Utility Plant Operator

North Carolina State University • Raleigh, NC

68d

About The Position

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, and 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. 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Maintains required certification(s).
• A valid driver's license is required.
• North Carolina driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• Childcare benefits
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: High school or GED