Plant Utility Operator; Facilities, Real Estate, and Planning (3rd shift)

Wake Forest University; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University is seeking a skilled Utilities Technician to monitor and operate high‑pressure boiler systems and campus utility equipment. The role supports off‑hour staffing and provides customer service as needed.

A high school diploma with technical training and 5 years of related experience is required, along with steam system experience and a valid driver’s license. The successful candidate will perform preventive maintenance, monitor critical data, and act as a first responder for

Qualifications

• High school diploma with specialized training and 5 years related experience.
• Experience with operation and maintenance of steam systems or similar mechanical facilities.
• Strong oral communication skills with internal and external customers.
• Professional telephone etiquette and interaction with students, faculty, staff, peers and management.
• Basic computer skills: internet, email, etc.
• Ability to monitor and operate plant systems through computer software and instrumentation.
• Valid Driver License with good driving record; must be insurable.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and adjust utility plant equipment (pumps, fans, dampers, motors, burners) to ensure proper operation.
• Perform regular plant system checks and document operation during shifts.
• Test and monitor water systems; correct abnormal conditions.
• Conduct preventive maintenance to keep plant systems in good condition.
• Log critical data for steam, chilled water, domestic water, electricity, etc.
• Serve as Campus Facilities Management Customer Service contact, dispatching work during off-hours.
• Act as first responder to campus needs, perform triage and repairs as needed.
• Complete training required by Senior Plant Operator or management.
• Repair and replace plant equipment and general campus equipment as required.

Skills

Steam systems operation

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma with specialized training

Technical Training in steam/chilled water operations

Job description

Job Description Summary

Responsible for the monitoring and operation of high-pressure boiler systems and auxiliary equipment for the Central Heating Plant and other utility systems operated by the University. Provides customer service as well as general service technician functions during off-hours as staffing levels permit.

Job Description

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions

• Monitors and adjusts utility plant equipment including pumps, fans, dampers, motors, compressors, burners, etc. as required to ensure proper operation of all plant systems.
• Performs regular plant system and equipment checks and assembles accurate reports to document plant operation during assigned shift.
• Tests and monitors plant and campus water systems to detect abnormal conditions and corrects as necessary.
• Performs preventive maintenance procedures to ensure that plant systems are in proper working condition at all times.
• Monitors campus utility systems and accurately log critical data: steam, chilled water, domestic water, electricity, etc...
• Serves as Campus Facilities Management Customer Service contact, accepting phone calls and dispatching work to Service Technicians and/or Housekeeping personnel during off-hours and as required.
• Acts as a first responder to campus needs, performs triage and/or repairs issues, performs general maintenance duties on campus.
• Successfully completes all training as required by Senior Plant Operator or management.
• Performs repair and replacement of plant equipment and general campus equipment as needed.

Other Functions

• Performs repairs and replacement of plant equipment and general campus equipment as needed.
• Completes pool maintenance and operation duties as assigned.
• Assist with backflow preventer PM's
• Assist Campus Utilities Maintenance Team as needed in general maintenance and repairs.
• Inspects boilers and associated systems in other University heating plants as directed. Repairs equipment as needed.
• Reports all matters of safety to the appropriate manager and to Safety Director if necessary.
• Follows all University and departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as required by Management.
• Is subject to recall after hours in the event of campus emergencies, disasters, or other special needs as directed by management.
• Is considered an essential employee as defined in Facilities Management's Severe Weather Policy.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

High school graduate with specialized training plus five years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience with operation and maintenance of steam systems or similar mechanical facilities systems.

Ability to practice effective oral communication skills with internal and external customers.

Skilled in appropriate telephone etiquette and the ability to interact effectively and cordially with students, faculty, staff, peers and management.

Basic computer skills: internet, email etc....

Ability to monitor and operate plant systems through use of computer software and other means and/or instrumentation.

Valid Driver License with good driving record; must be insurable.

Physical Requirements

• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Talking; hearing; climbing; stooping; kneeling; standing; walking; lifting; pushing; pulling; grasping.
• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as operations of machines; using measurement devices; and/or visual inspections of small parts or devices.
• Subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Subject to hazards.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Technical Training in the areas of steam and chilled water operations and production.

Comp