Power Plant Operations Supervisor

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 73,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking two Energy Utilities Supervisors to manage and supervise the Cogeneration and related facilities. The roles cover 24/7 operations, including nights, weekends and holidays, with a sign-on bonus available.

Successful candidates will lead operations staff, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and coordinate with Engineering, Maintenance and EHS. The positions require supervisory experience and a strong background in utility operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with four years experience in utility operations, including one year supervisory.
• Certifications are required.
• Experience in coal-fired steam, cogeneration, or utility power plants is preferred.
• Experience supervising plant operations personnel in a DCS/SCADA environment.
• Experience with environmental, safety and regulatory requirements (Title V, OSHA, NPDES).

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations staff (9 FTE + Co-op) at Cogeneration Facility, Manning Drive Steam Plant and LFG Generator.
• Provide technical leadership for cogeneration facilities and related systems.
• Make operational decisions, coordinate services, and adjust priorities as needed.
• Support safety culture, staff development and compliance initiatives.
• Cover for vacancies during staff shortages and keep operations running 24/7.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Operations leadership

Regulatory compliance

Safety culture

Education

High school diploma

Supervisory certification

Tools

DCS/SCADA

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: ES CG-227110
• Career Area: Facilities and Skilled Trades
• Is this an internal only recruitment?: No
• Posting Open Date: 10/27/2026
• Application Deadline: 11/09/2026
• Position Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)
• Position Title: Energy Utilities Supervisor - Advanced
• Salary Grade Equivalent: NC15 / GN14
• Working Title: Power Plant Operations Supervisor
• Position Number: 00022098, 00022096
• Vacancy ID: P021514
• Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited: Full-Time Permanent
• Hours per week: 40
• Work Schedule: THIS POSITION IS REQUIRED TO WORK A 24/7-365 DAYS/YEAR ROTATIONAL 12-HOUR SHIFT SCHEDULE. THIS INCLUDES NIGHTS, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS. IT IS EXPECTED TO COVER ABSENCES BOTH PLANNED AND UNPLANNED WHEN NECESSARY. EXAMPLES INCLUDE VACATION, SICK LEAVE, ETO, STAFFING SHORTAGES/CHALLENGES, ETC.
• Work Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range: $72828 - $93058
• 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.

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 Energy Services Department consists of five groups: (1) Cogeneration Systems (generates electricity and steam, and the distribution of steam throughout campus and UNC Hospitals); (2) Electric Distribution Systems (distribution of electrical power throughout campus); (3) Chilled Water Systems (producing and distributing chilled water throughout campus); (4) Water, Wastewater and Stormwater (for the use and conservation of water, as well as the proper management of stormwater and runoff); and (5) Administration (provides GIS, SCADA, coordination of operational information technologies, strategic planning, and management functions).

Together these five groups provide safe, reliable, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective steam, electricity, chilled water, sanitary sewer, reclaimed water, and potable water utility services to the University's campus.

The primary purpose of Cogeneration Systems is the generation of steam to the various buildings on the University campus and to the UNC Hospitals. Steam is critical to the operations of the University and UNC Hospitals. It is used for heating, cooling, domestic hot water, sterilization of surgical instrument, distilled water production, food preparation and dish washing. Cogeneration Systems also generates electricity as a byproduct of the steam generation. It can presently supply about 30 percent of the peak campus electrical load. Cogeneration Systems is part of UNC Energy Services.

Position Summary

A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $7,500 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $3,750 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $3,750 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.

This recruitment is for two (2) Energy Utilities Supervisor positions. By applying, you will be considered for both positions: 00022098, 00022096.

This position manages and supervises operations staff (9 FTE + Co-op students) responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient operation of complex steam and electric generating facilities at the Cogeneration Facility, Manning Drive Steam Plant (MDSP), and Landfill Gas Generator the mission of the University. The position provides technical leadership for the Cogeneration Facility, Manning Drive Steam Plant (MDSP), Landfill Gas Generator (LFG) and associated steam and electrical systems, including boilers, steam turbines, generators, auxiliary equipment, fuel handling systems, DCS/SCADA controls and related systems. The position makes operational decisions involving complex equipment and systems; coordinates a wide variety of operational, diagnostic and repair services; assists in the development and implementation of mid- to long-range operational objectives; and adjusts priorities and plans as conditions change. The position serves as a subject matter expert within the work unit, guides and coaches staff, and coordinates operations with engineering, maintenance, EHS and other Energy Services/University groups. In conjunction with the Operations Superintendent this position is responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance, review and/or revise system descriptions, operational procedures, guidelines and checklists, establishing and reinforcing a culture of safety, supporting workforce development/training and succession planning, and providing information and recommendations related to staffing, training, performance management and equipment.

This position must perform the duties of all positions under supervision proficiently as it is required to cover those positions during staff shortages for sickness, vacation, etc.

Facilities operate 24/7-365, including nights, weekends and holidays. Because of the operational schedule, this position is responsible for facility security during non-business hours and weekends.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency and four years of experience in applicable Utility operations, of which one year is supervisory; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).

Management Preferences

Demonstrated supervisory experience in the operation and maintenance of a coal-fired steam generation facility, cogeneration plant, utility power plant, or similarly complex industrial process facility.

Experience supervising and directing plant operations personnel in a steam-generating facility utilizing a Distributed Control System (DCS), including real-time monitoring, process optimization, and troubleshooting of plant systems.

Experience overseeing facility operations in compliance with environmental, safety, and operating regulations, including Title V Air Permit requirements, OSHA standards, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, and other applicable regulatory requirements.

Experience supervising electrical switching operations involving medium- and high-voltage electrical distribution systems, including coordination of planned outages, lockout/tagout activities, and system restoration.

Experience supervising the operation of steam turbine generators and associated balance-of-plant equipment, including startup, shutdown, load management, performance monitoring, and emergency response activities.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

This position is an Adverse Weather and Emergency Event Position. The employee in this position is designated as a Mandatory Employee. As such, this position is expected to report to work or remain at work, if deemed necessary or to work a differing schedule or shift than normally assigned, if deemed necessary by Cogeneration Systems and/or Energy Services Leadership.

This position is considered Communicable Disease Mandatory On-site Primary. As such, the position will be expected to perform functions that are essential to the continuation of core University operations, including utilities, during a potential health emergency.

The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat to dusty, hot, humid, and cold conditions. This position is required to work in all conditions for various lengths of time depending on the operational requirements. This position is required to enter confined spaces or hazardous environments with the appropriate PPE in accordance with established procedures. Examples: climb ladders/stairs, ability to move 50+ pounds, ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Evening work, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Night work, Overtime, Respirator, general use, Rotating shifts, Shift work, Valid NC Driver's License, Weekend work.

Special Instructions

**ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS**

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.

Both 2 positions to be considered: 00022098, 00022096.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327618

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.