Advanced Utilities Plant Operator - Dayshift

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

NC State University Facilities Division is seeking an experienced Utility Plant Operator to operate, monitor, and maintain campus utility systems, including the Cates Cogeneration Facility and large-scale chilled water networks. You will ensure reliable electricity, heating, and cooling for classrooms, laboratories, residence halls, athletic facilities, and research spaces across campus.

This 12-hour shift, 3–4 days a week role requires hands-on technical work, problem-solving, and teamwork in a

Qualifications

• Experience operating and maintaining campus utility systems.
• Preferred experience with cogeneration and large-scale boilers.
• Background in central plant environments a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor boilers, chillers, cogeneration equipment to provide continuous campus utilities.
• Maintain safe operation of steam, hot water, and chilled water systems.
• Perform real-time monitoring, adjustments, and ensure emissions and safety compliance.
• Inspect equipment (pumps, filters, cooling towers) and perform routine maintenance.

Skills

Cogeneration systems

Steam production

Chilled water production

Central plant experience

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Job description

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.

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. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• 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

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

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 Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

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).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with combustion gas turbines/cogeneration.
• Experience in steam production (natural gas/fuel oil fire tube and water tube boilers up to 100 kpph).
• Experience in chilled water production (electric‑driven/turbine‑driven up to 2000 tons).
• Experience in a central plant environment.

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license required.
• North Carolina Driver’s License required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

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.
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.