What are the responsibilities and job description for the Energy Plant Operator position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
STA00102PO25
Job Family
Skilled Trades
Job Function
Boiler Maintenance
USC Market Title
Steam / CHW Technician
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133856
Job Level
T2 - Technical Support
Business Title (Internal Title)
Energy Plant Operator
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
Division of Administration and Finance
Department
DAF Facilities Energy Plant
State Pay Band
5
Approved Starting Salary
$41,258
Advertised Salary Range
$41,258 - $51,572
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 7am-7pm / 7am-7pm
Sunday through Tues 7am-7pm / 7am-7pm
Wednesday and Thurs 7am-3pm /3pm-11pm / 11pm-7am
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Trades/Maintenance
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.
Inclusive Excellence Statement
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
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
Performs duties in the operation and maintenance of the University of South Carolina’s energy plants.
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
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Ability to operate and perform maintenance work in various energy facilities; general knowledge of various trades crafts; ability to communicate both orally and in writing; ability to read and interpret instruction manuals and drawings; ability to use initiative and be proactive in discharging duties.
Job Duties
Job Duty
- Conducts routine inspections of energy distribution areas and equipment by adhering to 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.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
35
Job Duty
- Performs corrective and preventative maintenance on energy distribution equipment in multiple energy plants including boilers, de-aerator systems, conveyor systems, water chillers up to 3000 tons, cooling towers, pumps, motors, piping, and other related equipment by receiving work orders;
- Performing mechanical repairs; operating tools and equipment;
- Communicating with supervisory personnel and coworkers;
- Ensuring that all work performed follows the departmental and OSHA safety guidelines, policies, and regulations;
- Ensuring all assigned systems are in safe working order and compliant with national and local codes and regulations;
- Exhibiting professionalism in conduct, appearance, and work practices;
- Developing and maintaining strong customer service practices.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
- Assists in the chemical water treatment process for boilers, cooling towers, chillers and other associated distribution piping and equipment systems by performing daily operational tests;
- Taking corrective action;
- Recording test results and corrective actions;
- Reporting to management when deficiencies are noted.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
- Stays current with best practices regarding plant operations and the technology involved by physically observing operations within the plants, reviewing process diagrams, and reading training manuals on a regular basis.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
- Maintains work areas and tools by adhering to appropriate schedules, performing repairs when necessary, contacting the Call Center for service requests to repair equipment in-house when necessary, inspecting, cleaning, and painting in order to meet safety and cleanliness standards and expectations.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
- Performs administrative tasks including maintaining and completing accurate daily time sheets and records;
- Assists with the Facilities inventory control by requesting, receiving and monitoring maintenance supplies, materials, and tools from Consolidated Supplies and outside vendors following established procurement policies and procedures;
- Attending meetings and training events related to customer service, safety, and continuous improvement.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
- Performs other related duties as required to include filling in for absent personnel on other shifts.
Essential Function
No
Percentage of Time
5
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
02/10/2025
Job Close Date
03/27/2025
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 March 27, 2025.
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/183258
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 : $41,258 - $51,572
