Utilities Distribution Technician Lead

Job Title
Utilities Distribution Technician Lead

Requisition Number
RE55614

Working Title

Department Name
3CU00:Utilities & Energy Management

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
45

Salary Range
$23.18-38.25/hour

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

BA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

7 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

Driver’s License

Physical Requirements

Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs; Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs; Sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods; Repetitive motion.

While some work is done in an indoor environment, frequently work is out in the field engaged in activities which will expose the position holder to various weather elements, loud noises, fumes, below ground surface spaces, heights over four feet, confined spaces, wet environments, and temperature extremes while on a job site(s).

Performs physical activities that require considerable use of arms, legs, and movement of the whole body, such as required in climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Ability to work off scissor lift, aerial lift, and ladder.

Shift

7:30am – 4:15pm (Monday – Friday)Hours of work may vary dependent upon situational factors, emergencies, crisis management, and/or weather-related factors requiring night(s), weekends(), and holiday(s) response.

[Note: The Utilities Distribution Technician Lead is subject to ‘on-call’ rotation assignment.]

Job Summary

Lead Critical Utility Distribution Operations That Keep the University Running Safely and Efficiently

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Utilities Distribution Technician Lead to join the Utilities & Energy Management team.

This position plays a key role in maintaining and supporting the university’s utility distribution infrastructure through system maintenance, repairs, inspections, testing, and operational coordination. The Utilities Distribution Technician Lead serves as a technical resource for complex utility system issues, leads outage and shutdown activities, coordinates repair efforts, and provides guidance and training to technicians and associates while ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and coordinate utility system outages, shutdowns, startups, and restoration activities with customers, contractors, maintenance personnel, and utilities staff.
• Troubleshoot complex utility distribution system issues and determine effective repair and resolution strategies.
• Plan, prioritize, schedule, and oversee utility system repair and maintenance activities, including work performed by vendors and Facilities Maintenance personnel.
• Perform inspections, maintenance, and repairs of utility vaults, tunnels, piping systems, valves, pumps, condensate systems, meters, and related infrastructure.
• Conduct leak detection activities, utility locates, system testing, water analysis, stormwater inspections, and equipment assessments.
• Coordinate KY811 utility locate requests and collaborate with GIS personnel to maintain accurate campus utility maps.
• Provide technical direction, training, and guidance to technicians and associates in utility distribution technologies, operations, and safe work practices.
• Support regulatory compliance, permit processes, recordkeeping requirements, and continuous operational improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong technical knowledge of utility distribution systems, mechanical infrastructure, piping systems, pumps, valves, meters, and related equipment.
• Advanced troubleshooting, problem-solving, planning, and coordination skills for complex maintenance and operational issues.
• Ability to organize work, prioritize competing demands, and effectively schedule repair and outage activities.
• Strong communication, customer service, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience mentoring, training, and providing technical guidance to technicians and associates.
• Knowledge of permit processes, confined space entry requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and environmental compliance standards.
• Strong analytical, data management, recordkeeping, and documentation skills.
• Commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 7 years of related experience
• Valid driver’s license

What’s In It for You

• Opportunity to lead critical utility distribution activities that support essential campus operations.
• Hands-on work with a broad range of utility systems, infrastructure, maintenance technologies, and operational processes.
• Opportunities to develop and apply advanced technical, troubleshooting, and leadership skills.
• Collaborative team environment focused on safety, service, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• UK’s Exceptional Benefits

Why Now?
Reliable utility distribution systems are essential to maintaining campus operations, supporting facilities, and ensuring uninterrupted services across the university. This position provides experienced technical leadership for utility maintenance, repair coordination, system outages, inspections, and compliance activities that help keep critical infrastructure operating safely and efficiently.

As the university continues to maintain and improve its utility assets, this role supports operational reliability through advanced troubleshooting, workforce development, safety leadership, and coordination of complex utility distribution activities.

Multiple positions available.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

MS Windows/Office; MS Project; SAP; KRONOS

Experienced and proficient utility systems technician; Demonstrated ability to lead and provide technical direction, training, and guidance to associates in utilities distribution technologies and operations; Active listener, with strong communication skills: Responsive; Analytical; Innovative; Proven ability to demonstrate and implement safe practices and environmental compliance; Safety First Commitment.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
09/20/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.