What are the responsibilities and job description for the Health Science Complex Operator position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
STA00385PO26
Job Family
Skilled Trades
Job Function
Boiler Maintenance
USC Market Title
Energy Plant Operator
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133855
Job Level
T2 - Technical Support
Business Title (Internal Title)
Health Science Complex Operator
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
Division of Administration and Finance
Department
DAF Facilities Energy Plant
State Pay Range
G08
USC Market Range
MRE - $48,726 $59,689 $70,653
Anticipated Hiring Range
$48,726 - $59,689
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
40
Work Schedule
- Rotating week of days/nights/days/nights with a break in between each.
- Sunday through Tues 7a-7p
- Wednesday and Thurs 7a-3p/3p-11p/11p-7a
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Other
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
- Operate and monitor equipment and systems within operationally centralized energy plants to support the University of South Carolina Health Science Complex.
- Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs on plant equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Work under limited supervision to maintain plant reliability, respond to operational needs, and comply with established safety and operating procedures.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
- Requires job related accreditation from a technical school or an applicable skilled trades program and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
- High school diploma and 5 years related experience
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Ability to operate and perform maintenance work in various energy facilities.
- General knowledge of various trade crafts.
- Able to communicate both orally and in writing, read and interpret instruction manuals and drawings, work in a team environment and to exercise a professional demeanor.
- Competance in following safety guidelines and able to use initiative and be proactive in discharging duties.
Job Duties
Job Duty
- Performs testing of process water and makes chemical additions or adjustments to maintain prescribed treatment of any assigned Energy Distribution equipment
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
- Advises, instructs and trains other lesser skilled operators in the operation and maintenance of energy facility equipment.
- Stays current with best practices regarding plant operations and the technology involved.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
- Performs corrective and preventative maintenance on energy distribution equipment including boilers, de-aerator systems, water chillers up to 3000 tons, cooling towers, back-up/emergency electrical generators, pumps, motors, piping, and other related equipment by preparing and receiving work orders;
- Assures the proper, efficient, safe, and reliable operation and maintenance of all campus boilers, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, back-up/emergency electrical generators and process piping systems as well as associated auxiliary equipment. operating and maintaining tools and equipment;
- Communicating with supervisory personnel and co-workers;
- Planning, inspecting, verifying, communicating, and problem-solving energy plant issues;
- Taking personal initiative to correct any problems;
- Ensuring that all assigned systems are in safe working order and compliant with national and local codes and regulations while exhibiting professionalism in conduct, appearance, and work practices, and while developing and maintaining strong customer service practices.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
- When necessary and with supervisor’s involvement, initiates and oversees emergency and planned maintenance programs and schedules repairs including time and cost estimations for service work, and problem solving issues that are identified with systems that are not in safe working order or compliant with national and local codes and regulations, contracting with subcontractors when necessary, and meeting with regulatory personnel.
- On a daily basis, completes and maintains accurate daily time sheets, records on all scheduled and emergency repairs performed on all related systems, and reports that meet DHEC and EPA regulations regarding air quality and emissions.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
- Conducts routine inspections of energy distribution areas and equipment by developing or implementing a planned maintenance schedule for all systems, physically observing systems, communicating problems to appropriate personnel, and making recommendations regarding the planned maintenance program to ensure proper operation and maintenance and to provide for, as well as assist in, corrective action prior to necessary emergency action.
- Responds to all after hour phone calls as part of the “after hours call center”.
- Sends out emergency notifications when problems arise and works with the liaison outage notifications protocol instructions, to include the logging and forwarding of any calls to the appropriate managers, supervisors, and the Work Management group.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
35
Job Duty
Performs other related duties as required to include filling in for absent personnel on other shifts and/or other plants.
Essential Function
No
Percentage of Time
5
Job Duty
- Acts as resource to outside agencies regarding information about the plant and processes including their effects on the environment.
- Attends meetings and training events related to customer service, safety, and continuous improvement.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive
Yes
Hazardous weather category
Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Job Open Date
05/29/2026
Job Close Date
07/13/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by July 13, 2026.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/207105
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Salary : $48,726 - $59,689