Chilled Water Systems Operator

UNC-Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC-Chapel Hill seeks a Chilled Water Systems Operator to oversee and optimize the District Cooling System (DCS) across campus, including chillers, distribution, and SCADA. The role ensures safe, reliable cooling for critical facilities and requires strong trouble-shooting capabilities.

The position includes coordination with Energy Services and campus departments, water treatment support, and building-level control adjustments. On-site work and on-call rotation are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 2 years of related experience and required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Operate and optimize the District Cooling System (DCS) including chilled water plants and distribution.
• Monitor plant performance and perform troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Coordinate with Chilled Water personnel and Energy Services to maintain service continuity.
• Assist with water treatment programs and building-level control systems.
• Provide leadership as needed for assigned work or projects.

Skills

SCADA Systems

Education

Associate’s Degree

High school diploma

Job description

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department

Department ES CW-227310

Career Area Facilities and Skilled Trades

Is this an internal only recruitment?

Is this an internal only recruitment? No

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 11/03/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 11/17/2026

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Position Title Energy Utilities Specialist - Advanced

Salary Grade Equivalent

Salary Grade Equivalent NC13 / GN12

Working Title

Working Title Chilled Water Systems Operator

Position Number

Position Number 20078771

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID P021530

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

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

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment

Hours per week 40

Work Schedule

Primarily Monday – Friday 6:30am to 3:00pm.
This position is ADVERSE WEATHER , EMERGENCY EVENT and COMMUNICABLE DISEASE MANDATORY ON- SITE PRIMARY . (This means the employee in this position is expected to report to or remain at work during adverse weather and emergency events and, if deemed necessary, to work a differing schedule or shift than normally assigned).
Participation in On-Call rotation.

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

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 purpose of Chilled Water Systems ( CWS ) is to produce and distribute chilled water for approximately 155 buildings located at the main campus and two (2) satellite campuses in a cost effective, efficient and reliable manner. Chilled water is produced in two ways. One is by an extensive chilled water generating system – the single, virtual chilled water plant, comprised of four (4) networked chiller plants that are operated as a single virtual system and the second is by stand-alone chillers that are building specific. Additionally, Chilled Water Systems provides electric and steam load balance for Cogeneration Systems. CWS is part of UNC Energy Services.

Position Summary

A SIGN -ON BONUS OF $6,953 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE : $3,476.50 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $3,476.50 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE .

This position provides advanced technical operation, monitoring, and optimization of the District Cooling System ( DCS ) for UNC , including chilled water plants, associated distribution systems, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition ( SCADA ) systems. Ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of central chilled water systems to maintain adequate cooling for critical campus facilities and building loads. Monitors and evaluates plant and distribution system performance; identifies equipment, instrumentation, controls, and system malfunctions; performs troubleshooting and root-cause analysis; and makes precise operational and control adjustments to optimize system performance, energy efficiency, and reliability. Coordinates with Chilled Water personnel, Energy Services, and other University departments to maintain continuity of service and support campus energy conservation objectives. Administers and assists with water treatment programs and supports the operation and adjustment of building-level chilled water control systems, including CWS water bridge controls, recognizing that control changes may significantly affect system performance and campus operations. May provide technical leadership and serve as a lead technician or crew leader for assigned work, projects, and operational activities.

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

• Associate’s Degree in district energy technology and process control or related fields.
• Proficient knowledge in chilled water systems and/or district energy controls.
• Highly skilled in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition ( SCADA ) Systems.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

The position operates in a wide range of environmental conditions, including air-conditioned and heated spaces, as well as dusty, hot, humid, cold, and high-noise environments. Work may be performed under these conditions for varying periods of time based on operational requirements. The position may require entry into confined spaces and hazardous environments while using appropriate personal protective equipment and following established safety procedures.

Physical requirements include climbing ladders and stairs; lifting and moving materials or equipment weighing 50 pounds or more; wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus; performing work with hands above the head for extended periods; and kneeling for extended periods.

High degree of mental concentration, attention to detail, technical judgment, and accuracy is required to safely and reliably operate plant systems and equipment. Responsibilities include monitoring and operating systems through the District Cooling System and locally, conducting equipment rounds and inspections, identifying abnormal operating conditions, and accurately placing systems and equipment in and out of service. The position must understand the interrelationships and operating characteristics of complex plant systems and equipment to maintain safe, reliable, and uninterrupted service to the University campus and UNC Hospitals.

Emergency Duty, Adverse Weather, Communicable Disease, and On-Call Requirements

This position is designated as an Emergency Duty/Adverse Weather position and a Communicable Disease Mandatory On-site Primary Employee ( CDME ). The position is required to report to or remain at work during adverse weather events, communicable disease events, and other University emergencies when directed. The position is also required to participate in an established on-call rotation and respond to operational issues, alarms, equipment failures, and other system conditions outside of normal working hours as required.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Night work occasionally, On-call, Overtime occasionally, Valid NC Driver’s License, 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 but not limited to 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.

Required Documents

• List of References

Optional Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• Certification/licenses

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have an EPA refrigerant certification?
  • Yes
  • No
• * How many years' experience working with centrifugal chillers?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Can you accurately read wiring schematics and use a multi test meter?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) experience?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you currently have a valid North Carolina Driver’s License or the ability to obtain a valid North Carolina Driver’s License by your potential start date?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Energy Utilities Specialist position.
  • High school diploma or equivalency and 2 years of related experience.
  • Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's or PhD and 2 years of related experience.
  • Did not complete high school but have a combination of education and related experience to equal 6 years.
  • None of the above