Emergency Generator Technician

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking two Facility Maint Tech – MechTrd – Journey hires to support Life Safety maintenance in Building Services. The positions cover electrical, mechanical, and generator systems across campus facilities and require hands-on troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and strong technical knowledge.

Eligible candidates may receive a SHRA sign-on bonus, with installments after hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid NC Driver's License required.
• Experience in electrical, generator, and mechanical repairs preferred.
• Ability to perform journey level work in electrical, mechanical, and related trades.

Responsibilities

• Perform journey level electrical, mechanical and vehicle/equipment repair tasks.
• Work with three-phase electrical circuits up to 4000A and 480V.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and service diesel fuel delivery systems.
• Ensure compliance with Arc Flash requirements and NFPA standards.
• Support emergency response duties and maintain a clean, organized shop environment.

Skills

Electrical knowledge

Mechanical skills

Generator systems

Power delivery

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Multi-meters

Power monitoring equipment

Soldering irons

Electrical test equipment

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

**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 .

This recruitment is for two (2) Facility Maint Tech – MechTrd – Journey positions (00037775, 00056248). By applying, you will be considered for both positions.

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department

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 08/06/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 09/15/2026

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Position Title Facility Maint Tech - MechTrd - Journey

Salary Grade Equivalent

Salary Grade Equivalent NC10 / GN08

Working Title

Position Number

Position Number 00037775, 00056248

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID P021265

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

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

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment

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

Building Services provide full maintenance and repair services for all UNC facilities and ensure the proper operation of those facilities in support of the UNC mission of teaching, research and public service. Building Services supports more than 400 campus buildings with approximately 18 million gross square feet of space. The teams that provide quality maintenance, repair and construction services that support the teaching, research and public service mission of the University include Campus Maintenance, EMCS , Facilities Operations Support, Housing Support, HVAC Systems, and Life Safety Services. The Life Safety Services section is a specialized unit within the Building Services Division of Facilities Services. This section is comprised of the Life Safety/Electronic-Specialty Shop, the Access Control/Key Shop, and the Emergency Generator Shop. This organizational unit delivers a high level of maintenance and support to safeguard human life, property, research and other critical areas of significant financial and time investments for the entire University campus community including: all residence halls, classrooms facilities, research lab facilities, athletics facilities, medical school facilities, and offices facilities. These areas include but are not limited to: the Central Alarm Receiving System ( CARS ), all fire alarm detection and suppression systems, security and CCTV systems, key control, accessibility controllers, Biometric and Card Access, equipment alarm systems, and backup power emergency generators. Additionally, this unit supports all facets of Facilities Services, Energy Services, Environment Health & Safety, Public Safety, Facilities Planning & Construction, and Residential Student Housing in their efforts to support the campus community, all of which contribute to the University’s mission of teaching, research and public service.

Position Summary

A SIGN -ON BONUS OF $4,668 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE : $2,334 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE & $2,334 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE .

This recruitment is for two (2) Facility Maint Tech – MechTrd – Journey positions (00037775, 00056248). By applying, you will be considered for both positions.

This position is in the Life Safety maintenance area of Building Services and must become familiar and proficient with all manufactures of emergency generator and transfer switches on campus. This position must be able to perform journey level tasks in a variety of trades including but not limited to the Electrical, Mechanical and Vehicle/Equipment repair trades. It requires in depth analysis of and problem solving on complex building systems and the ability to identify critical and less critical needs in order to make independent decisions during power outages to restore power to critical research and medical buildings throughout campus. This position must become skilled with three phase electrical circuits up to 4000A and 480V, repair and troubleshooting that may include use of basic multi-meters and power monitoring equipment, replacement of electronic control boards utilizing hand tools and soldering irons. This position requires the ability to install and repair any required electrical raceways and conductors needed to support systems maintained by the shop. This position must become competent and authorized to comply with the University’s Arc Flash requirements. Requirements on campus have increased tremendously in conjunction with the needs of served departments such as with animal and BSL3 research labs. Design trends have utilized common generators between multiple buildings with complex transfer switches requiring an understanding of load shedding and control systems with programming to manage adding and subtracting loads to properly balance KW load on the generator systems and satisfy building needs which can include mixed office, lab, and animal quarters, etc. This includes insuring critical loads such as fire pumps are maintained without overloading infrastructure, emissions and maintenance needs. This position must become knowledgeable of these requirements and ensure these systems are in compliance. This position will be expected to be willing and able during the service of generators and other equipment to change motor oil, antifreeze, hydraulic fluids, wash and clean equipment and general areas, paint equipment for protection and esthetics, and maintain a clean and organized shop area and service vehicle. This position has emergency response duty for weather events. This position must use a basic working knowledge of electronic principals and use of non-standard tools and specialized test equipment needed to design, install, program, test and troubleshoot complex systems with several interconnected devices.

This position is responsible for the repair and maintenance of complex diesel fuel delivery systems that employ electronic/digital and mechanical controls plus day tank staging. Reworking of overly complex systems to provide more reliable fuel delivery methods is sometimes required. Strong knowledge of plumbing installation methods and hydrodynamics is required.

This position is responsible for inspection, testing and maintenance of diesel fire pump engines in accordance with NFPA 20 and NFPA 25 and must have working knowledge of these standards.

This position is responsible for preventive maintenance and repair small engine equipment including but not limited to, portable generators, pressure washers, blowers, gas operated saws, etc. Basic mechanical understanding of two stroke engines, 4 stroke engines and mechanical pumps is required.

This position is responsible for repairs on heavy equipment including but not limited to backhoes and skid steers. A strong mechanical knowledge of hydraulics is required.

* Must possess a valid NC Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some positions may require special licenses or certification. Optional Guidelines: experience in the trade(s) areas related to the area of assignment may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Management Preferences

• An in-depth knowledge of the National Electrical ( NEC ) codes, rules, and regulations; mechanical knowledge that would require use of hand and power tools and welding equipment; and be able to perform maintenance, service, installations and upgrades of systems that are supported by this section.
• Extensive experience with Preventative Maintenance (PM) inspections on generator, automatic transfer switches, including packaged units in fire pump controllers, Generator Monitoring Systems, and other miscellaneous systems such as fuel pumping systems based on the established monthly scheduled intervals.
• Ability to accurately complete all paperwork associated with the applicable systems testing procedures.
• Experience in completing service orders (SO) for further required maintenance issues that could include generator systems fuel delivery, coolant systems, associated sensors, automatic transfer switch controls, parts requisitions of issues found during the inspections, and daily time reporting.
• Previous experience using PC’s and Microsoft Office is a plus.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Must possess a valid NC Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Able to stand for long periods of time, ability to work from personnel lifts, ascend/descend ladders and/or work from scaffolding above 10 ft high. Capable of crawling under buildings, entering manholes, and/or enter or work in confined spaces. Ability to stoop, squat and move heavy objects weighing 40 lbs. or more overhead with or without reasonable accommodation.

Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of mandatory University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions, including but not limited to a public health emergency, require the University to close.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally, 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 .

This recruitment is for two (2) Facility Maint Tech – MechTrd – Journey positions (00037775, 00056248). By applying, you will be considered for both positions.

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.

Required Documents

• List of References

Optional Documents

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * 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
• * How many years of experience do you have in commercial or an industrial environment performing equipment maintenance and repair (electrical, generator, mechanical, etc.)?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you possess in-depth knowledge of generators, automatic transfer switches or power delivery systems?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Have you ever worked in the higher education environment?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Facility Maintenance Technician - Mechanical position.
  • High school diploma/GED
  • Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in any field
  • Did not complete high school but have a combination of high school education and trade(s) experience to equal 4 years (ex. 1 year of high school and 3 years experience)
  • None of the above