Steam Distribution Maintenance Supervisor

UNC-Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC-Chapel Hill seeks a Steam Distribution Maintenance Supervisor to lead a team of six Energy Utilities Technicians in maintaining the campus steam distribution system. You will oversee preventive maintenance, scheduling, and coordination with Cogeneration Systems; ensure safe, reliable operations and drive continuous improvement.

Requires high school diploma or equivalent with four years of related experience, at least one in supervision, and certifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency with four years of related experience, at least one year in supervisory.
• Requires applicable certifications.
• Experience supervising steam distribution systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 suite programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of six energy utilities technicians in steam distribution operations.
• Develop and oversee preventive/predictive maintenance programs and work schedules.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Steam Distribution Maintenance Supervisor

**ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:

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 without limitation 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

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department

Department ES CG-227110

Career Area Facilities and Skilled Trades

Is this an internal only recruitment?

Is this an internal only recruitment? No

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 10/14/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 10/30/2026

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Position Title Energy Utilities Supervisor - Journey

Salary Grade Equivalent

Salary Grade Equivalent NC14 / GN12

Working Title

Working Title Steam Distribution Maintenance Supervisor

Position Number

Position Number 00022220

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID P021467

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment

Hours per week 40

Work Schedule

7:00AM-5:30PM Monday through Thursday
Some nights, weekends and holidays may be required depending on business needs
On-Call Rotation
Adverse Weather & Emergency Duty Position
Communicable Disease Mandatory On-site Primary Position

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

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.
Cogeneration Systems primary purpose is the generation of steam to the various buil+dings 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% of the peak campus electrical load.

Position Summary

A SIGN -ON BONUS OF $6,875 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE : $3,437.50 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE & $3,437.50 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE .
This is a leadership position supervising Steam Distribution Systems. This includes 6 FTE (Energy Utilities Technicians as maintenance technicians and mechanics). This group is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all mechanical and electrical components and equipment of a very complex steam distribution system, ensuring they operate in a safe and reliable manner to ensure continuous service to the campus and hospital.
This position is an expert in steam distribution operations and all associated equipment. This position provides leadership, guidance, and instruction to team members in the performance of troubleshooting, maintenance and repair on all steam distribution components and associated equipment. This position develops, implements, and revises the preventive and predictive maintenance programs for steam distribution systems and equipment along with associated work schedules for staff. This role ensures all work orders are accurately entered into the Energy Services work management system.
The incumbent will also be responsible for the inspection and maintenance of steam metering equipment as well as gathering meter data for consumption and billing purposes.
Supervisory tasks include hiring, performance management, scheduling, and training Steam Distribution employees. Additional tasks include budget development, capital improvement requests, and collaboration with designers and engineers on active capital improvement projects.
Good communication skills are essential for customer interactions during outages and emergency repairs. This position also interfaces with Cogeneration systems operators when performing steam blows and placing in or taking out of service a steam pipe.
The position also requires interaction with vendors, contractors, and other University departments to carry out construction, maintenance, and repair of the steam distribution equipment and systems.
This position will ensure maintenance practices are safe, reliable, and efficient in operating this multi-million dollar facility.

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

Experience Supervising Steam Distribution Systems.
Experience supervising steam distribution employees.
Background in power plant utility distribution systems.
Experience preparing work reports.
Proficient with Microsoft 365 suite programs.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat, to dusty, hot, humid, and cold conditions. This position will be required to work in all conditions for various lengths of time depending on the operational requirements. This position will be required to enter confined spaces or hazardous environments with the appropriate PPE in accordance with established procedures. Mechanical and other kinds of repair work require bending, stooping, climbing/working from high ladders/scaffolding, climbing/descending stairs, working on hands and knees, working with arms and hands above head for long periods of time, heavy lifting/moving in excess of 60 lbs., wearing self-contained breathing apparatus ( SCBA ) and other physical activity as required with or without accommodations.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Night work occasionally, On-call, Overtime occasionally, Respirator, general use, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally

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.

Required Documents

• List of References

Optional Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How many years of supervisory experience do you possess?
  • 0-3 years
  • 4-5 years
  • 5 - 10 years
  • 10+ years
• * How many years coal-fired steam plant and/or Cogeneration experience?
  • 0-2
  • 3-5
  • 6-10
  • 11+
• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Energy Utilities Supervisor position.
  • High school diploma or equivalency and 4 years of related experience, one of which in a supervisory capacity.
  • Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's or PhD and 4 years of related experience, one of which in a supervisory capacity.
  • Did not complete high school but have a combination of education and related experience to equal 8 years, including one year as a supervisor.
  • None of the above
• * Describe any supervisory experience you have (type of business, number of employees supervised, main job duties, etc.).

  (Open Ended Question)