Utilities Distribution Technician Lead

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Utilities Distribution Technician Lead to join the Utilities & Energy Management team. You will lead outage coordination, perform complex troubleshooting, and supervise maintenance across campus utility systems to ensure safe, reliable operations.

Responsibilities include directing repair efforts, coordinating with vendors and staff, and mentoring technicians while ensuring regulatory compliance and continuous improvement in operations.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of utility distribution systems and related equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate utility system outages, shutdowns, startups, and restoration activities.
• Troubleshoot complex utility distribution system issues and determine effective repair strategies.
• Plan, prioritize, schedule, and oversee repair and maintenance activities, including vendor work.
• Perform inspections, maintenance, and repairs of utility vaults, tunnels, piping systems, meters, and related infrastructure.
• Conduct leak detection, utility locates, system testing, and water analysis.
• Coordinate KY811 utility locate requests and update campus utility maps.
• Provide training and guidance to technicians on distribution technologies and safety.
• Support permit processes, recordkeeping, and compliance initiatives.

Skills

Utility systems

Troubleshooting

Planning

Coordination

Communication

Mentoring

Safety compliance

Leadership

Documentation

7+ years experience

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 Lead is subject to 'on-call' rotation assignment.]

Job Summary

Lead Critical Utility Distribution Operations That Keep the University Running Safely and Efficiently
The University of Kentucky is seeking a Utilities Distribution Technician Lead to join the Utilities & Energy Management team.
This position plays a key role in maintaining and supporting the university’s utility distribution infrastructure through system maintenance, repairs, inspections, testing, and operational coordination. The Utilities Distribution Technician Lead serves as a technical resource for complex utility system issues, leads outage and shutdown activities, coordinates repair efforts, and provides guidance and training to technicians and associates while ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and coordinate utility system outages, shutdowns, startups, and restoration activities with customers, contractors, maintenance personnel, and utilities staff.
• Troubleshoot complex utility distribution system issues and determine effective repair and resolution strategies.
• Plan, prioritize, schedule, and oversee utility system repair and maintenance activities, including work performed by vendors and Facilities Maintenance personnel.
• Perform inspections, maintenance, and repairs of utility vaults, tunnels, piping systems, valves, pumps, condensate systems, meters, and related infrastructure.
• Conduct leak detection activities, utility locates, system testing, water analysis, stormwater inspections, and equipment assessments.
• Coordinate KY811 utility locate requests and collaborate with GIS personnel to maintain accurate campus utility maps.
• Provide technical direction, training, and guidance to technicians and associates in utility distribution technologies, operations, and safe work practices.
• Support regulatory compliance, permit processes, recordkeeping requirements, and continuous operational improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong technical knowledge of utility distribution systems, mechanical infrastructure, piping systems, pumps, valves, meters, and related equipment.
• Advanced troubleshooting, problem-solving, planning, and coordination skills for complex maintenance and operational issues.
• Ability to organize work, prioritize competing demands, and effectively schedule repair and outage activities.
• Strong communication, customer service, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience mentoring, training, and providing technical guidance to technicians and associates.
• Knowledge of permit processes, confined space entry requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and environmental compliance standards.
• Strong analytical, data management, recordkeeping, and documentation skills.
• Commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• 7 years of related experience
• Valid driver's license

What’s In It for You

• Opportunity to lead critical utility distribution activities that support essential campus operations.
• Hands-on work with a broad range of utility systems, infrastructure, maintenance technologies, and operational processes.
• Opportunities to develop and apply advanced technical, troubleshooting, and leadership skills.
• Collaborative team environment focused on safety, service, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Why Now?

Reliable utility distribution systems are essential to maintaining campus operations, supporting facilities, and ensuring uninterrupted services across the university. This position provides experienced technical leadership for utility maintenance, repair coordination, system outages, inspections, and compliance activities that help keep critical infrastructure operating safely and efficiently.

As the university continues to maintain and improve its utility assets, this role supports operational reliability through advanced troubleshooting, workforce development, safety leadership, and coordination of complex utility distribution activities.

Multiple positions available.
Internal Employee Being Considered

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

MS Windows/Office; MS Project; SAP ; KRONOS
Experienced and proficient utility systems technician; Demonstrated ability to lead and provide technical direction, training, and guidance to associates in utilities distribution technologies and operations; Active listener, with strong communication skills: Responsive; Analytical; Innovative; Proven ability to demonstrate and implement safe practices and environmental compliance; Safety First Commitment.

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.

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * This position requires you to have a valid KY driver's license. Do you meet this requirement?