The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being subject to the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (SHRA). This position is responsible for maintaining and operating the campus steam plant to ensure a continuous, reliable supply of steam except during scheduled outages. Core duties include performing daily maintenance to keep boilers operational, maintaining hourly operating logs, and servicing auxiliary equipment such as pumps, motors, fans, and boiler controls — troubleshooting and completing repairs as needed. This position also serves as the night, weekend, and holiday facilities switchboard operator.

Working Conditions:

This position involves physically demanding work in challenging environments. Conditions include summer temperatures up to 105°F, noise levels exceeding 80 decibels, and potential exposure to #6 fuel oil, LP gas, and natural gas. Candidates must be able to lift up to 100 lbs., operate heavy-duty hand tools, work comfortably at heights up to 30 feet, and perform duties in confined spaces. Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position Journeyman-level knowledge of steam plant equipment, systems, and auxiliaries, including a thorough understanding of full-cycle steam operations Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make timely decisions in response to operational problems — often without supervision Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose issues and draw on prior experience to resolve them effectively Proficiency with a wide range of tools including power hand tools, welders, torches, chemical meters, precision instruments, portable breathing units, and general hand tools Minimum Qualifications Some state job postings say you can qualify by an 'equivalent combination of education and experience.' If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some positions may require special licenses or certification.

Optional Guidelines:

Experience in the trade(s) areas related to the area of assignment may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Anticipated Hiring Range $47,995 Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours per Week 40 Number of Months per Year 12 Salary Band Range $35,099 - $74,402 Salary Grade 65 Posting Text Open Date 09/15/2026 Close Date 09/29/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of references (with complete contact information). Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran's Preference.

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.

If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR). Background/E-Verify Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify . Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment. Credential Verification All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements. EOE Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu. University Safety The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.