Chemical Treatment Manager
- Facilities Services
- UTK University of Tennessee
- Knoxville
- 4.
1 Knoxville, TN Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Qualifications Budget management Preventative hardware maintenance EPA Refrigeration Certification Microsoft Excel EHS Chemical Engineering Operations management Faculty collaboration Safety regulations Engineering CFC Universal Certification Equipment installation Regulatory compliance Environmental compliance Equipment troubleshooting Air quality monitoring Compliance management implementation Master's degree Schedule management Key Performance Indicators Driver's License Supervising experience Bachelor's degree Public utility experience Energy efficiency & conservation Operational risk mitigation Team management Driving Staff training EPA 608 Technician Certification Organizational skills Refrigeration EPA Universal Certification HVAC system repair Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering Scope management Water treatment equipment maintenance Environmental regulatory compliance Maintenance management Productivity software Root cause analysis Senior level Project leadership 2 years ASHRAE Standards Procurement management Mechanical troubleshooting Chemical engineering Operational budget management Staff development Performance evaluation Full Job Description This position provides chemical and operational leadership for campus water treatment programs, overseeing the treatment of mechanical systems to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency. The role coordinates the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of chemical feed systems while supporting all utility chemical treatment needs. Serving as the primary point of contact for chemical treatment standards on capital projects, the position communicates expectations to campus stakeholders, utility providers, and Facilities Services teams and works closely with Environmental Health & Safety to ensure chemical use and treatment practices meet safety and regulatory requirements. The role is critical to maintaining optimal water and air quality, preventing equipment corrosion, mitigating Legionella risk, and supporting energy‑efficient operation of complex chilled and hot water systems. Responsibilities also include collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, and local utility providers; communicating treatment standards to students, faculty, deans, and administrators; developing and maintaining safety documentation; and organizing and leading meetings with internal and external partners. This position reports directly to the Assistant Director of Utilities and Projects. Lead and support technical staff, including supervising technicians and directing chemical technicians through training, scheduling, and performance evaluations. Plan and execute preventive maintenance programs, with a strong emphasis on chemical treatment for water-based HVAC systems to sustain long-term asset health. Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements, maintaining a strong safety culture and audit-ready practices. Oversee HVAC and thermal plant systems to maintain reliable system operations and optimize efficiency across campus utility infrastructure. Direct third-party water treatment vendors and service contracts, managing chemical services and coordinating specialized repair support. Design and implement water treatment programs (e.g., scale inhibitors, biocides) to control scaling, corrosion, and microbial growth. Coordinate system upgrades and resolve work orders, partnering with stakeholders to prioritize needs and restore/maintain service. Reduce operational risk by supporting corrosion prevention, managing Legionella exposure risk, and sustaining energy-efficient operation of complex chilled and hot water systems. Monitor performance targets and KPIs such as cycles of concentration and kW/ton to reduce water consumption and energy waste. Support the Steam Plant chemical team by recommending treatment options, providing training, and overseeing remote chemical feed stations across campus. Ensure utility systems meet applicable OSHA, EPA, and ASHRAE standards, with focused oversight of Legionella prevention protocols and refrigerant handling requirements (EPA Section 608). Maintain a strong compliance and safety posture by monitoring adherence to established standards and coordinating closely with Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) to address risks, documentation, and corrective actions. Plan, estimate, and schedule future utility projects in collaboration with the management team and the Office of Capital Projects, aligning scope, budget, and timelines. Review design drawings and project documents to confirm designs meet established campus standards and operational requirements. Coordinate with utility superintendents to complete technical reviews, resolve constructability/operations concerns, and implement required design changes. Manage utility projects end-to-end, including scheduling, procurement, budget oversight, and direction of project design and execution. Serve as the technical lead during system failures, performing Root Cause Analysis (RCA), directing troubleshooting efforts, and coordinating emergency repairs to restore service safely and quickly.
Required Qualifications Education :
Bachelor's degree in chemical, Chemical Engineering or related degree
Experience:
A minimum of 2 years' experience in chemical treatment or related fields. Technical background and work experience that provides a comprehensive understanding of utility maintenance work and water treatment best practices.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education:
Master's Degree EPA 608
Universal Refrigerant License Experience:
5 years' experience in chemical treatment or related fields. Strong technical background and work experience that provides a comprehensive understanding of utility or HVAC work, industry best practices, and chemical treatment.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Manage, organizing and coordinating skills. Ability to obtain EPA 608 universal Refrigerant License Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community. Knowledge of building automation systems and water treatment processes. Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and codes applicable to chemical treatment. Knowledge and understanding of utilities operations and standards as applied to a large-scale public facility. Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. Skill in the use of a computerized chemical management system.
Other Conditions:
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. Work Location University of Tennessee
- Knoxville, TN Campus This is an on-site position Compensation and Benefits UT market range: MR 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. 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!
