Maintenance Specialist, Lone Oaks Farm, UT Extension: UTIA

This position operates all heavy equipment necessary for the operation of the Farm, including bulldozers, backhoes, dump trucks, road graders, and high-lifts. This position will be further responsible for all maintenance of such equipment. If the facilities manager is unavailable, this position is responsible for all facility operations.

• Support all of Lone Oaks Farm including, but not limited to: cost estimation, layout, and installation of maintenance projects; coordination of contractors, locating and mapping of Lone Oaks Farm underground utility infrastructure; installation and repair of underground utilities; inspection of sewer systems monthly to make sure floats, control panels and septic fields are operational; maintain electrical systems such as lighting repair and upgrades, electrical panels, motors, starters, and electrical disconnect preventative maintenance as well as materials handling.

• Assist in creating maintenance priority lists with the maintenance supervisor, research pricing, pickup, delivery, and installation of repair/replacement parts and equipment. This position will support maintenance of efficient and effective operations and upkeep of the Lone Oaks Farm property, buildings, and grounds, including, but not limited to, electrical, HVAC, basic refrigeration, plumbing, and storm and sanitary sewage systems. This position will troubleshoot and repair, or coordinate work with outside contractors; pull permits as needed for electrical projects; and coordinate with TN One Call, utility companies, and the State Electrical Inspector. Preventive maintenance will include cold-weather walk-through preparation and checks of all buildings for water leaks, damage, and temperature. Regular inspection of property for safety concerns, as well as laying out safe work areas; assisting with the inspection of farm equipment for safety concerns and operations, painting, pressure washing, and staining woodwork, and assisting with vehicle maintenance.

• Assist in any agricultural tasks at the Farm (livestock work, hay production and storage, etc.) as needed, particularly during critical times for this work.

• Other duties as assigned. Potential assistance would include transportation for youth during STEM programming and/or 4-H camp, and workforce opportunities through youth development programming.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:

  • High school diploma.

• Experience: 

  • Minimum of five years of maintenance experience.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Must have a working knowledge in the areas of small engine repair, large engine repair, HVAC, basic refrigeration, and electrical circuits. 

  • Basic plumbing. 

  • Landscape/grounds keeping experience.

  • Mechanical skills.

  • Ability to operate small equipment-chainsaw, hedge trimmers, power tools, etc. 

  • Ability to read and comprehend maintenance manuals.

  • Must have good math skills, good communication skills, and be a team player. 

  • Ability to work with the general public daily.

  • Ability to self-start.

  • Knowledge and ability to maintain good working relations with co-workers and outside groups.

  • Working knowledge of various equipment.

  • Ability to multi-task. 

  • Ability to communicate well with others. 

  • Able to maintain a flexible work schedule, and have excellent customer service skills.

  • 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Some college/technical school.

• Experience: 
  • At least ten years of maintenance-related experience.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of equipment operation, such as tractors, backhoes, forklifts, etc. 

  • Ability to perform manual labor such as climbing ladders, painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, and digging.  

  • Ability to read and follow plans/schematics.

  • Keep accurate maintenance and inventory records.

  • Knowledge of basic computer skills. 

  • Ability to work well under pressure, in varying weather conditions, and able to work independently and as part of a team.

Work Location:

• Location: Middleton, TN

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits: 

• UT market range: MR07