Utility Plant Operator

Winston Salem State University; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Winston-Salem State University is seeking a Utility Plant Operator to operate, monitor, and maintain boilers and related equipment in the university's steam plant. The role involves first-shift training with potential transition to evening or night shifts based on department needs.

The position requires basic mechanical/boiler maintenance skills, safety awareness, and the ability to work independently while maintaining accurate records and timesheets.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).
• Two to three years of mechanical or boiler maintenance experience
• Working knowledge of mechanical maintenance and operations of large boilers
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Skilled in the use of power tools and equipment used to provide maintenance to large boilers
• Ability to work independently and to keep accurate records
• Technological capabilities required for digital timesheets and time-reporting

Responsibilities

• Perform basic operations and routine preventative maintenance of machines, equipment and tools under the supervision of a higher-level operator or supervisor.
• Monitor equipment and ensure compliance with emissions and regulatory standards.
• Inspect plant equipment including fuel gas compressors, air filters, pumps, and cooling towers.
• Identify and recognize standard/routine problems with equipment through routine inspection and preventive maintenance/testing.
• Assist with routine troubleshooting operating systems, software, and localized instrumentation.
• Recognize and distinguish between the sounds of a properly operating boiler system and the sounds of potential mechanical problems.
• Follow established safety protocols and use protective equipment.
• Identify and inform supervisor of potential safety problems and hazards.
• Log boiler data entries and create reports in Google Docs.

Skills

Mechanical/boiler maintenance

Timekeeping & digital timesheets

Following instructions

Safety awareness

Emergency communications

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certification(s) required

Tools

Power tools

Boiler operation knowledge

Job description

Utility Plant Operator

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for Which they may be qualified.

Please Note:

• A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
• If it is determined that no applicants meet the minimum competency, education, and experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
• Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
• Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
• Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
• Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
• If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.

Position Details

• Position Classification Title: Utilities Plant Operator
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Position Class: 17902

Position Summary

Winston-Salem State University is seeking a Utility Plant Operator to join the team at the Boiler Plant! The Utility Plant Operator will operate, monitor and provide maintenance to the boilers and auxiliary equipment in the steam plant. If you are looking for an opportunity to learn and grow in your career, this could be the job for you!

This position will train as a Utility Plant Operator on first shift (8am-4pm, Monday-Friday) for at least three months, and then will transition to either second shift (4pm-12am) or third shift (12am-8am) depending on department need. We are seeking candidates with night shift availability.

Responsibilities of the Utility Plant Operator include:

• Perform basic operations and routine preventative maintenance (e.g. painting, greasing) of machines, equipment and tools under the supervision of a higher-level operator or supervisor.
• Conduct real-time monitoring, make necessary adjustments, and ensure compliance with emissions and regulatory standards.
• Inspect plant equipment, including fuel gas compressors, air filters, pumps, and cooling towers.
• Identify and recognize standard/routine problems with equipment through routine inspection and preventive maintenance/testing.
• Assist with routine troubleshooting operating systems, software, and localized instrumentation.
• Recognize and distinguish between the 'sounds' of a properly operating boiler system and the 'sounds' of potential mechanical problems.
• Use appropriate protective equipment following established protocols.
• Identify and inform supervisor of potential safety problems, and warn others of potential hazards.
• Follow appropriate post-emergency procedures.
• Listen to instructions and ask necessary questions to complete tasks, and communicate effectively with fellow workers in a manner that allows work to be completed.
• Communicate effectively with customers who report after hour emergencies and relay needs to the On-Call technician.
• Electronically enter timesheets and hours worked
• Log boiler data entries and create reports within Google Docs

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

Facilities is responsible for the planning, design, construction and operation of university facilities.

Position Information

• Position Number: 007020
• Competency Level: Journey
• Working Position Title: Utility Plant Operator
• Building and Room No.: Boiler Room, Old Maintenance Building, 1540 Cromartie Street
• Work Hours: 4pm-12am Mon-Fri
• Hours per week: 40
• Months per year: 12
• Appointment Type: Permanent Full-Time
• If Time Limited: No
• Appointment Length: 12

DHR Assigned Fields

• FTE: 1

Requirements and Preferences

• Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies: All - Emergency and Pandemic on site
• Position required to work On-Call/Emergency Callback: Yes
• Minimum Experience/Education: High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).
• Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education:
  • Two to three years of mechanical or boiler maintenance experience
  • Working knowledge of principles and techniques involved in mechanical maintenance and operations of large boilers.
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
  • Skilled in the use of power tools and equipment used to provide maintenance to large boilers.
  • Ability to work independently and to keep accurate records.
  • Technological capabilities required for digital timesheets and time-reporting
• Required License or Certification: Valid US Driver's License
• Valid US Driver's License: Yes
• Commercial Driver's License Required: No
• Physical Required: No

Posting Details

• Posting Number: SPA01066P
• Internal Posting Only: No
• Time Limited Position: No
• State Salary Range: $38,064 - $44,934
• Internal Salary Range: $38,064 - $82,128
• Open Date: 10/20/2026
• Close Date: 11/06/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Special Instructions Summary:
  • A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
  • If it is determined that no applicants meet the minimum competency, education, and experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
  • Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
  • Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
  • Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
  • Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
  • If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.

Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies

Computer Use

• Utilize basic computer knowledge necessary to electronically enter time worked
• Log boiler data entries
• Create reports on Google Docs.

Percentage Of Time

10

Safety and Health Compliance

• Follow industry specific guidelines, regulations, and codes as they relate to safety and environmental practice.
• Use appropriate protective equipment following established protocols.
• Identify and inform supervisor of potential safety problems.
• Warn others of potential hazards.
• Follow appropriate post-emergency procedures.

Percentage Of Time

20

Equipment Operation

• Perform 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.
• Monitor equipment through various software and automated systems to ensure proper and efficient operations.

Percentage Of Time

50

Problem Solving

• Identify and recognize standard/routine problems with equipment through routine inspection and preventive maintenance/testing.
• Assist with routine troubleshooting operating systems, software, and localized instrumentation.
• Recognize and distinguish between the 'sounds' of a properly operating boiler system and the 'sounds' of potential mechanical problems.

Percentage Of Time

10

Communication - Oral

• Listen to instructions and ask necessary questions to complete tasks.
• Communicate with fellow workers in a manner that allows work to be completed.
• Communicate effectively with customers who report after hour emergencies
• Relay needs to the On-Call technician.

Percentage Of Time

10

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. *How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Public Job Posting
   • Internal Job Posting
   • Agency Referral
   • Advertisement/Publication
   • Personal ReferralWebsite
   • Other

Applicant Document

Required Documents

1. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. References List