Job Description

The Maintenance Position will:

• Provide a safe, clean and attractive environment
• Provide a variety of general repairs and maintenance of buildings and equipment within the position holder’s knowledge and abilities
• Utilize hand and power tools
• Perform a variety of plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, electrical and other semi-skilled trades work
• Maintain landscape/grounds
• Perform custodial/janitorial duties
• Set-up for a variety of events and assist with all aspects of user group events including dining operations
• Work a varied schedule including evenings, weekends and some holidays; paid biweekly with hourly pay
• Assist with other tasks as determined by the Center Director to insure the smooth and efficient operation of the 4-H Center
• Facilities Maintenance includes painting/staining buildings and woodwork; pressure washing
• Pool Maintenance includes general deck and pool cleaning including vacuuming, brushing
• Perform minor plumbing, HVAC, carpentry and electrical tasks
• Assist with planning and implementing landscape projects
• Maintain grounds—mow, weed eat, rake, mulch, trim trees and shrubs, pick up limbs and leaves
• Operate various landscape equipment/tools: lawnmower, tractor, UTVs, leaf blowers, weed eater, hedge trimmers, chainsaw, shovel/rake
• Event set-up and take down including tables, chairs and other skills/tasks as deemed necessary for event
• Custodial work includes sweeping, mopping, cleaning of bathrooms, cabins, dining and rec hall facilities, stripping and waxing floors
• Assist with all aspects of dining operations for events/camps
• Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Work in confined spaces (crawl spaces) and heights—occasional
• Ability to lift 10-25 pounds frequently
• All tasks/duties assigned/performed will be conducted under the guidance and supervision Center Director and maintenance supervisor

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
• High school diploma or GED is required
• Experience:
• One year of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience in the following: landscape/grounds keeping, operation of basic hand tools and light equipment, reading and comprehending maintenance manuals; customer service experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Knowledge of safe working practices; ability to read and comprehend general maintenance manuals; ability to follow instruction; have good math skills; general computer skills; ability to use basic hand tools; ability to use light equipment; ability to perform heaving lifting and physical labor; ability to wear protective gear; knowledge of grounds maintenance and landscaping; good math skills; good communication skills; customer service skills; ability to be a team player.
• Must be available to work a varied schedule—evenings, weekends, some holidays

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:

• Experience:
• Two years general plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, or electrical experience; one year landscape/grounds maintenance; six months swimming pool maintenance, general facilities maintenance, janitorial, and housekeeping; six months in customer service.
• First aid/CPR certification
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Have a good working knowledge of plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and electrical skills; ability to operate light equipment; ability to perform maintenance and repair of light equipment; ability to do small engine maintenance and repair; have a good knowledge of landscaping techniques; ability to implement landscaping designs; operate various landscaping equipment/tools; knowledge of swimming pool maintenance and chemicals; ability to take initiative; ability to follow instruction; customer service skills.

Work Location:

• Location: William P. Ridley 4-H Center Columbia, Tennessee
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR05
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with attachments noted below. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before September 30, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division:

The William P. Ridley 4-H Center is a part of the youth development program for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s Extension program. The Center is accredited by the American Camp Association and provides educational programs for youth of all ages, with a focus on 4-H summer camp and STEM programs during the school year. The facilities are rented by business and industry, churches and civic organizations, youth organizations, and family reunions/gatherings. The William P. Ridley 4-H Center strives to provide a safe, clean, and attractive environment for all user groups.

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!