Energy Plant Operator

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number STA00208PO26 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 Range G06 USC Market Range MRC - $40,269 $49,330 $58,390 Anticipated Hiring Range $40,269-$49,330 Location of Vacancy SC 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 7a-7p/7a-7p
• Wednesday and Thurs 7a-3p/3p-11p/11p-7a

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.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

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 3 Desired Start Date Job Open Date 04/03/2026 Job Close Date 07/02/2026 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 July 2, 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

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

This posting is a re-advertisement. Applications previously submitted are all being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/204351 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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have at least a 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?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have a valid Driver's License?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume