What are the responsibilities and job description for the Power Plant Maintenance Mechanic position at Inside Higher Ed?
Department
ES CG-227110
Career Area
Facilities and Skilled Trades
Is this an internal only recruitment?:
No
Posting Open Date
04/14/2026
Application Deadline
04/28/2026
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Energy Utilities Technician - Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC08 / GN10
Working Title
Power Plant Maintenance Mechanic
Position Number
00033625
Vacancy ID
P020947
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
Hours Per Week
40
Work Schedule
Monday – Thursday.
7:00am – 5:30pm.
On Call Rotation.
Position is an emergency duty position, communicable disease mandatory on-site primary and adverse weather. This means the incumbent must work during periods of adverse weather, pandemic or other university emergency.
Work Location:
CHAPEL HILL, NC
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$50,000 - $66,266
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 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 $6,024 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $3,012 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $3,012 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.
This power plant maintenance position requires advanced mechanical skills. The skill set required for this position can work independently on all mechanical components, equipment and systems in very complex steam and electric generating facilities to ensure they operate safely and reliably. This position functions with minimal instruction and supervision. It is responsible for preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance and repairs of systems and equipment such as: circulating fluidized bed boilers, natural gas/oil package boilers, and plant auxiliary equipment. Some examples of the auxiliary equipment are steam turbine generator, fans, pumps, piping systems, valves, control valves, tanks, mills, steam traps, cooling towers, condensers, fluid drives, heat exchangers, air compressors, water treatment systems and bag houses. Repairs and maintenance are performed on the following boiler components: boiler tubes, super-heater sections, economizers, air heaters, cyclones, boiler refractory, loop seals and combustion chambers. This requires an understanding of said systems, equipment, and components. The maintenance practices will ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of this multi-million-dollar facility. This position is expected to train and provide guidance to junior mechanics on system troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).
Management Preferences
Background in power plant maintenance.
Experience working in Co-generation Facilities.
Experience working in utilities operations.
Experience with boiler feed water system.
Knowledge of steam turbine generators.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat to dusty, hot, humid and cold conditions. 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. Examples include, but are not limited to: climb ladders/stairs, ability to lift/move 50 plus pounds and ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Night work occasionally, On-call, Overtime occasionally, 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 CG-227110
Career Area
Facilities and Skilled Trades
Is this an internal only recruitment?:
No
Posting Open Date
04/14/2026
Application Deadline
04/28/2026
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Energy Utilities Technician - Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC08 / GN10
Working Title
Power Plant Maintenance Mechanic
Position Number
00033625
Vacancy ID
P020947
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
Hours Per Week
40
Work Schedule
Monday – Thursday.
7:00am – 5:30pm.
On Call Rotation.
Position is an emergency duty position, communicable disease mandatory on-site primary and adverse weather. This means the incumbent must work during periods of adverse weather, pandemic or other university emergency.
Work Location:
CHAPEL HILL, NC
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$50,000 - $66,266
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 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 $6,024 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $3,012 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $3,012 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.
This power plant maintenance position requires advanced mechanical skills. The skill set required for this position can work independently on all mechanical components, equipment and systems in very complex steam and electric generating facilities to ensure they operate safely and reliably. This position functions with minimal instruction and supervision. It is responsible for preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance and repairs of systems and equipment such as: circulating fluidized bed boilers, natural gas/oil package boilers, and plant auxiliary equipment. Some examples of the auxiliary equipment are steam turbine generator, fans, pumps, piping systems, valves, control valves, tanks, mills, steam traps, cooling towers, condensers, fluid drives, heat exchangers, air compressors, water treatment systems and bag houses. Repairs and maintenance are performed on the following boiler components: boiler tubes, super-heater sections, economizers, air heaters, cyclones, boiler refractory, loop seals and combustion chambers. This requires an understanding of said systems, equipment, and components. The maintenance practices will ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of this multi-million-dollar facility. This position is expected to train and provide guidance to junior mechanics on system troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).
Management Preferences
Background in power plant maintenance.
Experience working in Co-generation Facilities.
Experience working in utilities operations.
Experience with boiler feed water system.
Knowledge of steam turbine generators.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat to dusty, hot, humid and cold conditions. 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. Examples include, but are not limited to: climb ladders/stairs, ability to lift/move 50 plus pounds and ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Night work occasionally, On-call, Overtime occasionally, 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 - $66,266