FAC UTIL LIFE SAFETY TECH
Company : Covenant Health
Location : Knoxville, TN, 37922
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Overview
Facility, Utility Life Safety Tech, Plant Engineering
Full-Time, 80 Hours per pay period, Day Shift
Covenant Health Overview:
Covenant Health is East Tennessee’s top-performing healthcare network with 10 hospitals and over 85 outpatient and specialty services, and Covenant Medical Group, our area’s fastest-growing physician practice division. Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned, not-for-profit healthcare system and the area’s largest employer with over 11,000 employees.
Covenant Health is the only healthcare system in East Tennessee to be named six times by Forbes as a Best Employer.
Position Summary:
The Facility, Utility and Life Safety Tech is responsible for the daily plant operations of multiple facilities with a focus on Emergency Power and Life Safety Systems. The position requires a high level of competency related to the safety and operations at the Proton Center and Fort Hill Campus.
Suzie McGuinn - apply@covhlth.com
Responsibilities
- Maintains the emergency power system and is responsible for the testing, inspection and maintenance of system components in coordination with on-site clinical and technical personnel. These systems include: emergency generators, ATS, UPS, PDU, SEP and PDUs.
- Monitors and maintains emergency fuel supplies related to the emergency power system.
- Maintains up-to-date mechanical mapping documents and field labels of all electrical, water, gas and medical gas systems.
- Maintains the life safety systems and is responsible for the testing, inspection and maintenance of system components in coordination with on-site clinical and technical personnel. These systems include: fire suppression (sprinkler, hood, FDC and portable extinguisher), fire alarm (enunciating devices, detection devices and control panels), as well as building features (rated walls, rated doors and fire stop applications).
- Responsible for the testing, inspection and maintenance of all emergency back-up lighting systems and exit signs.
- Responsible for all building HVAC systems, scheduled preventative maintenance, repair, replacement, testing and balance.
- Oversees the Water Management Plan.
- Performs the daily responsibilities related to routine building maintenance, i.e. Work Orders and Service Requests.
- Implements and participates in the Preventative Maintenance Program.
- Participates in routine operational and capital budget planning and is responsible for the management of those budgets.
- Assists in the planning and implementation of all construction / renovation projects.
- Oversees exterior building and campus maintenance programs: Waste Management, Landscape Maintenance, Lighting and Parking.
- Conducts regular environmental rounds to identify any facility deficiencies and develops Corrective Action Plans related to those findings.
- Maintains an on-call program providing technician response support 24/7 – 365 days per year.
- Participates in all engineering leadership meetings and events.
- Serves as the Facility Safety Officer as required.
- Maintains highly organized and timely documentation of all building and equipment testing, inspection maintenance and repair activities.
- Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Education:
Associate’s Degree preferred. Experience considered in lieu of degree.
Minimum Experience:
5 years plant operations with experience and background in emergency power systems. Working knowledge of life safety systems and related NFPA Code and Regulations. Experienced and proficient in Outlook, Word and Excel.
Licensure Requirement:
Employee must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license and state mandated insurance. Driving record must meet Covenant Health Minimum Standards at the date of hire and throughout employment.
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Frequently asked questions
Knoxville’s healthcare sector shows steady demand for skilled Fac Util Life Safety Tech professionals, especially within large systems like Covenant Health. Competition exists but is balanced by ongoing infrastructure upgrades and safety compliance needs, making it a promising area for technicians with emergency power and life safety expertise.
Having a valid Tennessee driver’s license is mandatory for this role, while certifications such as NFPA Life Safety or emergency power system qualifications can significantly boost your profile. Local healthcare facilities value technicians familiar with regional safety codes and practical hands-on experience.
Candidates should emphasize hands-on experience with emergency generators, fire suppression systems, and HVAC maintenance. Proficiency in NFPA codes and the ability to document detailed maintenance activities showcase readiness to manage critical life safety components effectively.
With experience, technicians often advance to supervisory roles in plant engineering or specialize in life safety compliance and systems engineering. Opportunities also exist in healthcare facility management or emergency preparedness coordination, leveraging their technical and safety expertise.
At Covenant Health, Fac Util Life Safety Techs are pivotal in maintaining life safety and emergency power systems, ensuring uninterrupted patient care. The role collaborates closely with clinical and technical teams, reflecting the company’s commitment to top-tier facility safety and operational excellence.
Covenant Health emphasizes not only technical skills but also community impact, given its status as East Tennessee’s largest employer and a repeatedly recognized best workplace. This environment fosters professional growth while upholding stringent safety standards in a healthcare setting.
Fac Util Life Safety Techs in Knoxville typically earn between $45,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. Covenant Health’s competitive compensation aligns with local healthcare industry benchmarks, including comprehensive benefits for full-time employees.
Daily attention to emergency generators, fire alarms, and HVAC systems ensures patient and staff safety, minimizing downtime during power outages or emergencies. This preventive focus reduces risks and supports continuous healthcare delivery in critical environments.
Mastering emergency power system diagnostics, fire suppression technology, and compliance with NFPA codes are crucial. Additionally, developing proficiency in preventive maintenance scheduling and technical documentation enhances reliability and career prospects.
Covenant Health offers a stable work environment backed by its nonprofit status and extensive healthcare network. The organization’s emphasis on safety, continuous education, and competitive pay creates an appealing setting for those dedicated to facility and life safety.