Journey Utilities Plant Operator - Dayshift

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 49,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off and 12 Holidays

Job summary

NC State University is seeking a Journey Utilities Plant Operator for dayshift in Raleigh, NC. You will operate and monitor central utility systems, including boilers and chillers, ensuring continuous campus services.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of related experience; a valid NC driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire. The role involves physical tasks and adherence to safety and emissions standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency with at least 1 year of related experience.
• Preferred experience in steam production or central plant environments.
• Possession of required NC driver’s license within 60 days.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor central utility systems providing electricity, steam, hot water, and chilled water.
• Inspect equipment, troubleshoot issues, and maintain safe, efficient plant operations.
• Follow supervisor guidance to optimize plant performance and handle operational challenges.
• Lift and move up to 60 pounds and work in varied outdoor conditions.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Safety minded

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Job description

Posting Number:

PG195151SP

Internal Recruitment:

No

Working Title:

Journey Utilities Plant Operator - Dayshift

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$49,000 - $50,570

Work Schedule:

12 hr shift, 3-4 days a week, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM - May vary dependent upon needs of the organization

Job Location:

Raleigh, NC

Department:

Utilities & Engineering Services

About the Department:

The NC State University Facilities Division is home to nearly 900 professionals who plan, build and maintain the spaces that foster an environment where innovation, learning, and community thrive. Through this work, we help create spaces that empower students, faculty, and staff to reach their full potential. Operating year-round, we manage more than 16.7 million gross square feet of built space and oversee 4,733 acres of campus infrastructure through a series of core departments, each composed of multiple specialized units:

• Design & Construction
• Business Operations
• Campus Operations and Maintenance
• Campus Planning and Strategic Investment

Whether responding to a maintenance request, shaping future facilities or creating spaces that inspire discovery, our team is grounded in excellence, service and stewardship.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits:

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties:

Behind every class, laboratory, residence hall, and campus event is a team making sure NC State has the reliable utilities it needs to operate. As a Utility Plant Operator, you’ll play a critical role in keeping the university running by operating and monitoring the central utility systems that provide electricity, steam, hot water, and chilled water across campus. This is an opportunity to work with a variety of utility equipment and gain valuable experience in a central utility environment. You’ll work alongside experienced utility professionals to monitor plant operations, troubleshoot equipment, perform inspections, and help maintain safe, efficient, and reliable service. If you’re dependable, safety-minded, mechanically inclined, and interested in learning how large-scale utility systems work, we want to hear from you.

Working Hours: 12 hr. shift, 3-4 days a week, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Working hours may change to meet the needs of the University.

Key responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in the control and monitoring of steam boilers, chillers, cogeneration equipment, and auxiliary systems to ensure continuous utility services.
• Maintain safe and efficient operations of steam, hot water, and chilled water production systems.
• Conduct real-time monitoring, make necessary adjustments, and ensure compliance with emissions and regulatory standards.
• Inspect plant equipment, including fuel gas compressors, air filters, pumps, and cooling towers.
• Work under the guidance of a shift supervisor to optimize plant performance and address operational challenges.
• Support the operation of the Cates and Centennial Cogeneration Facilities to produce electricity and steam for the campus.
• Lift and transport materials weighing up to 60 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations and perform a wide range of physically demanding tasks in varied outdoor environments, ensuring safe handling practices and maintaining productivity in varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and the general public, and follow verbal and written instructions related to work assignments and operational needs.

Other Responsibilities:

• Cross-train to operate and maintain any steam boiler, electrical centrifugal chiller, steam-driven turbine chiller, cooling tower, auxiliary equipment, and water treatment system in the steam generation system.
• This is a critical role position, and the employee must work during adverse weather conditions even if the university is closed to normal operations.
• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Minimum Experience/Education:

High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Maintains required certification(s).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in steam production (natural gas/fuel oil fire tube and water tube boilers up to 100 kpph)
• Experience in chilled water production (electric driven/turbine driven up to 2000 tons)
• Experience in a central plant environment.
• Experience with combustion gas turbines/cogeneration.

Required License or Certification:

• A valid driver’s license is required.
• North Carolina Drivers’ License required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Valid NC Driver’s License required:

Yes

Commercial Driver’s License Required?

No

Job Open Date:

08/18/2026

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.):

08/25/2026

Special Instructions:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Number:

00102851

Position Type:

SHRA

Position Classification Band Title:

Utilities Plant Operator

Position Classification Band Level:

Journey

Position Classification Salary Range:

$ 38,064 - $ 82,128

Salary Grade Equivalency:

NC09

Alternate Option:

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week):

1.00

Appointment:

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather:

Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events:

Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure

Time Limited Position:

No

Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable):

No

Department Id:

445050 - Utilities and Engineering

EEO:

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail]. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.