Energy Utilities Specialist - Advanced

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

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) Engineering Technician to support the Electric Distribution Systems team on design, maintenance, and construction projects across the campus infrastructure. The role requires hands-on work with GIS mapping, Maximo work orders, and coordination with contractors to ensure reliable energy delivery.

Primary duties include design reviews, construction monitoring, and inspection of projects, plus

Qualifications

• Two years of related experience in electrical distribution or utilities.
• High school diploma or equivalent; certification(s) required.
• Experience with GIS, Maximo work management, and substation operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, review, and manage maintenance, renovation, and new construction projects for EDS.
• Produce work orders and sketches; coordinate with contractors and designers.
• Operate within GIS and Maximo systems to support energy delivery.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

GIS

Maximo

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 10/15/2026

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 – as such this 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

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 .

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.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Evening work occasionally, Night work occasionally, Overtime occasionally, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally

Special Instructions

• ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN -ON BONUS

Requirements

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 .

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.