The Trades and Engineering job family group is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the University’s physical infrastructure. These roles focus on construction, maintenance, and the operation of complex engineering systems—ensuring that facilities remain safe, functional, and aligned with the evolving needs of the University community.
Learn About Career Advising Through Career Navigation How to Discover Your Job Profile Visit UVA Careers SitesA Job Family is a specialty area within a broader field of work. It groups together roles that require similar skill sets, knowledge, and abilities. While a Job Family Group covers a wide professional category—like Trades and Engineering—a Job Family narrows it down to a specific focus, such as Architecture or Carpentry. This structure helps clarify the types of work being done and supports clearer career development pathways.
These roles are responsible for designing and planning buildings and structures to meet the university's functional, aesthetic, and safety requirements. Architects collaborate on projects from conceptual design through construction, ensuring that new and renovated facilities align with the institution's vision and standards. Includes some historic and monument preservation oversight for historic buildings on grounds.
These roles are responsible for meeting building, maintenance, and infrastructure needs by performing skilled and/or trade-related tasks that may not require specific licensure. Staff may support construction and renovation projects, address installation and repair issues, and/or provide routine preventative maintenance in one or more trades, contributing to the functionality and overall condition of the university environment.
These roles are responsible for constructing, erecting, installing, and repairing structures of wood, plywood, wall boards, sheet metal, and other building materials. Carpenters are responsible for performing work on renovation, construction, and maintenance of buildings and other properties.
These roles are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and equipment across grounds. Electricians ensure that electrical infrastructure is safe, functional, and compliant with codes and regulations, supporting the university’s operational needs.
These roles are responsible for managing and maintaining electronic systems and devices, including communications equipment, security systems, and other specialized technology. Electronics staff ensure that these systems function effectively and support the university’s technological infrastructure.
These roles are responsible for the installation, inspection, maintenance, repair, and modernization of elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other vertical transportation systems in buildings and facilities. These positions ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of lifting equipment in compliance with safety regulations, manufacturer guidelines, and industry standards.
These roles are responsible for applying engineering principles to design, develop, and maintain systems and infrastructure at the university. Engineers work on a variety of projects, including facility improvements, structural assessments, and system optimizations to support the institution’s operational and academic goals.
These roles are responsible for installing, inspecting, and maintaining fire protection systems, including alarms, sprinklers, and emergency systems. Fire systems staff ensure that these systems are functional and compliant with safety regulations, protecting the university community and property.
These roles are responsible for managing and analyzing geospatial data to support planning and decision-making. Geospatial services staff utilize geographic information systems (GIS) and other technologies to map, analyze, and visualize spatial information related to grounds development and operations.
These roles are responsible for operating and maintaining the university’s heating plant, which provides heating and hot water to UVA buildings. Heat plant staff ensure that heating systems are efficient, reliable, and capable of meeting the campus’s thermal needs.
These roles are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. HVAC staff ensure that climate control systems operate efficiently, providing a comfortable environment for students, faculty, and staff while optimizing energy use.
These roles are responsible for the construction, repair, and maintenance of structures and surfaces using materials like brick, stone, concrete, plaster, and other related substances. These professionals play a key role in building and preserving the physical integrity and aesthetic appearance of buildings and other infrastructure.
These roles are responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of construction projects on grounds. Staff manage project development, coordinate with contractors, ensure adherence to plans and budgets, and supervise construction activities to meet the university’s growth and renovation goals.
These roles are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems, including pipes, fixtures, and drainage systems. Plumbers ensure that water and waste systems function properly, addressing issues and performing upgrades as needed to support the university’s facilities.
These roles are responsible for implementing and promoting sustainable practices within the university’s operations. Sustainability staff work on projects and initiatives related to energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship, helping the institution achieve its sustainability goals.
These roles are responsible for managing and monitoring control systems that regulate various operations, such as building automation, energy management, and security systems. System control staff ensure that these systems operate effectively, optimizing performance and supporting the university’s operational needs.
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