What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chilled Water Systems Operations Technician position at Inside Higher Ed?
Department
ES CW-227310
Career Area
Facilities and Skilled Trades
Is this an internal only recruitment?:
No
Posting Open Date
09/05/2025
Application Deadline
10/07/2025
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Facility Maint Tech - MechTrd - Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC12 / GN10
Working Title
Chilled Water Systems Operations Technician
Position Number
00033072
Vacancy ID
P020522
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
Hours Per Week
40
Work Schedule
MONDAY – FRIDAY
6:30am – 2:00pm
On-Call Rotation
Emergency Duty
Adverse Weather
Communicable Disease Mandatory Primary On-site
Work Location:
CHAPEL HILL, NC
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$50,000 - $66,447
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
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 purpose of Chilled Water Systems (CWS) is to produce and distribute chilled water for approximately 155 buildings located at the main campus and two (2) satellite campuses in a cost effective, efficient and reliable manner. Chilled water is produced in two ways. One is by an extensive chilled water generating system – the single, virtual chilled water plant, comprised of four (4) networked chiller plants that are operated as a single virtual system and the second is by stand-alone chillers that are building specific. Additionally, Chilled Water Systems provides electric and steam load balance for Cogeneration Systems. CWS is part of UNC Energy Services.
Position Summary
A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $5,639 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $2,819.50 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $2,819.50 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.
Skills
This position requires advanced knowledge, skills and abilities to configure and operate the UNC District Cooling System (DCS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) in the most efficient and reliable manner to insure adequate cooling for all campus facilities:
High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some positions may require special licenses or certification. Optional Guidelines: experience in the trade(s) areas related to the area of assignment may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Experience in district energy technology and process control or related fields, or progressive experience with similar systems of similar size and complexity.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat to dusty, hot, humid and cold conditions, as well as, extreme noise levels. This position will be required to work in all conditions for various lengths of time depending on the operational requirements. This position will be required to enter confined spaces or hazardous environments with the appropriate PPE in accordance with established procedures. The position requires climbing ladders/stairs, ability to lift/move 50 pounds; ability to wear self-contained breathing apparatus, working with hand above head for extended periods of time and working on knees for extended periods of time. Mental concentration is vital in this position for the safe and reliable operation of the facilities. Attention to detail is required when operating plant systems and equipment from the DCS or locally and performing the rounds on the plant systems, equipment and components. This position is required to understand the operation of plant systems and equipment and a high degree of accuracy and technical skill is required when placing systems/equipment in and out of service. Attention to detail and mental concentration are required in order to operate equipment safely.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Night work occasionally, On-call, Overtime occasionally, Respirator, general use, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally
Special Instructions
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.
ES CW-227310
Career Area
Facilities and Skilled Trades
Is this an internal only recruitment?:
No
Posting Open Date
09/05/2025
Application Deadline
10/07/2025
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Facility Maint Tech - MechTrd - Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC12 / GN10
Working Title
Chilled Water Systems Operations Technician
Position Number
00033072
Vacancy ID
P020522
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
Hours Per Week
40
Work Schedule
MONDAY – FRIDAY
6:30am – 2:00pm
On-Call Rotation
Emergency Duty
Adverse Weather
Communicable Disease Mandatory Primary On-site
Work Location:
CHAPEL HILL, NC
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$50,000 - $66,447
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
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 purpose of Chilled Water Systems (CWS) is to produce and distribute chilled water for approximately 155 buildings located at the main campus and two (2) satellite campuses in a cost effective, efficient and reliable manner. Chilled water is produced in two ways. One is by an extensive chilled water generating system – the single, virtual chilled water plant, comprised of four (4) networked chiller plants that are operated as a single virtual system and the second is by stand-alone chillers that are building specific. Additionally, Chilled Water Systems provides electric and steam load balance for Cogeneration Systems. CWS is part of UNC Energy Services.
Position Summary
A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $5,639 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $2,819.50 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $2,819.50 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.
Skills
This position requires advanced knowledge, skills and abilities to configure and operate the UNC District Cooling System (DCS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) in the most efficient and reliable manner to insure adequate cooling for all campus facilities:
- Administers water treatment program to all plants.
- Monitor all subsystems for each plant and confirm proper operation and identify malfunctions of both equipment and systems, as well as adjust instrumentation as needed for optimal operating status.
- Coordinates with both Chilled Water personnel, as well as other departmental personnel to ensure proper operation to provide cooling to critical loads.
- Works closely with other Energy Services and University groups for optimum campus energy conservation strategy.
- To maintain optimum operation efficiency, identify problems, investigate and analyze causes, determine solutions, adjusts controls and tracks results.
- Manage the operation of the CWS water bridge control system as part of the DCS. This includes adjustments to parameters and modes to match a buildings unique requirement. Control loops have massive
High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some positions may require special licenses or certification. Optional Guidelines: experience in the trade(s) areas related to the area of assignment may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Experience in district energy technology and process control or related fields, or progressive experience with similar systems of similar size and complexity.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat to dusty, hot, humid and cold conditions, as well as, extreme noise levels. This position will be required to work in all conditions for various lengths of time depending on the operational requirements. This position will be required to enter confined spaces or hazardous environments with the appropriate PPE in accordance with established procedures. The position requires climbing ladders/stairs, ability to lift/move 50 pounds; ability to wear self-contained breathing apparatus, working with hand above head for extended periods of time and working on knees for extended periods of time. Mental concentration is vital in this position for the safe and reliable operation of the facilities. Attention to detail is required when operating plant systems and equipment from the DCS or locally and performing the rounds on the plant systems, equipment and components. This position is required to understand the operation of plant systems and equipment and a high degree of accuracy and technical skill is required when placing systems/equipment in and out of service. Attention to detail and mental concentration are required in order to operate equipment safely.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Night work occasionally, On-call, Overtime occasionally, Respirator, general use, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally
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.
Salary : $50,000 - $66,447
