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Utility Plant Operator

Job Description

Posting Number

PG194695SP

Internal Recruitment

No

Working Title

Utility Plant Operator

Anticipated Hiring Range

$41,000 - $42,895

Work Schedule

12 hr shift, 3-4 days a week, 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Job Location

Raleigh, NC

Department

Utilities & Engineering Services

About the Department

The NC State University Facilities Division is home to nearly 900 professionals who plan, build, and maintain the spaces that foster an environment where innovation, learning, and community thrive. Through this work, we help create spaces that empower students, faculty, and staff to reach their full potential. Operating year-round, we manage more than 16.7 million gross square feet of built space and oversee 4,733 acres of campus infrastructure through a series of core departments, each composed of multiple specialized units:

  • Design & Construction
  • Business Operations
  • Campus Operations and Maintenance
  • Campus Planning and Strategic Investment

Whether responding to a maintenance request, shaping future facilities, or creating spaces that inspire discovery, our team is grounded in excellence, service, and stewardship.

Join the pack and become part of one of the largest and most respected employers in the state, helping shape the future of our campus community. Take a look below to see what we offer!

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer:


Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

As a Central Utility Plant Shift Operator at NC State, you’re part of the team that keeps our campus running. Every day, you help provide the steam, hot water, and chilled water that power classrooms, labs, and residence halls across the University. You’ll operate and monitor boilers, chillers, pumps, and cooling towers to ensure everything runs safely, efficiently, and reliably. Along the way, you’ll perform inspections, assist with maintenance, and help keep our systems in compliance with environmental and safety standards.

This is a hands-on, active role that requires standing for extended periods and occasionally lifting or moving equipment and materials weighing up to 60 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. You’ll work with complex systems that challenge your problem-solving skills and reward your attention to detail.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Operate and monitor steam boilers and auxiliary steam/hot water equipment to ensure consistent and safe delivery of steam and hot water.
  • Operate and monitor chillers (electric and steam turbine driven), cooling towers, and auxiliary chilled water equipment to maintain chilled water supply.
  • Perform routine inspections and maintenance of plant equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
  • Assist in monitoring and adjusting equipment to maintain emissions within regulatory compliance.
  • Support water treatment processes for steam and chilled water systems.
  • Respond to alarms, troubleshoot operational issues, and escalate concerns to the Shift Supervisor as needed.
  • Maintain accurate logs and records of plant operations and maintenance activities.

If you’re dependable, communicative, and take pride in keeping critical operations running smoothly, you’ll find this role both meaningful and rewarding. Join the team that helps keep the Wolfpack’s campus energized, comfortable, and ready for what’s next.

Other Responsibilities

  • Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Minimum Experience/Education

High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Maintains required certification(s).

Other Required Qualifications

N/A

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in an industrial or central plant setting.
  • Working knowledge of steam production (natural gas/fuel oil fire tube and water tube boilers up to 100kpph)
  • Working knowledge of chilled water production (electric driven/turbine driven up to 2000 tons)
  • Current or prior CFC certification or equivalent credential preferred.

Required License or Certification

  • A valid driver’s license is required
  • North Carolina driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained

Valid NC Driver's License required

Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No

Job Open Date

09/26/2025

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)

10/02/2025

Notice to Applicants

Please make sure that the work history you list on your application is identical to the work history listed on your resume. The application must be filled out completely, do not use the phrase “see resume”.

Special Instructions

Please include a resume as an attachment. 

Position Number

00062577

Position Type

SHRA

Position Classification Band Title

Utilities Plant Operator

Position Classification Band Level

Journey

Position Classification Salary Range

$ 38,064 - $ 82,128

Salary Grade Equivalency

NC09

Alternate Option

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.00

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure

Time Limited Position

No

Department Id

445050 - Utilities and Engineering

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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