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Department: 445050 - Utilities and Engineering
Location: Raleigh, NC
Essential Job Duties:
Are you an experienced Utility Plant Operator looking for a meaningful career where your work has a direct impact every day?
Join our team and play a critical role in powering one of the nation's leading research universities. As a Utility Plant Operator, you will operate, monitor, and maintain complex utility systems that provide reliable electricity, heating, and cooling to classrooms, laboratories, residence halls, athletic facilities, and research spaces across campus.
In this role, you will work with advanced equipment and systems, including the state-of-the-art Cates Cogeneration Facility and large-scale chilled water production and distribution systems. Your expertise will help ensure the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of the infrastructure that supports thousands of students, faculty, staff, and researchers.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who enjoy hands-on technical work, problem-solving, and operating sophisticated mechanical and electrical systems in a dynamic environment. If you are looking for a stable career with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to a mission-driven organization, we encourage you to apply today and become part of the team that keeps our campus running.
Working Hours: 12 hr. shift, 3-4 days a week, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Key responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:
- Control, monitor, and operate steam boilers, chillers, cogeneration equipment, and auxiliary systems to provide continuous utility services.
- Maintain safe and efficient operation of steam, hot water, and chilled water production systems.
- Perform real-time monitoring of plant systems, make operational adjustments, and ensure compliance with emissions, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Inspect, operate, and perform routine maintenance on plant equipment, including fuel gas compressors, pumps, air filters, cooling towers, and related systems.
- Support the operation of the Cates Cogeneration Facility to produce electricity and steam for campus use.
- Identify and respond to equipment or system issues, escalating concerns to the shift supervisor as appropriate.
- Lift and transport materials weighing up to 60 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations and perform a wide range of physically demanding tasks in varied outdoor environments, ensuring safe handling practices and maintaining productivity in varying weather and terrain conditions.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and the general public, and follow verbal and written instructions related to work assignments and operational needs.
Other Work/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).
Required Qualifications:
- Must be able to communicate effectively verbally with supervisors and the general public and understand verbal and written instructions and other communications regarding work assignments and other matters.
- Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with combustion gas turbines/cogeneration.
- Experience in steam production (natural gas/fuel oil fire tube and water tube boilers up to 100kpph).
- Experience in chilled water production (electric driven/turbine driven up to 2000 tons).
- Experience in a central plant environment.
Required license or certification:
- Valid driver's license required.
- North Carolina Drivers' License required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.
Position Number: 00109155
AA/EEO Statement:
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.