Utility Mechanic Lead

CLEMU Clemson University; Clemson (SC); On-site; USD 47,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University seeks a lead utility technician to direct a distribution crew responsible for underground systems including water, steam, natural gas, sanitary sewer, and stormwater on campus. You will coordinate daily field activities, guide crew members, manage procurement and materials, and ensure safety, compliance, and timely restoration under university standards.

This full‑time role requires a high school diploma and relevant maintenance experience; a CDL and an associate degree or

Qualifications

• A high school diploma and professional experience in building repairs and maintenance or in the specific area of assignment.
• Valid driver's license, CDL Class A or B
• Associate degree or technical diploma in utilities, construction, mechanical systems, or related field. 5-7 years of experience (responsible or lead) in the operation, maintenance, repair, and construction of underground utility systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead technician responsibilities: assign daily work, coordinate field activities, monitor quality, mentor employees, and provide technical guidance.
• Develop employee knowledge through hands-on instruction and support safe work practices across all utility distribution systems.
• Support maintenance, repair, and construction activities with adherence to codes and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Safety compliance

Regulatory compliance

Procurement

Inventory management

Project coordination

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Associate degree / technical diploma in utilities or related field

Tools

GIS mapping

Engineering drawings

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Provides lead direction for a utilities distribution crew responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, and emergency restoration of underground utility systems, including domestic water, chilled water, steam, natural gas, sanitary sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. Coordinates daily field activities, provides technical guidance to crew members, and supports construction and maintenance projects to ensure the safe, reliable operation of the University's utility systems. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES

• 10% Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Procurement and Administrative Management: Promotes a safe work environment by ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, University policies, and industry best practices. Conducts job hazard assessments, supports regulatory inspections, and maintains required operational and compliance documentation. Coordinates procurement activities by preparing material requisitions, obtaining purchase orders, researching and ordering materials, equipment, tools, and supplies required for utility maintenance, emergency repairs, and construction projects. Monitors inventory levels, assists with material planning, and ensures critical resources are available to support uninterrupted utility operations. Performs other related duties as assigned.
• 15% Utility System Planning, Asset Management, and Technical Support: Maintains working knowledge of the University's underground utility infrastructure, including utility records, engineering drawings, GIS mapping, and historical system information. Assists with documenting system changes, utility locating, infrastructure inspections, and updating utility asset records to support maintenance and capital improvement projects.
• 25% Jobsite, Maintenance, and Construction Management: Plans, coordinates, and oversees daily maintenance, repair, and utility construction activities. Organizes personnel, equipment, materials, and contractor resources to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with University standards, applicable codes, and regulatory requirements. Provides construction support for campus utility expansion projects, including utility coordination, infrastructure inspections, utility locates, system tie-ins, and quality assurance.
• 20% Leadership, Work Coordination, Shop Management: Serves as lead technician by assigning daily work, coordinating field activities, monitoring work quality, mentoring employees, and providing technical guidance during maintenance, repair, and construction activities. Assists in developing employee knowledge through hands‑on instruction and supports safe work practices across all utility distribution systems.
• 30% Utility Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Response: Serves as lead technician by assigning daily work, coordinating field activities, monitoring work quality, mentoring employees, and providing technical guidance during maintenance, repair, and construction activities. Assists in developing employee knowledge through hands‑on instruction and supports safe work practices across all utility distribution systems.

JOB CODE

KC42

EMPLOYEE TYPE

Regular FTE Staff

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A high school diploma and professional experience in building repairs and maintenance or in the specific area of assignment. Valid driver's license, CDL Class A or B

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

Associate degree or technical diploma in utilities, construction, mechanical systems, or related field. 5-7 years of experience (responsible or lead) in the operation, maintenance, repair, and construction of underground utility systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises work of others and may offer recommendations for hiring, termination and pay adjustments but does not have responsibility for making these decisions.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: 10% Move, transport, raise or lower 50 lbs or more: 10% Walk or move about: 10% Stand for Prolonged Period: 15% Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder): 5% Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: 5% Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl): 10% Recognize or inspect visually: 5% Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.: 5% Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: 15% Use taste or smell to detect or determine particular flavors or odors: 5% Extends hands or arms in any direction: 5%

WORKING CONDITIONS

Mechanical hazards: 5% Burn hazards: 5% Exposure to bio-hazards (i.e. blood, bodily fluids): 5% Wet and/or humid: 15% Vibration: 10% Overnight travel: 5% Noise: 15% Exposure to heat or cold: 20% Electrical hazards: 5% Exposure to dust/fumes: 5% Chemical hazards: 5% Radiant hazards: 5%

WORK SCHEDULE

Standard Hours: 40

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Expected Salary Range 46655 - 63828 Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Essential Support - In the event of an emergency closure or modified operations, this position is necessary to maintain/resume essential support functions, deliver direct care services, and/or provide recovery support before normal operations resume. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on‑call.

JOB LOCATION

Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE

November 24, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties. Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full‑time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD‑214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions or issues.

CLOSING STATEMENT

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status. One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others. Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.