Utilities Distribution Specialist

Reporting to the Utilities Distribution Supervisor, and working in a multi-discipline environment, this specialist role will install, maintain, and repair critical infrastructure including chilled water lines, steam lines, valves, traps, domestic water, storm drains, sewer lines, pumps, fans, and fire hydrants with a high degree of accuracy required. Performs steamfitter work at a specialized and skilled level.

This team as a whole is responsible for a large utility distribution that consists of (add the acreage of the university) steam tunnels and works diligently for the entire Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus.

The Utilities Distribution Specialist is responsible for

• Assisting with the troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, and installation of steam lines, chilled water lines, ction lines, and instruments.
• Performing installations or replacements of water, storm, sanitary sewer, steam, and heating hot water, condensate, chilled water piping systems, and related equipment.
• Working around both high, (12.47kV), and low voltage, (<600V), electrical distribution systems in tunnels as required.
• Reading and interpreting construction documents and shop drawings.
• Promoting responsibility and efficient work among team members by giving clear and descriptive instructions.
• Developing an increasing knowledge of types of materials and equipment used on projects for the various utility systems.
• Working individually or on a team to execute repairs or installations.
• Operating heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, trenchers, line/service trucks, fork trucks, horizontal boring machines, and other related equipment for utilities system installation and maintenance.

This position will proactively diagnose utility distribution system problems and perform repairs as required. The Utilities Distribution Specialist is responsible for the layout of piping systems and installing pipefitting in compliance with applicant codes and construction documents, as instructed by departmental leadership.

The incumbent for this position should be self-driven and independent while completing work, but should also be able to work efficiently on a team and with other members of the university. The Utility Distribution Specialist should be able to serve in the absence of a Utilities Distribution Lead as needed.

The incumbent will perform general service work on mechanical equipment including maintenance, lubrication, and replacement of system components as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Working skill in the use of diverse hand and power tools pertaining to the plumbing trade; including, but not limited to: pipe threading machines, torches, drills, rotary hammers, and sewer cleaners.
• Must have a Commercial Driver’s License with Class B endorsements and a valid DOT medical certification.
• Ability to safely and frequently move and handle heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds alone, and/or up to an estimated 100 pounds with the assistance of personnel or tools.
• Ability to maneuver materials up and down stairs, ability to climb and work from elevated workstations such as ladders and scaffolds, ability to work for long periods standing, walking, sitting, reaching, bending, and pushing/pulling.
• Ability to safely work in designated confined spaces (training provided) and work in all types of weather conditions – including extreme temperatures.
• This is a designated emergency personnel position. May be required to work additional hours/shifts to meet the needs of the university. Major emergencies/outages require all employees to report to work.
• Demonstrated general construction experience.
• Familiarity with operating heavy equipment.
• General knowledge of using a computer to perform basic functions such as using Microsoft Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at the journeyman level in general plumbing.
• Demonstrated experience steam fitting.
• Previous experience in industrial, commercial, or institutional building plumbing, and piping installation and maintenance.
• Experience with operating equipment such as backhoes, mini-excavators, and forklifts.
• Considerable knowledge of steam distribution systems.
• Experience with commercial/industrial distributions.
• Experience reading and interpreting written instructions, blueprints, and schematic drawings.
• Some experience or knowledge of handling utility locate requests, such as from Miss Utility.
• Familiarity with working around low and high-voltage areas to maintain and repair mechanical utilities systems.
• Experience in a multi-trade, multi-disciplined environment.
• Safety training includes but is not limited to the following

o Chain saw safety, confined space entry/attendant supervisor, electrical qualified person, excavation qualified person, fall hazard awareness, fall protection user, first aid/CPR/AED, hazcom RTK, hearing conservation, hotline hold tags, ladder safety, lockout/tagout authorized person, mobile crane safety, personal protective equipment training, portable fire extinguisher training, reverse signal operation safety, scaffold awareness, VDOT flagger training and certification, and VDOT work zone basic safety training.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$52,000-$54,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

July 1, 2026

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

This position has been designated by the university as essential to university operations. As emergency personnel, you will be required to report to work during emergency situations and authorized closings.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity.

The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College.

The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at opshr-g@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.