Operating Engineer II – Portland Expo Center

Operating Engineer II

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

The Portland Expo Center (Expo) is seeking an experienced Operating Engineer to join our Facilities team and help support one of the Pacific Northwest's most versatile event venues. In this role, you will operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair critical building systems while ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable facility operations.

Working closely with facility staff, event teams, contractors, vendors, and event organizers, you will play a key role in supporting trade shows, conventions, community events, sporting events, and other large-scale gatherings. Responsibilities include maintaining HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and control systems, coordinating temporary event utility services, and supporting facility readiness for a diverse range of events.

This position is primarily based at the Portland Expo Center and may provide support to the Oregon Convention Center as needed.

If you are a skilled facilities professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, supporting high-profile events, and delivering exceptional customer service in a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply.

As the Operating Engineer II, you will:

• Operate, monitor, maintain, and repair HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, and mechanical systems, including boilers, chillers, air handling units, pumps, and related equipment.
• Utilize the Building Automation System (BAS) to monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, manage schedules, and optimize building operations.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair commercial kitchen equipment, plumbing systems, fixtures, piping, and backflow prevention devices.
• Maintain and repair facility support equipment, including forklifts, floor scrubbers, sweepers, utility carts, and other rolling stock.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance activities in accordance with established schedules, procedures, safety standards, and work orders.
• Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document work, manage preventive maintenance programs, and track facility assets.
• Assist with inventory management of maintenance supplies, tools, equipment, and replacement parts.
• Respond to facility issues, communicate operational needs and project updates, and coordinate effectively with Facilities leadership, contractors, and service providers.
• Install, maintain, and support temporary event utility services, including compressed air, domestic water, and natural gas connections.

• Support event operations by ensuring facility systems are safe, reliable, and responsive to the needs of exhibitors, event organizers, and guests.

Attributes for Success

• Strong knowledge of HVAC/R systems, including boilers, chillers, cooling towers, refrigeration equipment, and associated controls.
• Skilled in diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control systems.
• Proficient with Building Automation Systems (BAS), lighting controls, and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance practices, equipment reliability, and energy-efficient building operations.
• Ability to maintain and repair pumps, fans, compressors, motor-driven equipment, and other facility systems.
• Experience with brazing, welding, fabrication, and equipment modifications.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, control drawings, technical manuals, and equipment specifications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and emergency response procedures.
• Excellent communication, customer service, teamwork, and documentation skills

To qualify

• We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your…