Power Plant Maintenance Technician

Monday - Thursday
7:00AM - 5:30PM
Based on business needs, this position could be required to work nights, weekends and/or holidays.
This position participates in an on-call rotation.
This position is Emergency Duty, Adverse Weather and Communicable Disease Primary On-site Mandatory. This means it must report to work during periods of inclement weather, university emergency situation and/or public health emergency.

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

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.

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.

A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $4,944 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $2472 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $2,472 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.

This position provides intermediate/journey level mechanical skills in the maintenance of the power plant, steam plant and/or landfill gas generator. This skill set allows independent work on less complicated equipment and systems with minimal instruction and/or direction. This position is responsible for preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance and repairs to systems and equipment like: fluidized bed boilers, natural gas/oil package boilers and plant auxiliary equipment. Auxiliary equipment could include: steam turbine generator, fans, pumps, piping systems, control valves, tanks, mills, steam traps, cooling towers, condensers, fluid drives, heat exchangers, air compressors, and water treatment systems, etc. Examples of repairs include: 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 these multi-million dollar facilities

High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).

Positions in this banded class perform semi-skilled and skilled utilities maintenance and repair work on energy utility systems. Positions perform a wide range of progressively responsible tasks involving the service, inspection, troubleshoot, repair, rebuild and diagnosis of a diverse number of mechanical, electrical and I&C systems for Cogeneration (boilers, turbines, coal handling), chilled water and electric distribution systems and equipment. Work ranges from inspection, service, repair and troubleshooting to analyzing highly complex control, electrical and mechanical systems and equipment using advanced diagnostic instruments and software; conducting parts/systems failure analysis; to include calibrating, tuning, and operating said system and equipment. Standard operational guidelines, system safety procedures, vendor manuals and manufacturer publications and bulletins are normally established and employees apply technical knowledge and skills, occasionally modifying standard practice and procedures due to unusual situations. Positions must routinely determine materials, techniques and tools to accomplish work assignments. Work assignments vary in complexity depending on the type of control, electrical and mechanical systems components and equipment. New or unusual assignments may be accompanied by more detailed instructions. Work is performed under general supervision and may be reviewed and inspected in progress or upon completion.

Knowledge - Technical: Technical/operational skills and knowledge in a specific technical area(s) and ability to keep up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise. May be acquired through academic, apprenticeship or on-the-job training or a combination of these. Ability to understand both standard and nonstandard work processes. Ability to perform a variety of recurring and non-recurring work that involves related or varying processes and that are associated with moderately complex components, equipment and systems. Ability to troubleshoot, analyze and determine various courses of action for moderately complex components, equipment and systems. Ability to identify and troubleshoot to determine solutions for equipment installation, repair, maintenance and operation of boilers, turbines and related systems and equipment. Ability to operate moderately complex equipment and systems using computer controls.

Safety and Health Compliance: Ability to understand applicable policies and procedures, and maintain conditions that ensure a healthy and safe working environment. Ability to identify and resolve potential system safety problems and unsafe work practices; ability to show co-workers safe ways to perform job tasks or use equipment; ability to incorporate accident prevention and corrective measures in all activities; ability to regularly assess shop safety conditions.

Problem Solving: Ability to identify problems, determine possible solutions, and actively work to resolve the issues. Ability to ensure non-routine, non-repetitious work meets industry service standards according to service manuals; ability to check and rechecks work prior to and after completion; ability to seek approval of supervisor or higher-level technician upon completion of assignment; ability to use appropriate record-keeping methods; ability to operate and identify operation issues of moderately complex equipment and systems.

Knowledge of or experience with: CFB Boilers, natural gas/oil package boilers, water treatment systems, feed water, cooling water, steam systems and/or steam turbine generators.

Valid NC Drivers License

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 to include steam tunnels with temperatures that can exceed 130 degrees. The appropriate PPE in accordance with established procedures and instructions will be required to be used. Example; ladders/stairs, ability to lift/move 50+ pounds, ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus, working on knees for extended periods of time, working with hands overhead for extended periods of time

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 .

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.