Utilities Distribution Technician

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Utilities Distribution Technician to join the Utilities & Energy Management team in Lexington. This role supports safe, reliable operation of campus utility distribution systems, performing maintenance, inspections, testing, repairs, leak detection, and system shut downs/startups while promoting safety and compliance.

Collaborate with senior technicians, mentor entry level associates, and ensure accurate infrastructure records.

Qualifications

• Strong troubleshooting and technical maintenance of utility systems.
• Knowledge of plumbing, piping, brazing, soldering, steel and PVC.
• Commitment to safety, permit compliance, confined spaces, lockout/tagout.
• Planning, scheduling, organization, and clear communication.
• Data analysis, records, databases, and spreadsheet use.
• Customer-focused with strong relationships and responsive service.
• 3 years of related experience.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs of utility vaults, tunnels, and ancillary systems.
• Assist with outages, shutdowns, startups, and restoration activities.
• Conduct leak detection campus-wide.
• Maintain and troubleshoot distribution components including piping and meters.
• Perform water sampling and stormwater inspections.
• Complete KY811 utility locates and map updates.
• Support confined space operations and permit processes.
• Train entry level staff in distribution technologies and safety.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Maintenance

Safety compliance

Planning

Education

Associate’s Degree + 3 Years

High School + 5 years

Tools

MS Windows/Office

MS Project

SAP

KRONOS

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

Driver’s License

Physical Requirements

Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs; Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs; Sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods; Repetitive motion.
While some work is done in an indoor environment, frequently work is out in the field engaged in activities which will expose the position holder to various weather elements, loud noises, fumes, below ground surface spaces, heights over four feet, confined spaces, wet environments, and temperature extremes while on a job site(s).
Performs physical activities that require considerable use of arms, legs, and movement of the whole body, such as required in climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Ability to work off scissor lift, aerial lift, and ladder.

Shift

7:30am – 4:15pm (Monday – Friday)Hours of work may vary dependent upon situational factors, emergencies, crisis management, and/or weather-related factors requiring night(s), weekends(), and holiday(s) response.
[Note: The Utilities Distribution Technician is subject to ‘on call’ rotation assignment.]

Job Summary

Support Critical Campus Utility Infrastructure Through Skilled Maintenance, Safety, and Operational Excellence
The University of Kentucky is seeking a Utilities Distribution Technician to join the Utilities & Energy Management team.
This position supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the university’s utility distribution systems. Working in collaboration with Senior Utilities Distribution Technicians, the role performs maintenance, inspections, testing, repairs, leak detection, utility locates, and system shutdowns/startups while promoting customer service excellence, regulatory compliance, and on-the-job training for entry level associates.
What You’ll Do

• Perform routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs of utility vaults, tunnels, and ancillary systems.
• Assist with utility system outages, shutdowns, startups, and restoration activities to support campus operations.
• Conduct leak detection activities campus-wide using specialized leak detection equipment.
• Maintain and troubleshoot utility distribution components including piping systems, valves, steam traps, pumps, condensate systems, meters, and related infrastructure.
• Perform water sampling, testing, steam trap evaluations, stormwater inspections, and utility system assessments.
• Complete KY811 utility locates and coordinate utility mapping updates to maintain accurate campus infrastructure records.
• Support confined space entry operations, permit processes, lockout/tagout procedures, air monitoring, and environmental compliance activities.
• Train and mentor entry level associates in utility distribution technologies, operations, safety requirements, and best practices.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong troubleshooting and technical maintenance skills related to utility distribution systems and mechanical infrastructure.
• Knowledge of plumbing, pipefitting, brazing, soldering, steel and PVC piping systems, and related repair techniques.
• Commitment to safe work practices, permit compliance, confined space entry procedures, and lockout/tagout requirements.
• Strong planning, scheduling, organization, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to analyze operational data, maintain records, and work with databases and spreadsheet applications.
• Customer-focused approach with the ability to build productive relationships and provide responsive service.
• Demonstrated mentoring, training, and teamwork abilities in a hands‑on operational environment.
• Adaptability, initiative, reliability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• 3 years of related experience
• Valid driver’s license

What’s In It for You

• Opportunity to support essential campus utility systems that impact daily university operations.
• Hands‑on work with a wide range of utility distribution, maintenance, testing, and infrastructure technologies.
• Ongoing opportunities to expand technical expertise through specialized safety, environmental, and operational training.
• Collaborative team environment focused on safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Why Now?

Reliable utility distribution systems are essential to supporting campus operations, facility performance, and service continuity. This position helps maintain critical infrastructure through proactive maintenance, inspections, testing, repairs, and operational support.

As the university continues to maintain and improve its physical assets, this role provides important technical expertise, safety leadership, and workforce development support to ensure utility systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

Multiple positions available. Internal Employee Being Considered

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

MS Windows/Office; MS Project; SAP ; KRONOS
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and experience using hand/power tools; Knowledge of general labor, construction, or maintenance; Ability to educate and provide on-the-job training to entry level associates; Active listener with strong communication skills (Written and Verbal); Grit; Determination; Responsive; Adaptable; Safety First Commitment.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Associate’s Degree + 3 Years
High School + 5 years

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/20/2026

Our University Community

We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.