Position Summary Information
Classification Title Utilities Plant Operator Working Title Steam Plant Operator Location Boone, North Carolina Job Category 7 Position Number 061781 Not Eligible for Visa Sponsorship
VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S
Department Facilities Operations - Steam Systems - 410100 Primary Purpose of Position
Employee is responsible for providing operation, maintenance/repair and management of steam boilers, as well as related equipment and infrastructure.
Employee operates generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, and other boiler plant equipment; monitor systems for normal running conditions.
Employee regulates equipment operations and conditions; respond to system or unit
abnormalities, diagnose the cause, and recommend or take corrective action.
Completion of high school and 1 year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Note: Maintains required certifications.
License/Certification Required Essential Job Functions
Performs boiler operations as prescribed and scheduled by the Steam Plant Supervisor, assuring the optimal and continuous operation of the boilers and associated equipment and systems. Assists in routine maintenance and operation of steam plant systems including valves, pumps, fans, heat exchangers, water softeners, compressed air systems, burners, and fuel delivery systems.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Requires a minimum of 1 year of Boiler Operation, Mechanical Systems, Electrical, HVAC Systems, and/or Plumbing experience.
Prefer experience as a Boiler Operator in a large-scale steam production facility, including experience and knowledge of:
Employee must have the ability to maintain reports and records for operational logs as well as repair and preventive maintenance on Steam Plant equipment, and have the ability to follow industry-specific guidelines, regulations, and codes, particularly as they relate to safety and environmental practices.
Must be able to operate university-owned vehicles.
Completion of high school and at least two years of progressive experience in the performance of tasks associated with mechanical maintenance, and/or the operation of large, complex boilers; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties.
Equipment Operation: 1. Performs basic operations and routine preventative maintenance of applicable machines, equipment and tools (e.g. painting, greasing) under the supervision of a higher level operator or supervisor. 2. Monitors equipment through various software and automated systems to ensure proper and efficient operations.
Knowledge-Technical: 1. Performs routine tasks and assignments through practical application of industry standards involving operations and maintenance/repair of utility plant equipment. 2. Applies general knowledge in the operation, maintenance, methods, procedures and techniques of applicable plant equipment and safety requirements specific to the area of assignment. 3. Performs routine and standard tasks to monitor, record, sample and test equipment related to utility plant operations.
Problem Solving: Identifies and recognizes standard/routine problems with equipment through routine inspection and preventive maintenance/testing. 2. Assist with routine troubleshooting using operating systems, software, and localized instrumentation.
Safety & Health Compliance: 1. Follows industry specific guidelines, regulations and codes, particularly as they relate to safety and environmental practices. Uses appropriate protective equipment following established protocols. 2. Identifies and informs supervisor of potential safety problems. Warns others of potential hazards. Follows appropriate post-emergency procedures.
Communication: 1. Listens to instructions and asks necessary questions to complete tasks. Communicates with fellow workers in a manner that allows work to be completed.
Type of Position Permanent Full-Time Staff/Non-Faculty Staff/Non-Faculty Appointment Type 1.0 Work Schedule/Hours
7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday per assigned schedule of 40 hours per week. Assigned schedule is subject to change per operational needs.
Position is considered MANDATORY and is expected to be available to work during university emergencies, closures and adverse
Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12 Mandatory Staff Yes Physical Demands of Position
Employee will be subject to several extremes of limited access space, heat, cold, dust, and dirt on a daily basis. Heavy lifting in excess of 50-100 pounds is also required on a limited basis.
Overall Competency Level Journey Salary Grade Equivalency GN07 Salary Range Anticipated Hiring Range $43,755 - $45,240
Pay will be commensurate with applicant competencies, budget, equity and market considerations.
Posting Details Information
Posting Date 09/18/2026 Closing Date 10/04/2026 Competency Level Statement If no applicants apply who meet the required competencies, then management may consider other applicants at a lower competency level. Special Instructions to Applicants
Please list a minimum of 3 professional references in the application.
Appalachian State University Benefits Information:https://hr.appstate.edu/hr-services/benefits
Finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check.
Must be able to operate university owned vehicles with a valid driver’s license.
Search Chair Name Jonathan Taylor Search Chair Email taylorjr7@appstate.edu Applicant Pool Preference External (Post on the Web)
Departmental Information
Quick Link https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/56260 Posting Number 201503064P
