UTILITY MECHANIC II

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University is seeking a Utility Mechanic II in Durham, NC. This role involves maintaining and repairing utility infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted service. Candidates should have a high school diploma and 3 years of experience with utility systems. Essential skills include technical expertise and attention to detail. The position emphasizes safety and requires passing technical certification tests. Duke University values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing utility systems.
• Must pass the Basic Duke Utility Systems Operations Test.
• Must earn Universal Refrigerant Certification.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation, repair, and maintenance of utility equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment and systems.
• Operate and maintain loaders, hoists, and other equipment.

Skills

Technical expertise

Attention to detail

Commitment to safety

Welding

Pipefitting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Specialized testing devices

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Utility Mechanic II

At Duke, we value the individuals who keep our campus and operations running safely, efficiently, and reliably. As a Utility Mechanic II, you’ll be part of a skilled and collaborative team that supports Duke’s utility infrastructure through hands‑on maintenance, repair, and operational support. Your technical expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to safety help ensure uninterrupted service to the Duke community.

What You Will Do

You will assist with the installation, repair, and maintenance of utility plant equipment, facilities, and distribution systems, including chillers, boilers, generators, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.

Work Performed

• Assist with preventive maintenance on utility plant equipment and distribution systems according to a predetermined schedule
• Change filters and perform routine inspections of equipment
• Check pump alignments and perform lubrication of pump and fan bearings, gearboxes, linkages, and other moving parts
• Replace pump seals and align shafts
• Clean, wipe down, and maintain equipment and work areas
• Read and understand equipment operation and maintenance manuals
• Assist with scheduled overhauls on major utility equipment
• Support mechanics in the installation, repair, or replacement of major utility equipment, including:
  • Pipes, conveyors, pumps, and fans
  • Valves, traps, expansion joints, relief valves, and pressure‑reducing valves
• Complete required documentation such as work orders, inventory records, and preventive maintenance forms
• Use specialized testing devices, hand tools, and power tools associated with the trade
• Perform skilled craft work related to plant maintenance, including welding, cutting, and pipefitting
• Operate and maintain loaders, hoists, and related equipment at utility plants
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly work environment
• Perform safety‑related duties such as fire watch and confined space entry attendant
• Assist other mechanics as directed or required
• Notify supervisors when equipment is identified as needing repair
• Process hot work permits
• Adjust and maintain automatic control valves
• Locate major branches, valves, return lines, and vacuum lines to troubleshoot plant or distribution issues
• Perform basic calculations and unit conversions
• Use computer software applicable to maintenance operations
• Provide technical guidance and direction to lower‑level personnel
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

• Three years of experience installing, maintaining, and/or repairing utility systems equipment, facilities, or distribution systems
• Must pass the Basic Duke Utility Systems Operations Test within six months of entering the position
• Must earn Universal Refrigerant Certification within six months of entering the position

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.