Utility Plant Operator

Position Details

Classification Information

Position Classification Title Utilities Plant Operator

FLSA Non-Exempt

Position Class 17902

Position Overview

Join the Ramily! - -This position is being reposted. Applicants in the pool are still under consideration do not need to reapply - - Join the Ramily!

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. We are proud to be North Carolina’s only university to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education (ACE). WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities. Known for its supportive environment, the university fosters a close-knit community that nurtures both professional and academic excellence.

Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina - known as the City of Arts and Innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. Winston-Salem is home to thriving arts, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering both students and faculty unique collaboration opportunities and professional development pathways.

With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to fostering personal and professional growth, Winston-Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn.

Find information about our current benefits and retirement options, our holiday schedule, and other discounts and perks at the links below: UNC System Employee Benefits Central UNC System Retirement Benefits WSSU Holiday Schedule WSSU Discounts and Perks

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: From [time] to [time] on [days] of [week] 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

List any other medical/drug tests required

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number SPA01066P

Internal Posting Only No

Time Limited Position No

Appointment Length

State Salary Range $38,064 - $44,934

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

Open Date 10/20/2026

Close Date 11/13/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions Summary 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 OHR@wssu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.

Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies

Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies

Competency Knowledge - Professional

Describe the specific job duties related to this competency

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

Competency Safety and Health Compliance

Describe the specific job duties related to this competency

• 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

Competency Equipment Operation

Describe the specific job duties related to this competency

• 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

Competency Problem Solving

Describe the specific job duties related to this competency

• 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

Competency Communication – Oral

Describe the specific job duties related to this competency

• 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