Utilities Distribution Technician Senior

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Utilities Distribution Technician Senior to join the Utilities & Energy Management team in Lexington, KY. You will support the safe, reliable operation of campus utility systems through maintenance, repairs, inspections, testing, and operational support.

Ideal candidates bring advanced technical expertise, experience training others, and a strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• AA degree or equivalent is required.
• Strong technical knowledge of utility distribution systems and related equipment.
• Ability to lead and mentor technicians in a team environment.
• Experience with maintenance, inspections, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, and repair utility vaults, tunnels, and related infrastructure.
• Coordinate outages, startups, restorations with customers, contractors, and staff.
• Troubleshoot complex issues in piping, pumps, valves, meters, and steam systems.
• Perform leak detection, water sampling, and equipment assessments.
• Maintain inventories and training records; support regulatory compliance.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Piping

Valves

Meters

Maintenance

Safety compliance

Training

Inventory management

Customer service

MS Windows/Office

Education

AA

Tools

SAP

MS Project

KRONOS

Job description

Requisition Number

Requisition Number RE55613

Working Title

Department Name

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 44

Salary Range

Salary Range $21.48-34.36/hour

Type of Position

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

AA

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 Senior is subject to ‘on call’ rotation assignment.])

Job Summary

Support Critical Utility Infrastructure Through Advanced Technical Expertise and Operational Excellence
The University of Kentucky is seeking a Utilities Distribution Technician Senior to join the Utilities & Energy Management team.
This position supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the university’s utility distribution systems through maintenance, repairs, inspections, testing, utility locates, and operational support activities. Working in collaboration with Lead Utilities Distribution Technicians, the Utilities Distribution Technician Senior provides advanced technical expertise, trains and mentors technicians and associates, and helps ensure utility systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

What You’ll Do

• Perform inspections, maintenance, and repairs of utility vaults, tunnels, ancillary systems, and related utility infrastructure.
• Support utility system outages, shutdowns, startups, and restoration activities while coordinating with customers, contractors, maintenance personnel, and utilities staff.
• Troubleshoot complex utility system issues and perform repairs on piping, pumps, valves, steam traps, condensate systems, meters, and related equipment.
• Conduct leak detection activities, water sampling, testing, steam trap evaluations, stormwater inspections, and equipment assessments.
• Perform KY811 utility locates and coordinate utility mapping updates to help maintain accurate campus utility records.
• Maintain inventories of utility system materials, equipment, safety supplies, and emergency repair components.
• Train technicians, associates, and others in utility distribution technologies, operations, and maintenance practices.
• Support recordkeeping, documentation, inventory management, and regulatory compliance activities.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong technical knowledge of utility distribution systems, mechanical infrastructure, piping systems, pumps, valves, meters, and related equipment.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve complex utility system issues.
• Experience with plumbing, pipe fitting, brazing, soldering, steel pipe threading, and PVC piping installation and repair.
• Knowledge of utility testing, inspections, leak detection, sampling procedures, and utility locating practices.
• Strong planning, organization, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, manage inventory, and work with databases and spreadsheet applications.
• Experience training, mentoring, and sharing technical knowledge with technicians and associates.
• Commitment to safety, quality workmanship, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.
• 5 years of related experience
• Valid driver’s license

What’s In It for You

• Opportunity to support critical utility infrastructure that serves the University community.
• Hands-on work across a broad range of utility distribution systems, maintenance activities, testing procedures, and infrastructure technologies.
• Opportunities to apply and expand advanced troubleshooting, technical, and training expertise.
• Collaborative team environment focused on safety, service, reliability, and operational excellence.

Why Now?

Reliable utility distribution systems are essential to maintaining campus operations and supporting the university’s facilities and infrastructure. This position helps ensure those systems remain safe, operational, and responsive through proactive maintenance, inspections, repairs, testing, and operational support.

As the university continues to maintain and improve its utility assets, this role provides valuable technical expertise, workforce development support, and operational knowledge that help sustain dependable service, regulatory compliance, and long-term system reliability.

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 lead in a team 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.