General Superintendent Plumbing And Steam Distribution - Facilities Services - UTK

JobID: 9844

Category: Facilities Services

JobSchedule: Full time

Posted Date: 2026-09-03T12:01:41+00:00

JobShift:

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The General Superintendent of Plumbing and Steam Distribution supervises and directs employees in maintaining and servicing campus utility systems, providing technical guidance, training, and development opportunities to support employee advancement. The position supports and serves as backup to the Assistant Director of Utilities Distribution, orders materials for special projects and work orders, and helps ensure the reliable operation of critical campus systems. The role also assists other campus departments with projects, coordinates with contractors to ensure work meets campus standards, and collaborates with Engineering by providing system expertise and input on the design and condition of utility infrastructure.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

• Required Education:

• Vocational or technical training

• Required Experience:

• 10 years in commercial/industrial plumbing and/or steam systems including pumps, steam components, controls, boilers, heat exchangers and other plumbing components

• 8 years in a supervisory position with multiple employees with various levels skilled crafts people

• Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of commercial/industrial plumbing and steam systems and components

• Knowledge of but not limited to utility piping and distribution of water, steam, chilled water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, natural gas, lab gases, air, chemical drains and geothermal.

• Ability to lead and motivate employees.

• Skilled in proper business management practices.

• Knowledge of supervisory practices in handling multiple employees and projects.

• Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates, Bachelors, or Masters Degree in a mechanical or civil discipline.

• 12 years in commercial/industrial plumbing and/or steam systems including pumps, steam components, controls, boilers, heat exchangers and other plumbing components

• 10 years in a supervisory position with multiple employees with various levels skilled crafts people

• A working knowledge of standard construction practices and codes

• Ability to continue education to stay current in the ever changing fields of excavation, utility plumbing and steam

• Other Conditions:

• Valid Driver's license

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Work Location

• University of Tennessee - Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR12
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville's largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.

• Supervise and instruct employees in the performance and completion of assigned duties.
• Assist foremen, craft, and heavy equipment employees with ordering needed parts and supplies to insure delivery for timely completion of service requests and projects.
• Report job information to supervision to ensure the commitment of funds needed is available to complete needed projects.
• Make decisions which can affect the safety of students, faculty, staff, and critical systems on campus and is imperative to completing assigned tasks and projects on schedule and within budget.
• Monitor existing plumbing and steam piping systems and propose new or rework of piping and/or systems.
• Ensure that foremen for heavy equipment and distribution have work prioritized and on schedule within budgeted amounts.
• Interact with students, faculty, staff, and the general public to ensure their concerns and problems are heard and acted upon in a positive manner.
• Strive to always provide a professional appearance when dealing with our customers.
• Assist team members in receiving customer service training and help them understand the necessity for good customer relations.
• Review design criteria for new building projects and renovation of campus structures.
• Work with designers and contractors to ensure that all projects are completed to campus standards.
• Review new construction and generate a list of any deficiencies found during review for repair by contractors.
• Assist plumbers in investigating technical problems and determining solutions.
• Report and correct any unsafe conditions or practices found.
• Counsel and instruct employees in proper departmental practices and procedures.
• Supervise and instruct employees in the performance and completion of assigned duties.
• Assist foremen, craft, and heavy equipment employees with ordering needed parts and supplies to insure delivery for timely completion of service requests and projects.
• Report job information to supervision to ensure the commitment of funds needed is available to complete needed projects.
• Make decisions which can affect the safety of students, faculty, staff, and critical systems on campus and is imperative to completing assigned tasks and projects on schedule and within budget.
• Monitor existing plumbing and steam piping systems and propose new or rework of piping and/or systems.
• Ensure that foremen for heavy equipment and distribution have work prioritized and on schedule within budgeted amounts.
• Interact with students, faculty, staff, and the general public to ensure their concerns and problems are heard and acted upon in a positive manner.
• Strive to always provide a professional appearance when dealing with our customers.
• Assist team members in receiving customer service training and help them understand the necessity for good customer relations.
• Review design criteria for new building projects and renovation of campus structures.
• Work with designers and contractors to ensure that all projects are completed to campus standards.
• Review new construction and generate a list of any deficiencies found during review for repair by contractors.
• Assist plumbers in investigating technical problems and determining solutions.
• Report and correct any unsafe conditions or practices found.
• Counsel and instruct employees in proper departmental practices and procedures.