What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utilities Plant Operator position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC.
The primary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to the following: The independent operation, maintenance/repair and management of oil-fired or natural gas-fired, high pressure, water tube boilers and boiler control systems that are required for continued campus operations. Position is rotating shift work in a facility operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Normal work schedule is a rotating eight-hour shift. The central steam plant operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. Position is subject to work any of three shifts/days at the foreman’s discretion including weekends and holidays.
Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
The primary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to the following: The independent operation, maintenance/repair and management of oil-fired or natural gas-fired, high pressure, water tube boilers and boiler control systems that are required for continued campus operations. Position is rotating shift work in a facility operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Normal work schedule is a rotating eight-hour shift. The central steam plant operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. Position is subject to work any of three shifts/days at the foreman’s discretion including weekends and holidays.
Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Working knowledge of the principles and techniques involved in mechanical maintenance. Skill in the use of tools and equipment used in mechanical maintenance. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to accurately record indicator readings. Ability to perform work independently. Physical strength sufficient to perform heavy physical tasks on a periodic basis. Ability to perform elementary arithmetic calculations.
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
$45,789
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
10/20/2026
Close Date
11/03/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a list of work related references (with complete contact information) and any certifications you may have.
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference.
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).
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference.
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.
Benefits:
Retirement Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental InsuranceSalary : $38,064 - $82,128