60 Austin Energy Utility Plant Operator Jobs Hiring Near You

Posting Details
Job Posting Information
Posting Number
PG195080SP
Internal Recruitment
No
Working Title
Advanced Utilities Plant Operator - Dayshift
Anticipated Hiring Range
$55,000 - $60,000
Work Schedule
12 hr. shift, 3-4 days a week, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM - May vary dependent upon needs of the organization
Job Location
Raleigh, NC
Department
Utilities & Engineering Services
About the Department
The NC State University Facilities Division is home to nearly 900 professionals who plan, build,andmaintainthe spaces that foster an environment where innovation, learning, and community thrive. Through this work, we help create spaces that empower students, faculty, and staff to reach their full potential. Operating year-round, we manage more than 16.7 million gross square feet of built space and oversee 4,733 acres of campus infrastructure through a series of core departments, each composed of multiple specialized units:

• Design & Construction
• Business Operations
• Campus Operations and Maintenance
• Campus Planning and Strategic Investment

Whether responding to a maintenance request, shaping future facilities, or creating spaces that inspire discovery, our team is grounded in excellence, service, and stewardship.
Join the pack and become part of one of the largest and most respected employers in the state, helping shape the future of our campus community. Take a look below to see what we offer!
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
Are you an experienced Utility Plant Operator looking for a meaningful career where your work has a direct impact every day?
Join our team and play a critical role in powering one of the nation's leading research universities. As a Utility Plant Operator, you will operate, monitor, and maintain complex utility systems that provide reliable electricity, heating, and cooling to classrooms, laboratories, residence halls, athletic facilities, and research spaces across campus.
In this role, you will work with advanced equipment and systems, including the state-of-the-art Cates Cogeneration Facility and large-scale chilled water production and distribution systems. Your expertise will help ensure the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of the infrastructure that supports thousands of students, faculty, staff, and researchers.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who enjoy hands-on technical work, problem-solving, and operating sophisticated mechanical and electrical systems in a dynamic environment. If you are looking for a stable career with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to a mission-driven organization, we encourage you to apply today and become part of the team that keeps our campus running.
Working Hours: 12 hr. shift, 3-4 days a week, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Key responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Control, monitor, and operate steam boilers, chillers, cogeneration equipment, and auxiliary systems to provide continuous utility services.
• Maintain safe and efficient operation of steam, hot water, and chilled water production systems.
• Perform real-time monitoring of plant systems, make operational adjustments, and ensure compliance with emissions, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Inspect, operate, and perform routine maintenance on plant equipment, including fuel gas compressors, pumps, air filters, cooling towers, and related systems.
• Support the operation of the Cates Cogeneration Facility to produce electricity and steam for campus use.
• Identify and respond to equipment or system issues, escalating concerns to the shift supervisor as appropriate.
• Lift and transport materials weighing up to 60 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations and perform a wide range of physically demanding tasks in varied outdoor environments, ensuring safe handling practices and maintaining productivity in varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and the general public, and follow verbal and written instructions related to work assignments and operational needs.

Other Responsibilities

• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications
Minimum Experience/Education
High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Maintains required certification(s).
Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with combustion gas turbines/cogeneration.
• Experience in steam production (natural gas/fuel oil fire tube and water tube boilers up to 100kpph).
• Experience in chilled water production (electric driven/turbine driven up to 2000 tons).
• Experience in a central plant environment.

Required License or Certification

• Valid driver's license required.
• North Carolina Drivers' License required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

Valid NC Driver's License required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required?
No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date
07/06/2026
Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)
07/13/2026
Notice to Applicants
Please make sure that the work history you list on your application is identical to the work history listed on your resume. The application must be filled out completely, do not use the phrase "see resume".
Special Instructions
Please include as attachments a resume/CV and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
Position Details
Position Number
00109155
Position Type
SHRA
Position Classification Band Title
Utilities Plant Operator
Position Classification Band Level
Advanced
Position Classification Salary Range
$ 38,064 - $ 82,128
Salary Grade Equivalency
NC10
Alternate Option
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00
Appointment
12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure
Time Limited Position
No
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)
Department Id
445050 - Utilities and Engineering
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.