Cogeneration Plant Operator (Operating Engineer)

About the role

The Cogeneration Plant Operator at San Diego State University is responsible for the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of the campus central plant and utility systems. This role involves operating, monitoring, and maintaining central plant equipment, troubleshooting and repairing plant and HVAC systems, responding to service requests and utility disruptions, and documenting operational support.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain central plant equipment, including boilers, turbines, compressors, cooling towers, and utility distribution systems.
• Maintain and repair plant and HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance.
• Respond to service requests and utility disruptions affecting campus operations.
• Document records, reports, inventories, and work documentation.
• Collaborate with other trades and departments to coordinate materials, equipment, and support activities.

Requirements

• Equivalent to two years of hands-on experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boiler and chiller systems, cogeneration systems, and/or related mechanical equipment.
• Completion of a certificate or other vocational training may be substituted for hands-on experience.
• Must be able to operate boilers and chillers safely and efficiently.
• Monitor energy consumption and adjust equipment and system features.
• Thorough knowledge of cogeneration plant equipment and systems, including gas and steam turbines, HRSGs, boilers, cooling towers, water treatment, and auxiliary systems.
• Working knowledge of system water testing and treatment procedures.
• Able to lift more than 40 pounds with or without assistance.
• Five years of experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boiler, chiller and cogeneration systems or related mechanical equipment preferred.
• Turbine Endorsement, City of Los Angeles preferred.
• Building Operator Certification, Level II preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications Required: Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Qualifications

• Must be able to operate boilers and chillers safely and efficiently.
• Monitor energy consumption and adjust equipment and system features.
• Thorough knowledge of cogeneration plant equipment and systems, including gas and steam turbines, HRSGs, boilers, cooling towers, water treatment, and auxiliary systems.
• Working knowledge of system water testing and treatment procedures.
• Able to lift more than 40 pounds with or without assistance.
• Five years of experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boiler, chiller and cogeneration systems or related mechanical equipment preferred.
• Turbine Endorsement, City of Los Angeles preferred.
• Building Operator Certification, Level II preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications Required: Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Skills

Essential skills include the ability to operate boilers and chillers safely and efficiently, monitor energy consumption, troubleshoot and repair plant and HVAC systems, and document records and reports. Knowledge of cogeneration plant equipment and systems, system water testing and treatment procedures, and safe working techniques are also required.

Benefits

San Diego State University offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous time off, retirement benefits, health coverage, education support, and optional offerings such as FlexCash, life and disability insurance, and legal and pet plans. The position is non-exempt under FLSA and eligible for overtime compensation. The individual hired will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Pay

Compensation range is $5,355-$7,801 per month (Step 1-Step 20). Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Schedule

The position is full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary. Working hours are 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and may vary based on operational needs. This schedule follows a watch rotation that alternates every four months. The selected candidate will begin with a training period, during which the hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Upon successful completion of the training period, the candidate will transition to the regular watch rotation schedule.