Steam Plant Operator

Appalachian State University; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 44,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, seeks a Steam Plant Operator to operate boilers, generators, and related equipment. You will monitor systems, respond to abnormalities, and support maintenance of steam plant infrastructure.

The role requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and at least 1 year of related experience, with preferred background in a large steam facility and appropriate certifications. The position is full-time and on-site.

Qualifications

• Completion of high school and 1 year of related experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Maintains required boiler operation certifications.
• Prefer experience in large-scale steam production facilities with pumps, controls, meters, gauges, and related equipment.

Responsibilities

• Performs boiler operations to ensure continuous, optimal operation of boilers and related equipment.
• Assists in routine maintenance and operation of steam plant systems including valves, pumps, fans, heat exchangers, water softeners, and fuel delivery systems.
• Maintains operational logs and records for equipment and preventive maintenance.
• Responds to system abnormalities, diagnoses causes, and takes corrective action.

Skills

Boiler Operation

Mechanical Systems

Electrical

HVAC Systems

Plumbing

Pumps

Piping

Controls

Meters

Gauges

Water Softeners

Chemical Analysis

Blueprint Reading

VFDs

Motors

Plant Logs

PCs

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary Information

Classification Title

Utilities Plant Operator

Working Title

Steam Plant Operator

Location

Boone, North Carolina

Job Category

7

Position Number

061781

Not Eligible for Visa Sponsorship

VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S

Department

Facilities Operations - Steam Systems - 410100

Primary Purpose of Position

Employee is responsible for providing operation, maintenance/repair and management of steam boilers, as well as related equipment and infrastructure.
Employee operates generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, and other boiler plant equipment; monitor systems for normal running conditions.
Employee regulates equipment operations and conditions; respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnose the cause, and recommend or take corrective action.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of high school and 1 year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Note: Maintains required certifications.

Essential Job Functions

Performs boiler operations as prescribed and scheduled by the Steam Plant Supervisor, assuring the optimal and continuous operation of the boilers and associated equipment and systems. Assists in routine maintenance and operation of steam plant systems including valves, pumps, fans, heat exchangers, water softeners, compressed air systems, burners, and fuel delivery systems.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

Requires a minimum of 1 year of Boiler Operation, Mechanical Systems, Electrical, HVAC Systems, and/or Plumbing experience.
Prefer experience as a Boiler Operator in a large-scale steam production facility, including experience and knowledge of:

• Pumps, Mechanical Piping and Systems,
• Controls, Meters and Metering Devices,
• Gauges, Electrical Wiring and Devices,
• Water Softeners, Chemical Analysis,
• Blueprint Reading,
• Variable Frequency Drives, Motors,
• Plant Logs and
• Personal Computers and Hardware.

Employee must have the ability to maintain reports and records for operational logs as well as repair and preventive maintenance on Steam Plant equipment, and have the ability to follow industry-specific guidelines, regulations, and codes, particularly as they relate to safety and environmental practices.
Must be able to operate university-owned vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of high school and at least two years of progressive experience in the performance of tasks associated with mechanical maintenance, and/or the operation of large, complex boilers; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties.

Equipment Operation: 1. Performs basic operations and routine preventative maintenance of applicable machines, equipment and tools (e.g. painting, greasing) under the supervision of a higher level operator or supervisor. 2. Monitors equipment through various software and automated systems to ensure proper and efficient operations.Knowledge-Technical: 1. Performs routine tasks and assignments through practical application of industry standards involving operations and maintenance/repair of utility plant equipment. 2. Applies general knowledge in the operation, maintenance, methods, procedures and techniques of applicable plant equipment and safety requirements specific to the area of assignment. 3. Performs routine and standard tasks to monitor, record, sample and test equipment related to utility plant operations.Problem Solving: Identifies and recognizes standard/routine problems with equipment through routine inspection and preventive maintenance/testing. 2. Assist with routine troubleshooting using operating systems, software, and localized instrumentation.Safety & Health Compliance: 1. Follows industry specific guidelines, regulations and codes, particularly as they relate to safety and environmental practices. Uses appropriate protective equipment following established protocols. 2. Identifies and informs supervisor of potential safety problems. Warns others of potential hazards. Follows appropriate post-emergency procedures.Communication: 1. Listens to instructions and asks necessary questions to complete tasks. Communicates with fellow workers in a manner that allows work to be completed.

Type of Position

Permanent Full-Time

Staff/Non-Faculty

Staff/Non-Faculty

Appointment Type

1.0

Work Schedule/Hours

7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday per assigned schedule of 40 hours per week. Assigned schedule is subject to change per operational needs.
Position is considered MANDATORY and is expected to be available to work during university emergencies, closures and adverse

Number of Hours Per Week

40

Number of Months Per Year

12

Mandatory Staff

Yes

Physical Demands of Position

Employee will be subject to several extremes of limited access space, heat, cold, dust, and dirt on a daily basis. Heavy lifting in excess of 50-100 pounds is also required on a limited basis.

Overall Competency Level

Journey

Salary Grade Equivalency

GN07

Anticipated Hiring Range

$43,755 - $45,240

Pay will be commensurate with applicant competencies, budget, equity and market considerations.

Posting Details Information

Posting Date: 09/18/2026

Closing Date: 10/04/2026

Competency Level Statement: If no applicants apply who meet the required competencies, then management may consider other applicants at a lower competency level.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please list a minimum of 3 professional references in the application.
Appalachian State University Benefits Information:https://hr.appstate.edu/hr-services/benefits
Finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check.
Must be able to operate university owned vehicles with a valid driver's license.

Search Chair Name: Jonathan Taylor

Search Chair Email: [e-mail]

Applicant Pool Preference: External (Post on the Web)

Departmental Information

Quick Link: https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/56260

Posting Number: 201503064P