Facility Maintenance Technician - Boiler Operator - #003144

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University is seeking a Facility Maintenance Technician - Boiler Operator to maintain and operate the campus steam plant on-site in Cullowhee, NC. The role includes daily boiler maintenance, logging, and servicing pumps, motors, and controls, with responsibility for night and weekend switchboard duties.

The ideal candidate will have journeyman-level steam plant knowledge, strong mechanical skills, and the ability to work independently.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate the campus steam plant to ensure a continuous, reliable supply of steam.
• Perform daily maintenance to keep boilers operational and maintain hourly operating logs.
• Service auxiliary equipment such as pumps, motors, fans, and boiler controls; troubleshoot and complete repairs as needed.
• Serve as night, weekend, and holiday facilities switchboard operator.

Skills

Steam plant knowledge

Independent worker

Mechanical aptitude

Tool proficiency

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Power hand tools

Welders

Torches

Chemical meters

Precision instruments

Portable breathing units

General hand tools

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: SHRA1714P

Quick Link for Internal Postings: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35427

Classification Title: Facility Maint Tech-Mech Trade

Competency Level: Journey

Working Title: Facility Maintenance Technician - Boiler Operator - #003144

Department: Facilities Management

About Western Carolina University

• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
• Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
• WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being subject to the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (SHRA). This position is responsible for maintaining and operating the campus steam plant to ensure a continuous, reliable supply of steam except during scheduled outages. Core duties include performing daily maintenance to keep boilers operational, maintaining hourly operating logs, and servicing auxiliary equipment such as pumps, motors, fans, and boiler controls - troubleshooting and completing repairs as needed. This position also serves as the night, weekend, and holiday facilities switchboard operator.

Working Conditions

Working Conditions: This position involves physically demanding work in challenging environments. Conditions include summer temperatures up to 105F, noise levels exceeding 80 decibels, and potential exposure to #6 fuel oil, LP gas, and natural gas. Candidates must be able to lift up to 100 lbs., operate heavy-duty hand tools, work comfortably at heights up to 30 feet, and perform duties in confined spaces. Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required for this Position

• Journeyman-level knowledge of steam plant equipment, systems, and auxiliaries, including a thorough understanding of full-cycle steam operations
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make timely decisions in response to operational problems - often without supervision
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose issues and draw on prior experience to resolve them effectively
• Proficiency with a wide range of tools including power hand tools, welders, torches, chemical meters, precision instruments, portable breathing units, and general hand tools

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$47,995

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours per Week

40

Number of Months per Year

12

Salary Band Range

$35,099 - $74,402

Salary Grade

65

Open Date

09/15/2026

Close Date

09/29/2026

Equal Opportunity Employer

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.