Chilled Water Systems Operator

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 63,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an Energy Utilities Specialist - Advanced to operate and optimize the District Cooling System (DCS) and associated chillers across campus. The role emphasizes safe, reliable central cooling for critical facilities, with on-site duties and on-call rotation in a demanding environment.

The position offers a sign-on bonus and requires a high school diploma with two years of related experience; an Associate's Degree in district energy technology

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience; certifications may be required.
• Associate's Degree in district energy technology and process control is preferred.
• Proficient knowledge in chilled water systems and district energy controls.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the District Cooling System (DCS) and chilled water plants to ensure reliable campus cooling.
• Optimize system performance, energy efficiency, and reliability through troubleshooting and adjustments.
• Coordinate with Chilled Water personnel and other university departments to maintain service continuity.
• Assist with water treatment programs and building-level chilled water controls; provide technical leadership as needed.
• Participate in on-call rotations and adhere to on-site requirements.

Skills

SCADA Systems

Chilled Water Systems

District energy controls

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's Degree in district energy technology and process control

Job description

Posting Information

Department: ES CW-227310

Career Area: Facilities and Skilled Trades

Is this an internal only recruitment?: No

Posting Open Date: 11/03/2026

Application Deadline: 11/17/2026

Position Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title: Energy Utilities Specialist - Advanced

Salary Grade Equivalent: NC13 / GN12

Working Title: Chilled Water Systems Operator

Position Number: 20078771

Vacancy ID: P021530

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

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.

Work Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $62579 - $85230

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.

Position Summary Information

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 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.

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

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.