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Energy Plant Operator


The University of South Carolina
8 days ago
Posted date
8 days ago
N/A
Minimum level
N/A
Full-timeEmployment type
Full-time
Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo

Posting Number
STA00552PO25

Job Family
Building and Grounds Maintenance

Job Function
Facilities Maintenance

USC Market Title
Maintenance Tech

Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132151

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
4

Approved Starting Salary
$37,735

Advertised Salary Range
$37,735 - $47,168

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time
Full Time

Hours per Week
40

Work Schedule

Rotating shift/12hr and 8hr Days/12hr and 8 hr Nights

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.

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

Under general supervision in operationally centralized energy plants, 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
  • Driver's License required

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
  • Making recommendations regarding the planned maintenance program to ensure proper operation and maintenance
  • Provide for, as well as assist in, corrective action prior to necessary emergency action.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
30

Job Duty
  • Performs corrective and preventative maintenance on energy distribution equipment in multiple energy plants including boilers, de-aerator 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; and developing and maintaining strong customer service practices.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
25

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 related to plant operations and associated technologies by regularly observing plant processes, reviewing system diagrams and studying training manuals.
  • Actively participates in required training sessions to enhance knowledge and remain up to date with evolving operational standards and equipment.
  • Participates in periodic spot checks designed to assess understanding and proficiency in the operation of chiller, boiler, hydronic systems and all related components including pump, valve, and motor operations, ensuring consistent performance and adherence to safety and efficiency standards.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
10

Job Duty
  • Maintains work areas and tools by adhering to appropriate schedules, performing repairs as needed and ensuring all tasks meet safety and cleanliness standards.
  • Informing the appropriate personnel to request in-house equipment repairs, as well as inspecting, cleaning, and painting workspaces and equipment.
  • Enters and manages work orders, and maintains accurate records by following up on both active and closed spot purchases.
  • Tracks and addresses issues related to inoperative or malfunctioning equipment to ensure continued operational efficiency.

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 and tools from Consolidated Supplies and outside vendors following established procurement polices and procedures.
  • Attending meeting 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
Yes

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
07/10/2025

Job Close Date
08/24/2025

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 August 24, 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/190493

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.
Related tags
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JOB SUMMARY
Energy Plant Operator
The University of South Carolina
Bapchule
8 days ago
N/A
Full-time

Energy Plant Operator