Journey Utilities Plant Operator - Nightshift

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

Job summary

NC State University Facilities Division is seeking a Utility Plant Operator to monitor central utility systems across the campus, including electricity, steam, hot water, and chilled water. You will work in a busy environment, coordinating with a team to ensure reliable service and safety.

The role involves operating boilers, cogeneration equipment, and auxiliary systems on a 12-hour shift (6:00 PM–6:00 AM), with 3–4 days per week and flexibility to adjust to organizational needs.

Qualifications

• Experience operating and monitoring utility plant systems.
• Safety-minded with reliability and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist in monitoring 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 adjustments, and ensure compliance with emissions and regulatory standards.
• Inspect plant equipment (fuel gas compressors, air filters, pumps, cooling towers).
• Work under a shift supervisor to optimize plant performance and address operational challenges.
• Support operation of Cogeneration Facilities to produce electricity and steam for campus.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers and follow instructions.

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please include as attachments a resume/CV and contact information for at least 3 professional references.

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.

Job Posting Information

Posting Number

Posting Number PG195152SP

Internal Recruitment

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range $49,000 - $50,570

Work Schedule

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

Job Location

Department

About the Department

The NC State University Facilities Division is home to nearly 900 professionals who plan , build ,andmaintain 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.

Join the pack and become part of one of the largest and most respected employers in the state, helping shape the future of our campus community. Take a look below to see what we offer!

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.

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.

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,

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

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