Advanced Utilities Plant Operator - Dayshift

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

Job summary

North Carolina State University is seeking an Advanced Utilities Plant Operator for the dayshift at the Raleigh campus. You will operate and monitor complex utility systems providing electricity, heating, and cooling to classrooms, labs, residence halls, and facilities across campus.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of related experience, with additional priority given to candidates with cogeneration, steam, and chilled water production experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with minimum 1 year related experience required.
• Experience with combustion gas turbines/cogeneration is preferred.
• Experience in steam production and chilled water production is required.
• Valid driver’s license and NC license within 60 days of hire are required.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain steam boilers, chillers, cogeneration equipment, and auxiliary systems.
• Ensure safe and efficient operation of steam, hot water, and chilled water systems.
• Perform real-time monitoring and adjust operations to meet emissions, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Inspect and maintain plant equipment including fuel gas compressors, pumps, filters, and cooling towers.
• Support operation of the Cates Cogeneration Facility for campus electricity and steam.

Skills

Cogeneration experience

Steam production

Chilled water production

Central plant operations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Combustion gas turbines

Gas/oil fired boilers

Chillers and distribution systems

Job description

Job Posting Information

Posting Number: PG195080SP

Working Title: Advanced Utilities Plant Operator - Dayshift

Anticipated Hiring Range: $55,000 - $60,000

Work Schedule: 12 hr. shift, 3-4 days a week, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM - May vary dependent upon needs of the organization

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: Utilities & Engineering Services

About the Department

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. 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.

What we offer:

• 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
• And so much more!

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 realtime 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).

• 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.

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

Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?: No

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date: 07/06/2026

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.): 11/10/2026

Position Details

Position Number: 00109155

Position Type: SHRA

Position Classification Band Title: Utilities Plant Operator

Position Classification Band Level: Advanced

Position Classification Salary Range: $ 38,064 - $ 82,128

Salary Grade Equivalency: NC10

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

Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable): (empty)

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