Utility Mechanic Lead

State of South Carolina; Clemson (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Provides lead direction for a utilities distribution crew responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, and emergency restoration of underground utility systems serving the University. Coordinates daily field activities, mentors crew members, and ensures safe, reliable operation of campus utilities.

The position supports construction and maintenance projects, collaborates with stakeholders, and maintains asset records, ensuring OSHA compliance and smooth procurement processes.

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead technician by assigning daily work and coordinating field activities.
• Oversee daily maintenance, repair, and utility construction activities.
• Mentor employees and ensure safety across all utility systems.
• Maintain working knowledge of utility infrastructure and asset records.
• Support OSHA compliance and procurement activities as needed.

Skills

Lead direction

Field coordination

Mentoring

Technical guidance

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree or technical diploma

Tools

CDL A/B

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 Responsibilities

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum and Additional 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 Qualifications

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.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.