Entry Level Power Plant Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Posting Information
Posting Information
Department
ES CG-227110
Career Area
Facilities and Skilled Trades
Is this an internal only recruitment?
No
Posting Open Date
07/13/2026
Application Deadline
07/27/2026
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Energy Utilities Supervisor - Journey
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC14 / GN12
Working Title
Power Plant Operations Supervisor
Position Number
00022098, 00022096
Vacancy ID
P021195
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment
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
$38135 - $80760
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
Position Summary Information
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 $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 AND $3,437.50 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, 0022096
This position supervises a crew of 9 in the operations of all plant components, equipment and systems in very complex steam and electric generating facilities at the Cogeneration Facility, Manning Drive Steam Plant (MDSP), and Landfill Gas Generator. The position requires very high-level power plant operating skills. As a management position, it works independently or with minimal instruction, makes operational decisions and provides guidance to the staff in the operation of the above facilities. The position is responsible for operating the facilities in a safe and reliable manner, and to remain in compliance with all local, state, and federal permits and regulations.
Position is the primary point of contact for all onsite maintenance activities, neighbor queries, and interfacing with other Energy Services/University departments in the operations of the facilities to meet campus steam and electricity demands. Position works together with Operations Superintendent to ensure adequate staffing. This includes recruitment, performance plans and evaluations. The position is responsible for training inexperienced operators, review and revise system descriptions, operational procedures, guidelines, and checklists. The above facilities operate 24/7-365 days. During non-business hours (nights, weekends, and holidays) this position is responsible for the security of these facilities.
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
Supervisory experience of coal fired steam plant operations, preferably at a Cogeneration Facility or other power plant/utility.
Supervisory experience operating a steam plant utilizing a Distributed Control System (DCS).
Experience supervising operations of a facility subject to regulatory requirements including but not limited to Title V Air Permit, OSHA regulations, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
Experience supervising electrical switching operations of high voltage systems.
Experience supervising the operation of steam turbine generator.
Required Licenses/Certifications
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, it is expected to report to work or remain on the job, and if deemed necessary by their supervisor, to work a differing schedule or shift than normally assigned.
This position is considered Communicable Disease Mandatory On-site Primary. As such, the position performs 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
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 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
This recruitment is for two (2) Energy Utilities Supervisor positions. By applying, you will be considered for both positions: 00022098, 00022096
Quick Link
https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/322339
Contact Information
Office of Human Resources 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 (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
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.