Steam Plant Operator

Employment Opportunities

Steam Plant Operator

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Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date indicated in the posting. For positions listed as Open Until Filled, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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.

Posting Details

Work experience or education that is NOT included on the application will NOT be considered when screening your application. Please include ALL work experience and education on the application to ensure that you receive the appropriate credit toward qualification for this position.

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.
Minimum Qualifications	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: Pumps, Mechanical Piping and Systems, Controls, Meters and Metering Devices, Gauges, Electrical Wiring and Devices, Water Softeners, Chemical Analysis, Blueprint Reading, Variable Frequency Drives, Motors, Plant Logs and Personal Computers and Hardware. 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.
Preferred Qualifications	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	10/23/2026
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	[email protected]
Applicant Pool Preference	External (Post on the Web)

Departmental Information

Quick Link	https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/56260
Posting Number	201503064P

Supplemental Questions

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Applicant Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents