Utilities Distribution Special

Job Description

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.