Operating Engineer

Operating Engineer I

Hello, we're Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, operated by Metro, is one of the nation's largest performing arts centers, managing five iconic venues in downtown Portland. As an Operating Engineer I, you'll support the safe and reliable operation of building systems that power world-class performances. This event-driven role is ideal if you thrive in a fast-paced environment and bring strong mechanical expertise, with work primarily focused on HVAC and electrical systems and exposure to a wide range of technical building systems.

This position is on-call as needed to support event operations, with scheduling based on business needs predominantly in the evenings and on weekends. Success in this role requires flexibility, reliability, strong attendance, effective communication across departments, and the ability to collaborate with multiple trades and clearly explain technical information to diverse audiences.

As an Operating Engineer I you will:

• Maintain and troubleshoot HVAC systems: including air handlers, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, fans, controls, and associated PLC/automation systems, using building drawings and documentation.
• Service plumbing and hydronic systems: including piping, valves, drainage, and potable/non-potable water systems.
• Support life and fire safety systems: coordinating inspections and maintenance for sprinklers, alarms, suppression systems, and related equipment.
• Perform general mechanical and building trades work: including doors, hardware, glazing, structural finishes, and minor carpentry; welding/brazing experience is a plus.
• Maintain kitchen and refrigeration equipment as needed.
• Assist with low-voltage infrastructure: including basic troubleshooting of network/data cabling tied to building systems.
• Use maintenance and work order systems to track repairs, review system data, and support efficient operation of building assets.
• Follow and promote safety standards: including OSHA practices, lockout/tagout, PPE use, and hazard awareness.

Attributes for success:

• Reliability: Demonstrates consistent punctuality and strong attendance.
• Customer Service: Communicates clearly with customers and teammates, providing timely updates and thorough work order documentation. Accurately reads and follows written and verbal instructions, with strong attention to detail. Uses CMMS systems to manage and close out work.
• Safety: Applies industry safety standards (OSHA and others) and works safely in physically demanding conditions, including lifting, climbing ladders, and frequent movement throughout the facility.
• Initiative & Troubleshooting: Takes a proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving with a willingness to learn. Reads and interprets schematics, one-line diagrams, and building plans (mechanical, electrical, and fire protection).
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with staff and contractors, maintains positive working relationships, and verifies quality and completeness of completed work.
• Technical & Physical Skills: Understands and safely operates building systems including boilers, chillers, cooling towers, packaged units, electrical systems (high/low voltage), and DDC controls, including how these systems interact.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

To qualify

Minimum qualifications:

• One year of experience as an operating engineer in a large facility or Maintenance Technician in a medium to large commercial facility, OR
• We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Required:

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Able to work a variety of shifts including weekdays, daylight hours, evenings, weekends and holidays as required.
• Ability to successfully pass a background and driving check.

Shift and schedule: This position is variable hour with no set schedule, you set your schedule, allowing you to balance work with your personal commitment. You'll have the opportunity to support our team primarily during days. Additional opportunities may come up to help during events, nights, weekends, days and holidays as needed, with your schedule adapting to the operational needs and special events at the Portland'5 Centers for the Arts.

Working Conditions: This role requires…