Energy Plant Operator

Energy Plant Operator

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 September 7, 2026. 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

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Advertised Job Summary: Under general supervision in centralized energy facilities, 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 1 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: 6 years' experience in industrial hydronics systems

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:

Conducts routine inspections of all energy production areas and equipment by adhering to a planned maintenance schedule for all systems, physically observing systems for proper operation Communicating problems to appropriate personnel and supervision 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.

Performs corrective and preventative maintenance on energy distribution equipment in multiple energy plants including boilers, de-aerator systems, water chillers, 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 compliance with national and local codes and regulations; Exhibiting professionalism in conduct, appearance, and work practices; and developing and maintaining strong customer service practices.

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

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. Actively participates in training and coaching other plant personnel.

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.

Performs administrative tasks including maintaining and completing accurate daily timesheets and records. Assists with the Facilities inventory control by requesting, receiving, tallying, and monitoring maintenance supplies and tools from Consolidated Supplies and outside vendors following established procurement policies and procedures. Attending and participating in meetings and training events related to customer service, safety, continuous improvement, and departmental areas of concern. Issuing notifications to supervision when issues occur, coordinating with the designated in-house liaison to follow outage-notification procedures, and logging and routing incoming calls to the appropriate managers, supervisors, and the Work Management team.

Performs other related duties as required to include filling in for absent personnel on other shifts and/or other plants.

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

Number of Vacancies: 2

Job Open Date: 07/28/2026

Job Close Date: 09/07/2026

Open Until Filled: No

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.