Demo

UTILITY OPERATOR I

Duke
Durham, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 12/9/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/9/2026

Occupational Summary

Operates steam boilers, chilled water systems, pumping systems, and auxiliary equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operation. Monitors HVAC and electrical systems.

 

Work Performed

  • Clean and maintain equipment and work areas.
  • Monitor equipment, conduct rounds, and maintain records of equipment operational status.
  • Locally operate steam boilers, chilled water systems, pumping systems, and auxiliary equipment at the direction of the control room operator or supervisors.
  • Perform lock-out/tag-out of equipment for maintenance personnel.
  • Remain current on all changes in operating procedures, new equipment, and related systems.
  • Assist mechanics and technicians as required or directed to troubleshoot issues.
  • Assist other operators as directed.
  • Observe and monitor electrical systems as assigned.
  • Assist in plant equipment training.
  • Locate major branches, valves, piping systems, and lines to troubleshoot plant or distribution problems.
  • Perform basic calculations and conversions; use applicable computer software in operations.
  • Perform chemical testing and analysis of process water, and maintain proper chemical levels within design limits.
  • Maintain chemical logs accurately and legibly.
  • Provide technical guidance and direction to lower-level personnel.
  • Perform other related duties incidental to the work described above.
 

Minimum Qualifications

 

Education and/or Equivalent Experience

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Three (3) years of experience in operating utility systems equipment, facilities, or distribution systems.
  • Must pass the Basic Duke Utility Systems Operations Test within 6 months of hire.
 

Licenses or Certifications Required

  • Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
  • Must obtain forklift certification within 6 months of hire.
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions of this job.
 

Essential Physical Job Functions


Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for reasonable accommodations will be provided by each hiring department.

 

 

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

 

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

 

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

 

Salary.com Estimation for UTILITY OPERATOR I in Durham, NC
$68,370 to $82,793
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a UTILITY OPERATOR I?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the UTILITY OPERATOR I career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$74,280 - $88,869
Income Estimation: 
$84,185 - $97,694
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Duke

  • Duke Durham, NC
  • School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical ... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Duke Durham, NC
  • At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matt... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Duke Durham, NC
  • At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matt... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Duke Durham, NC
  • Occupational Summary Plan, coordinate, and administer activities for assigned research-related programs coordinated through the Research Project Management... more
  • 13 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other UTILITY OPERATOR I jobs in the Durham, NC area that may be a better fit.

  • MasTec Utility Services Sanford, NC
  • Overview MasTec Utility Services delivers critical infrastructure construction and engineering services for power delivery, gas, and water customers, speci... more
  • 25 Days Ago

  • MasTec Utility Services La Grange, NC
  • Overview MasTec Utility Services delivers critical infrastructure construction and engineering services for power delivery, gas, and water customers, speci... more
  • 2 Months Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!