Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) Engineering Technician

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 63,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional training opportunities

Exclusive campus discounts

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) Engineering Technician to support design, construction monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of campus electrical infrastructure in Chapel Hill, NC.

The role requires familiarity with GIS, IBM Maximo, EDS switching procedures, and the ability to work with contractors on various projects while adhering to safety requirements in an industrial environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required with two years related experience or equivalent
• Certification(s) required
• Experience in design, operation, and/or control of electrical distribution systems preferred

Responsibilities

• Design, review, and manage maintenance, repair, renovation, and new construction projects for campus electrical distribution
• Produce work orders and sketches using GIS and IBM Maximo; coordinate with contractors/designers
• Familiarity with EDS switching procedures and the campus electrical system model
• Work in an industrial environment with variable conditions and safety requirements

Skills

Electrical distribution systems

Project design & inspection

Contract coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Two years related experience or equivalent

Tools

GIS

IBM Maximo

SCADA

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: ES EDS-227210
• Career Area: Engineering and Architecture
• Is this an internal only recruitment?: No
• Posting Open Date: 09/15/2026
• Application Deadline: 09/24/2026
• Position Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)
• Position Title: Energy Utilities Specialist - Advanced
• Salary Grade Equivalent: NC13 / GN12
• Working Title: Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) Engineering Technician
• Position Number: 00055723
• Vacancy ID: P021381
• Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited: Full-Time Permanent
• Hours per week: 40
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7am-4pm; Emergency Duty, Adverse Weather Essential and Communicable Disease Mandatory Position – must report to work during adverse weather (snow, ice, tornado, hurricane, etc.), University declared emergency event and/or pandemic or other health emergency.
• Work Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range: $62580 - $69533
• 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

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 Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) is the distribution of electricity to the various buildings on the University campus and to the UNC Hospitals. This is accomplished through a complex system of 12kV underground circuits in duct banks run all over campus, which is controlled and protected by a modern relay and control system. EDS is part of Energy Services.

Position Summary Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) receives electric energy from both the local utility provider, Duke Energy, and the UNC‑CH Cogeneration Facility. The electricity from both sources is delivered to four (4) substations, three (3) of which have been recently expanded and upgraded. The substations have a total power capacity of 251 megawatts or approximately enough power for 26,000 homes. Three substations are connected using an entirely new technology in high voltage switchgear, Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS). This is the first of its type on the Duke Energy system. This special state‑of‑the‑art switchgear technology provides the means to completely enclose the necessary high voltage conductors and switchgear inside housings that are insulated with a special gas, sulfur hexafluoride. These upgrades provide significant improvement in system reliability and some redundancy in the event of any system problem or failure, while allowing for continued growth and expansion of the University electric energy delivery system.

The University owns and operates an electrical distribution system extending from the substations to each of the individual buildings served. This system is comprised of 988 electric and telecommunication manholes tied together through 43 miles of duct bank containing 79 miles of underground cable and 5 miles of overhead electric lines – operating at 12,470 volts. The electric energy is delivered using 59 high speed automated switches and 144 manual switches serving 418 transformers. Protective relays in substation breakers, high speed switches, and 338 power quality meters report to SCADA and metering servers over 60 miles of fiber optic cable via communications switches.

Electric Distribution Systems is also responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of all roadway, parking lot and area lighting systems, presently comprised of 3,319 lights. This position serves as the responsible Engineer Technician who serves as a paraprofessional of the Electric Distribution Systems Engineering group. This individual has the responsibility in the design, design review, construction monitoring, inspection and management of maintenance, repair, renovation, and new construction projects.

This position also needs to be familiar with the electric system model, Geographic Information System (GIS), EDS switching procedures, and working knowledge from the IBM Maximo system (work management system) to produce work orders, produce sketches and the ability to work with contractors/designers on the EDS system.

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 At least two (2) years' experience in design, operation, and/or control of electrical distribution systems within an electric utility, large industrial complex, or multi‑disciplined research and medical care campus environment like UNC‑Chapel Hill.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements This position requires bending, stooping, climbing/working from high ladders/scaffolding, working on hands and knees, working with arms/hands above head for long periods of time and working with large pieces of equipment, as well as, moving/lifting to 50 lbs. and other physical activities. The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat to dusty, hot, 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 work in an industrial environment. This position could be exposed to high voltage equipment, heights, and manholes with standing water.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable.

• Evening work occasionally
• Night work occasionally
• Overtime occasionally
• Valid NC Driver's License
• Weekend work occasionally

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325466

Contact Information

Office of Human Resources 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.