UTILITY OPERATOR I

Work Arrangement:

Requisition Number: 265657

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: CENTRAL ADMIN MANAGEMENT CTR

Date: Feb 23, 2026

Be Bold

The Utility Systems Operator supports steam, chilled water, pumping, and auxiliary systems to maintain efficient plant operation and to assist in monitoring HVAC and electrical systems.

Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent
3 years experience in operating utility systems equipment, facilities or distribution systems.
Pass the Basic Duke Utility Systems Operations Test within 6 months of entering position

Licenses or Certifications Required:

Possess a valid North Carolina Driver’s license.
Forklift certification within 6 months of entering position

What You’ll Do

• Clean and maintain equipment and work areas.
• Monitor equipment, conduct rounds, and maintain detailed operational records.
• Operate steam boilers, chilled water systems, pumping systems, and auxiliary equipment as directed.
• Perform lock‑out/tag‑out procedures for maintenance activities.
• Stay current on updated procedures, new equipment, and related systems.
• Assist mechanics, technicians, and other operators with troubleshooting.
• Support the observation and monitoring of electrical systems.
• Participate in equipment and systems training.
• Locate valves, piping, and distribution components to troubleshoot system issues.
• Perform basic calculations and conversions.
• Use computer software applicable to plant operations.
• Conduct chemical testing and maintain proper treatment levels within design limits.
• Maintain accurate, legible chemical logs.
• Provide technical guidance to less experienced personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Choose Duke

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD 18.32/HR to $30.15/HR. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.