Control Room Operator

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an Energy Utilities Specialist - Advanced to operate the cogeneration plant and support campus steam and electrical demands. This full-time role requires strict adherence to safety procedures and a 24/7 rotating 12-hour shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred candidates have DCS or CEMS training or boiler/industrial plant operating experience; familiarity with Maximo and PC software is a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: high school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Preferred: DCS, CEMS training or boiler/industrial plant operating experience, working knowledge of personal computers and associated software, experience with a work management system (Maximo).

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor all equipment and systems to meet campus steam and electrical demand.
• Communicate with maintenance personnel to correct malfunctions and ensure continuous service.
• Maintain reports and data for EPA and other regulatory agencies; assist in training junior operators.
• Enforce safety and operating procedures; issue lockout/tagout clearances and conduct pre-job briefings.

Skills

DCS training

CEMS training

Boiler operating experience

Maximo

Work management system

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certification(s)

Tools

Maximo

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: ES CG-227110
• Career Area: Facilities and Skilled Trades
• Is this an internal only recruitment?: No
• 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: 40
• 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 APPPLICANT 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326762

Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail] Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

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.