UTILITY MECHANIC II

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 267806

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: CENTRAL ADMIN MANAGEMENT CTR

Date: Apr 22, 2026

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.

At Duke, we value the individuals who keep our campus and operations running safely, efficiently, and reliably. As a Utility Mechanic II, you’ll be part of a skilled and collaborative team that supports Duke’s utility infrastructure through hands-on maintenance, repair, and operational support. Your technical expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to safety help ensure uninterrupted service to the Duke community.

Be Bold.

You’ll play an active role in maintaining complex utility plant systems while continuing to grow your technical skills across multiple trades and technologies.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

Three years of experience installing, maintaining, and/or repairing utility systems equipment, facilities, or distribution systems
Must pass the Basic Duke Utility Systems Operations Test within six months of entering the position
Must earn Universal Refrigerant Certification within six months of entering the position

What You’ll Do

You will assist with the installation, repair, and maintenance of utility plant equipment, facilities, and distribution systems, including chillers, boilers, generators, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.

Work Performed

Assist with preventive maintenance on utility plant equipment and distribution systems according to a predetermined schedule
Change filters and perform routine inspections of equipment
Check pump alignments and perform lubrication of pump and fan bearings, gearboxes, linkages, and other moving parts
Replace pump seals and align shafts
Clean, wipe down, and maintain equipment and work areas
Read and understand equipment operation and maintenance manuals
Assist with scheduled overhauls on major utility equipment
Support mechanics in the installation, repair, or replacement of major utility equipment, including:
- Pipes, conveyors, pumps, and fans
- Valves, traps, expansion joints, relief valves, and pressure-reducing valves
Complete required documentation such as work orders, inventory records, and preventive maintenance forms
Use specialized testing devices, hand tools, and power tools associated with the trade
Perform skilled craft work related to plant maintenance, including welding, cutting, and pipefitting
Operate and maintain loaders, hoists, and related equipment at utility plants
Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly work environment
Perform safety-related duties such as fire watch and confined space entry attendant
Assist other mechanics as directed or required
Notify supervisors when equipment is identified as needing repair
Process hot work permits
Adjust and maintain automatic control valves
Locate major branches, valves, return lines, and vacuum lines to troubleshoot plant or distribution issues
Perform basic calculations and unit conversions
Use computer software applicable to maintenance operations
Provide technical guidance and direction to lower-level personnel
Perform other related duties incidental to the work described

Choose Duke.

Duke offers a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute to a world-class institution through essential utility operations.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help power Duke’s mission through reliable, safe, and expertly maintained utility systems.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.