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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Utility Mechanic

💰 $45,000 - $85,000

Skilled TradesUtilitiesMaintenanceInfrastructure

🎯 Role Definition

The Utility Mechanic is a skilled trades professional responsible for the operation, inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of utility systems such as water, wastewater, steam, HVAC, compressed air, gas, and basic electrical infrastructure. This role plays a critical part in ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient utility services for industrial facilities, municipalities, campuses, hospitals, or commercial operations. Utility Mechanics work in field and plant environments and collaborate closely with engineers, supervisors, and operations teams.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Maintenance Technician
  • Apprentice Mechanic
  • Facilities Maintenance Worker

Advancement To:

  • Senior Utility Mechanic
  • Lead Mechanic or Supervisor
  • Utilities Maintenance Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • HVAC Technician
  • Plant Operator or Facilities Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform routine and preventive maintenance on utility systems including boilers, chillers, pumps, compressors, valves, and piping.
  • Inspect utility equipment and infrastructure to identify wear, leaks, corrosion, or mechanical failures.
  • Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic electrical issues in utility systems.
  • Operate and monitor utility systems to ensure proper pressures, temperatures, flows, and performance levels.
  • Respond to emergency utility failures, outages, or alarms and take corrective action to restore service.
  • Maintain water distribution, wastewater, steam, and gas systems in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, piping diagrams, and equipment manuals.
  • Install, replace, and align pumps, motors, valves, gauges, and related components.
  • Perform welding, cutting, threading, and pipefitting tasks as required.
  • Conduct lubrication, cleaning, calibration, and adjustment of mechanical equipment.
  • Document maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs in computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
  • Coordinate with engineers, supervisors, and contractors during maintenance or repair projects.
  • Support system startups, shutdowns, and seasonal changeovers.
  • Test safety devices, alarms, and control systems to ensure proper operation.
  • Assist with inspections by regulatory agencies or safety auditors.
  • Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in safe and orderly condition.
  • Follow lockout/tagout, confined space, and other safety procedures.
  • Identify opportunities for improving equipment reliability and energy efficiency.
  • Assist in training apprentices or less-experienced maintenance staff.
  • Participate in utility system upgrades, retrofits, and capital improvement projects.
  • Ensure continuous operation of critical utilities to support facility operations.

Secondary Functions

  • Support data collection related to equipment performance and maintenance history.
  • Assist in developing standard maintenance procedures and checklists.
  • Collaborate with operations teams to minimize downtime during repairs.
  • Participate in maintenance planning meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Mechanical maintenance and repair
  • Utility systems operation (water, steam, HVAC, gas)
  • Pump, motor, and valve maintenance
  • Basic electrical troubleshooting
  • Pipefitting and welding fundamentals
  • Preventive and corrective maintenance techniques
  • Use of hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment
  • Reading technical drawings and schematics
  • CMMS usage and maintenance documentation
  • Knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements

Soft Skills

  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting ability
  • Attention to detail and safety awareness
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Clear communication with supervisors and peers
  • Time management and task prioritization
  • Adaptability in emergency or high-pressure situations
  • Reliability and strong work ethic
  • Willingness to work shifts, weekends, or on-call rotations
  • Continuous learning mindset
  • Accountability and ownership of assigned systems

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:
Technical certificate or associate degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Maintenance
  • Mechanical Technology
  • Facilities or Plant Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
2–6 years in utility maintenance, mechanical trades, or facilities operations

Preferred:
Experience in industrial plants, hospitals, campuses, or municipal utility environments

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