Power Plant Maintenance Mechanic

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.

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 $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 position provides high-level mechanical skills in the maintenance of the power plant, steam plant and/or landfill gas generator. This skill set allows independent work with minimal supervision on all mechanical components, equipment and systems in very complex steam and electric generating facilities to ensure they operate safely and reliably. 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 this multi-million dollar facility. This position is expected to occasionally act as a crew leader and provide assignments to junior mechanics. This position trains and provides guidance on system troubleshooting, maintenance and repair.

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 for Cogeneration 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 systems 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. Assignments are normally received in the form of written or verbal work orders, which usually indicate the general nature of the task or describe the nature of the problem. 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.

Positions at this level perform a variety of recurring and non-recurring work that involves related or varying processes and that are associated with moderately complex systems. Positions analyze and determine various courses of action.

KNOWLEDGE - TECHNICAL: Ability to perform a number of widely varying and diverse assignments that require in-depth analysis and diagnostic work. Ability to serve as a 'technical expert' within the work unit and guide and coaches others. Ability to demonstrate a thorough and extensive understanding of complex equipment and systems. Examples: Plan and implement modifications to piping for steam, chilled water and high voltage wiring installation for cogeneration, chilled water and electric distribution systems. Ability to make operational decisions and provide direction in the operations of complex equipment and boiler systems.

SAFETY AND HEALTH COMPLIANCE: Ability to demonstrate commitment to provide safe working environment by leading by example; ability to follow appropriate post-emergency procedures. Ability to lead facility safety efforts and regularly communicate safety related operational items.

PROBLEM SOLVING: Ability to independently take necessary actions to ensure that industry service standards and procedures are followed when handling multiple, complex assignments. Ability to read and interpret Original Equipment Manufacturer ( OEM) manuals and uses diagnostic tools. Ability to lead and resolve operations issues associated with complex equipment and systems.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Ability to identify trends that impact service delivery to groups or individual customers; ability to make recommendations to improve service delivery based on customer feedback; ability to look for ways to remove barriers to optimize service delivery.

Experience in Power Plant Maintenance, Cogeneration and/or Utilities background.

The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air condition 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 move 50+ pounds, ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus.

Not Applicable.

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 without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system.

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.