Utilities Plant Operator -

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waivers

Paid holidays

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Western Carolina University is seeking a skilled boiler technician to operate, maintain, and repair oil- or gas-fired, high-pressure, water-tube boilers and boiler controls to support campus operations in Cullowhee, NC.

The role requires rotating shifts and around-the-clock coverage, with duties including performance of maintenance tasks and adherence to safety standards. A HS diploma and appropriate certifications are required, with a strong focus on hands-on mechanical work and reliability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with one year related experience.
• Equivalency or combination of training and experience accepted.
• Certification(s) required.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, repair and manage boilers and boiler control systems.
• Work rotating eight-hour shifts in a 24/7 campus facility.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Tools & equipment

Instructions comprehension

Indicator readings

Independent work

Physical strength

Arithmetic

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certifications

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC.

The primary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to the following: The independent operation, maintenance/repair and management of oil-fired or natural gas-fired, high pressure, water tube boilers and boiler control systems that are required for continued campus operations. Position is rotating shift work in a facility operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Normal work schedule is a rotating eight-hour shift. The central steam plant operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. Position is subject to work any of three shifts/days at the foreman’s discretion including weekends and holidays.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

Working knowledge of the principles and techniques involved in mechanical maintenance. Skill in the use of tools and equipment used in mechanical maintenance. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to accurately record indicator readings. Ability to perform work independently. Physical strength sufficient to perform heavy physical tasks on a periodic basis. Ability to perform elementary arithmetic calculations.

Minimum Qualifications

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an ‘equivalent combination of education and experience.’ If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.

High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range $45,789

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours per Week

Number of Hours per Week 40

Number of Months per Year

Number of Months per Year 12

Salary Band Range

Salary Band Range $38,064 - $82,128

Salary Grade

Salary Grade For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this journey level position is considered a Salary Grade 63

Open Date

Open Date 10/20/2026

Close Date

Close Date 11/03/2026

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled No

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Resume
• List of references

Optional Documents

• DD-214
• NGB 23A (RPAS)
• DD256 or NGB22

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
  • Website - Jobs.wcu.edu
  • Indeed.com
  • Personal Referral
  • Agency Referral
  • Other