Power Plant Operator I

What do you

value in your next job?

At the

Orange County Sanitation District

our

Core Values

form the framework of our organization and reinforce our professional work ethic. If the following values ring true with you, we'd love to invite you to explore our career opportunities further.

Integrity, Inclusion, Honesty, and Respect

We aspire to the highest degree of integrity, inclusion, honesty, and respect in our interaction with each other, our suppliers, our customers, and our community. We strive to demonstrate these values in our actions, commitments, and service.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving

We lead by example, acknowledging the value of our resources and using them wisely to achieve our mission. We strive to reach OC San goals through cooperative efforts and collaboration with each other and our constituencies. We work to solve problems in a creative, cost-effective, and safe manner, and we acknowledge team and individual efforts.

Customer Service, Transparency, and Accountability

We are committed to acting in a timely, accurate, accessible, and transparent manner through excellent customer service. We are committed to act in the best interest of our internal and external stakeholders.

Resiliency, Innovation, and Learning

We continuously develop ourselves, enhancing our talents, skills, and abilities. We recognize that only through personal growth and development will we progress as an agency and as individuals.

Safety

We are committed to providing a safe work environment. We will demonstrate leadership, promote individual accountability, and participate actively in the advancement of our health and safety practices.

OC San is currently looking to fill the role of a

Power Plant Operator I .

Under general supervision, participates in the generation and distribution of power throughout the treatment plant by operating, monitoring, inspecting, and maintaining methane gas engine generators and auxiliary equipment; troubleshoots, and solves problems; performs routine preventive maintenance on power generation equipment; and performs duties as assigned.

This Position Will

- Perform assigned power plant rounds, inspecting and monitoring general operations of OC San’s power plants to ensure proper working condition.

- Perform routine preventive maintenance on power generation equipment such as cleaning or changing air filters, cleaning strainers, aligning pumps, changing belts and sheaves, performing boiler inspections, adjusting packings, scheduling repairs, and monitoring vibrations, chemicals, and oil.

- Operate, monitor, inspect, troubleshoot, and assist in maintaining internal combustion engines, steam turbine generators, chiller refrigeration, energy steam systems, and auxiliary support and safety equipment such as pumps, compressors, fans, valves, filters, equipment drives, and motors.

- Monitor and control electrical switchgear up to 12,000-volt power as needed to maintain reliable power supply to the wastewater treatment facility by either operating high voltage switchgear, making manual adjustments to equipment, or by operating computer control systems designed to monitor trends and start and stop engines; monitors a variety of computer systems including applicable software program designed to control and monitor the electrical system.

- Assist in performing emergency repairs on power generation equipment, as directed; assist other divisions with repairs; operate switchgears and assist in performing isolations, shut-downs, tag outs, and start-ups of power generation equipment before and after testing, maintenance, and emergency repairs.

- Operate and maintain a variety of test equipment, hand tools, power tools, and other equipment and vehicles in the performance of assigned duties.

- Perform duties as assigned.

Required

- 1. High school diploma or G.E.D., supplemented by specialized training or coursework in electrical or electrical power generation technology, or a related field.

- Two (2) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of electrical power generation equipment such as gas engines, pumps, compressors, and steam turbines and boilers.

- Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

Desired

- Knowledge of and experience with chillers and the operation of electrical power generation equipment and components.

- Knowledge of the methods and techniques of high and low voltage distribution and preventive/corrective maintenance.

- Experience working with CMMS (Centralized Maintenance Management System).

- Experience with Microsoft Office, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) & DAHS (Data Acquisition and Handling System computer software).

Vacancies: 1

(an eligible list may be established for future vacancies) Apply online at: www.ocsan.gov/careers APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE: Wednesday, January 7, 2026; 5:00 P.M. (or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received) Hiring Salary Range: $46.39 - $51.12/Hour (starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications) PHYSICAL DEMANDS

- Mobility to work in the plant; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various OC San sites, projects, and/or meetings.

- Perform moderate to heavy physical work; to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to a weight of 51 pounds and occasionally heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

- Work requires entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment and protective safety equipment.

- Vision to inspect and operate equipment.

- Field work requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.

- Finger dexterity to operate tools and equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

- Field work in and around facilities with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, heights, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.

- Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Other Requirements

- May be required to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary.

- Standby and Call Back: Employees in this classification may be required to participate in standby duty and are subject to call back, which may include nights, weekends and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice. Any employee designated to serve on standby, or report to an emergency, and refuses to do such, shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

- Probationary Period: All OC San employees, except classifications considered “at-will”, are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, policies, and/or resolutions. Employees who have not yet successfully completed their initial probationary period serve “at-will” and may be released from employment without cause or recourse to any appeal or grievance procedures.

- Pre-Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation, a physical examination, and a drug screen.

- Work Location Assignment: Employees will be assigned to a work location based on business needs which may be located at any/all of OC San locations; this work location may be changed at any time.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Other Information

For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions please review the Classification Specification for this position found on our website.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate, through their application materials, that they meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement and class specification to receive further consideration. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.

False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please review the Job Application Guide.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation and a physical examination. For some positions, this may include a drug screen. False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

Reference Checks Will Be Conducted By OC San To Verify Employment Related Information For All Potential Employees Once a Contingent Job Offer Is Made During The Background Investigation Process. This Is Done To Ensure That Individuals Who Join OC San Are Well Qualified And Have a Strong Potential To Be Successful In Their Employment. The Extent Of The Inquiry Will Depend On The Position Being Applied For, But Will At Least Include

- Verification/Reference from current and past employers

- Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.

Please have all necessary documentation ready. Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying. Human Resources will also schedule a post-offer physical examination once a job offer has been made.

OC San only accepts applications submitted via our online application system. Applications submitted via mail, fax or email will not be accepted.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.