Control Room Operator

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill (NC)

On-site

USD 35,000 - 81,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an experienced Control Room Operator for Cogeneration Systems. The role supports the generation of steam and electricity for campus operations, with a 24/7 12-hour shift schedule that includes nights, weekends and holidays.

The position requires high school completion, two years of related experience, and relevant certifications. It offers a sign-on bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, with opportunities to train and advance within

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalency is required.
Two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Certification(s) required for the role.

Responsibilities

Operate and monitor all equipment and systems to meet steam and electrical demand.
Communicate with maintenance and operations staff to address malfunctions and ensure continuous service.
Run nightly reports and maintain accurate spreadsheets for EPA, DAQ, DOE, and other agencies.
Assist Shift Supervisor with training of junior operators and potentially assume Shift Supervisor duties if qualified.
Enforce safety procedures, perform lockout/tagout clearances, and ensure proper PPE usage.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certification(s) required

Job description

Department:

ES CG-227110

Career Area:

Facilities and Skilled Trades

Is this an internal only recruitment?:

Posting Open Date :

10/09/2026

Application Deadline:

10/19/2026

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title:

Energy Utilities Specialist - Advanced

Salary Grade Equivalent:

NC13 / GN12

Working Title:

Control Room Operator

Position Number:

00035015

Vacancy ID:

P021451

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

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week:

Work Schedule:

THIS POSITION IS REQUIRED 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. EXAMPLES INCLUDE: VACATION, SICK LEAVE, ETO, STAFFING SHORTAGES/CHALLENGES, ETC.

Work Location:

CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

$35,100 - $80,744

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 $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 & $3,476.50 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.

The position is responsible for the safe and reliable operation of all equipment and systems to meet the steam and electrical demand of the campus. It works independently or with minimal direction from the Shift Supervisor. This requires high-level plant operating skills with detailed plant and systems knowledge.

This position communicates with the appropriate personnel to ensure that all malfunctions are corrected to maintain continuous steam and electric service to the customers. Communications with the operators and maintenance personnel must be clear and concise. Position is the first responder to off business hours neighbor telephone queries that must be handled in courteous and professional manner. Position runs nightly reports and updates the appropriate spreadsheet reports accurately and timely. The data in the reports is used for reports submitted to EPA, NC Department of Air Quality (DAQ), Department of Energy (DOE), NC Department of Water Quality (DWQ) and engineering studies. Be aware of the requirements of the One Plan that details the Facility Response Plan (FRP), Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC), the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3), and the UNC Emergency Plan/DEHS Emergency Response Plan (UNCEP).

Position is required to remain current on all operating procedures, plant configuration changes and provide recommendations for improvements and revisions if needed. The position is to assist Shift Supervisor in the training of junior level operators. The position will be trained in Shift Supervisor responsibilities and may be required stand in for Shift Supervisor if needed and qualified to do so.

Use and enforce all safety and operating procedures at all facilities. Position will be the primary to issues all lockout/tagout clearances for maintenance. As part of the clearance, perform pre-job briefings at the beginning of the shift and when the job assignment has significantly changed. Always use PPE as designated for task and the work site. Also, includes housekeeping and maintaining a neat clean working environment.

This position assists in facility security during non-business hours and weekends 24/7.

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:

Preferred candidate will have DCS, CEMS training or boiler/industrial plant operating experience, working knowledge of personal computers and associate software applications and experience with a work management system (example – Maximo).

Special Physical/Mental Requirements :

This position is an Adverse Weather and Emergency Event Position. The employee in this position is designated as a Mandatory Employee. As such, it is expected to report to work or remain on the job, and if deemed necessary by their supervisor, to work a differing schedule or shift than normally assigned.

This position is considered Communicable Disease Mandatory On-site Primary. As such, the position performs functions that are essential to the continuation of core University operations, including utilities, during a potential health emergency.

The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat to dusty, hot, humid, and cold conditions. This position is required to work in all conditions for various lengths of time depending on the operational requirements. This position is required to enter confined spaces and/or hazardous environments with the appropriate PPE in accordance with established procedures. Examples: climb ladders/stairs, ability to move 50+ pounds, ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), etc.

This position is required to participate in the UNC-CH Respiratory Protection Program and is required to pass a Respirator Fit Test annually.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements:

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

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.

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