Auxiliary Operator

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an Auxiliary Operator for Cogeneration Systems to support the safe operation of steam and electric generating facilities on campus. The role involves covering a 24/7/365 12-hour shift schedule including nights, weekends and holidays, with mandatory readiness for adverse weather or emergencies.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent plus two years of related experience or applicable certifications; a sign-on bonus may be

Qualifications

• Safety awareness and compliance with plant safety procedures.
• Ability to work in a team to support operations and shift coverage.
• Willingness to work a 12-hour shift schedule, including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Assistant Control Room Operator (ACRO), Control Room Operator (CRO) and Shift Supervisor (SS) in safe and reliable operation of cogeneration plant systems.
• Support entry-level operations tasks and respond to routine operational needs.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Willingness to work 12-hour shifts

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two years related experience

Certification(s)

Job description

Department

ES CG-227110

Career Area

Facilities and Skilled Trades

Is this an internal only recruitment?

No

Posting Open Date

10/12/2026

Application Deadline

10/21/2026

Position Type

Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Energy Utilities Specialist - Contributing

Salary Grade Equivalent

NC12 / GN07

Working Title

Auxiliary Operator

Position Number

00022273

Vacancy ID

P021448

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week

40

Work Schedule

This position is requested to work a 24/7-365 days/year rotational 12 hour shift schedule. This includes nights, weekends and holidays. It is expected to cover absences both planned and unplanned when necessary.
This position is Adverse Weather, Emergency Event and Communicable Disease On-site Mandatory. Therefore must work during periods of inclement weather, university emergency and/or public health emergency and may have to work a differing schedule or shift than normally assigned.

Work Location

CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range

$35100 - $56538

Pay Band Information

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Notice to Applicants

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The primary purpose of Cogeneration Systems is the generation of steam to the various buildings on the University campus and to the UNC Hospitals. Steam is critical to the operations of the University and UNC Hospitals. It is used for heating, cooling, domestic hot water, sterilization of surgical instrument, distilled water production, food preparation and dish washing. Cogeneration Systems also generates electricity as a byproduct of the steam generation. It can presently supply about 30 percent of the peak campus electrical load. Cogeneration Systems is part of UNC Energy Services.

Position Summary

A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $5,139 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $2,569.50 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $2,569.50 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.
Primary purpose of this position is to provide entry-level support to the Cogeneration Systems Operations workgroup. The position will assist the Assistant Control Room Operator (ACRO), Control Room Operator (CRO) and the Shift Supervisor (SS) in the safe and reliable operation of all plant systems and equipment related to the production of steam and electric generating facilities (Cogeneration Systems and Manning-Drive Steam Plant).

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency and two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).

Management Preferences

Directly related coal fired steam plant operations experience preferably at a Cogeneration Facility or other power plant/utilities experience is preferred

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

PHYSICAL EFFORTS Position requires climbing ladder/stairs, ability to move 50+ pounds, ability to wear self-contained breathing apparatus Working with hands above head for extended periods of time Working on knees for extended periods of time WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS: The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat to dusty, hot and humid and cold conditions. This position will be required to work in all conditions for various lengths of time depending on the operational requirements. This position will be required to enter confined spaces or hazardous environments with the appropriate PPE in accordance with established procedures

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Evening work, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Night work, Overtime, Respirator, general use, Shift work, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work, Weekend work occasionally

Special Instructions

**ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS
The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:
To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.
A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).
This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy