Heavy Equipment Operator/Mechanic - Facilities Services - UTK

Heavy Equipment Operator/Mechanic

The Heavy Equipment Operator/Mechanic position operates excavators, backhoes, front-end loaders, dump trucks, skid steers, telehandlers, etc. and provides labor as necessary to assist with Heavy Equipment operations and projects. Having the knowledge and the ability to perform routine maintenance on all equipment is required for this position and this person must be able to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical issues and perform repairs as needed.

Responsibilities

• Must possess operating skills of heavy equipment for excavating trenches, grading, and loading/unloading trucks
• Driving trucks, hauling spoils and equipment to and from job sites
• Assist crews with emergency underground repairs of utilities and or equipment
• Perform routine maintenance on all equipment
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical issues
• Perform repairs on engines and mechanical equipment as needed

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of experience operating heavy equipment OR performing routine maintenance on heavy equipment/diesel powered equipment
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Ability to perform hard physical work for longs periods in all kinds of weather
• Ability to read and follow instructions
• Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on light-duty earth moving equipment such as excavators, backhoes, front end loaders, skid steers, tractors, telehandlers, dump trucks, etc.
• Ability to safely drive trucks of various shapes and sizes

• Other Conditions:

• Valid Driver's license

• Must be able to obtain a TN Class A commercial driver's license within first 12 months of employment.

• All Facilities Services personnel are considered "Essential Personnel." In the event of extraordinary situations, the University may suspend normal operations and classes in whole or part. In such instances, all Essential Personnel must fulfill their duties in order to (1) ensure the continuation of critical University operations; (2) attend to the needs of students and other members of the University community; and (3) protect the University's assets. Essential Personnel are expected to come to work in any and all extraordinary/emergency situations unless it is unsafe to do so or they are specifically excused by their supervisor.

• 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: MR05
• 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.

About Us

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!

Job Info

• Job Identification 7941
• Job Category Facilities Services
• Posting Date 05/01/2026, 03:02 PM
• Apply Before 11/01/2026, 04:00 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 2040 Sutherland Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US