maintenance, drainage systems, earthwork, or welding. Experience in construction project management or mechanical/civil engineering is also considered.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Valid NH driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work in inclement weather and heat.
• Ability to properly wear PPE provided by the department.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations and be on-call outside normal work hours in a normal rotation.
• Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities including heavy lifting and work with exposure to inclement weather for prolonged periods of time.
• Knowledge of applicable codes and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• NH PWS Operator Grade T1/D1 or ability to attain within 12 months
• NEWEA Collections System Operator Grade I/II or ability to attain within 12 months
• NH Plumbing License
• NH Pipefitter License
• CDL Class B
• EPA CGP Erosion Control Inspector Certification

Applicant Instructions

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My Experience: Resume/CV section of the application: (Maximum of 5 Documents)

• Resume/CV
• Contact Information for 3 Professional References

Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Compensation Pay Range

$20.15 - $33.15

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

Location:

Durham