What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utilities Plant Operator position at Western Carolina University?
This position is responsible for the independent operation, maintenance, repair, and management of oil-fired and natural gas-fired high-pressure water tube boilers and their control systems — all critical to continuous campus operations. Work is performed in a central steam plant that runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The standard schedule is a rotating 12-hour shift, with assignments across any shift, including weekends and holidays, at the foreman’s discretion.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Candidates must have a working knowledge of mechanical maintenance principles and techniques, along with proficiency in the tools and equipment the work requires. Strong attention to detail is essential, as the role involves accurately recording instrument readings and following both oral and written instructions. The ability to work independently, perform basic arithmetic calculations, and handle physically demanding tasks on a periodic basis is required.
Minimum Qualifications
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an ‘equivalent combination of education and experience.’ If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.
High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).
High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).
Anticipated Hiring Range
$44,455
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week
40
Number of Months per Year
12
Salary Band Range
$38,064 - $82,128
Salary Grade
For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this journey level position is considered a Salary Grade 63.
Posting Text
Open Date
04/15/2026
Close Date
04/22/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must apply online in order to be considered.
Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references (with complete contact information).
Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference.
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Salary : $38,064 - $82,128