Operating Engineer - CSU System-Wide

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first‑generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

The Operating Engineer is primarily responsible for the operation and maintenance of stationary equipment, boilers (gas and/or oil), chiller systems, and other mechanical equipment used to provide campus utilities. Working independently, under general supervision, the Operating Engineer performs day‑to‑day operations for the Boiler Chiller Plant and assists with the operation of building equipment and automated energy management systems to control HVAC.

Incumbent will monitor and adjust mechanical and computerized controls to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, and maintain daily logs of operation including maintenance work, test results, instrument readings, details of equipment malfunctions and energy consumption for conservation analysis. Responsibilities include identifying malfunctions, testing water quality, and taking necessary corrective action. Incumbent will also perform miscellaneous field duties, including maintenance and repair of underground and auxiliary equipment.

This position works under direct supervision of the Supervising Building Services Engineer and general supervision of the Manager of Engineering Trades/Chief Engineer. Operating Engineers work shifts, day, swing, and/or graveyard, including weekends, providing continuous twenty‑four‑hour coverage, seven days per week.

Full‑time. Night‑shift, Saturday through Wednesday, 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

Completion of a certificate or other vocational training in a related field may be substituted for hands‑on experience. The abilities listed above would normally be acquired through the full‑time equivalent of two years of hands‑on experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boiler and chiller systems, co‑generation systems, and/or related mechanical equipment.

• 2 years of HVAC service experience and/or 2 years of central plant operation experience.
• 1 year of pipe fitting experience.
• 1 year of steam operations experience.
• Boiler operations experience.
• Understanding of building automation software.

Pay Plan: 12/12. CSU Classification Salary Range: $64,260 (Step 1) – $93,612 (Step 20) per year.

This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

Applicants must disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

California State University, Chico requires that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive. This position is considered a sensitive position based on CSU guidelines.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.