Plant Operating Engineer

Plant Operating Engineer

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

Open to the public. This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Plant Operating Engineer positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

Final date to receive applications. This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST).

OC Public Works (OCPW) provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, cities, and other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through the sustainable delivery of projects and services. OC Public Works' guiding principles are safety, integrity, quality, teamwork, and adaptability. OCPW is a unique County department comprised of ten (10) service areas:
Administrative Services;
Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction; OC Development Services; OC Environmental Resources; OC Fleet Services; OC Facilities Design & Construction; OC Facilities Maintenance; OC Infrastructure Programs; and OC Operations & Maintenance.

The opportunity. OC Public Works is seeking experienced Plant Operating Engineers to work in the Central Utility Facility (CUF) Unit. The Plant Operating Engineer works independently and with the facility team to follow appropriate safety procedures to operate, service, and render repairs to mechanical and electrical equipment in a CUF. Incumbents specialize in the operation, service, and maintenance of a cogeneration system in a micro-grid environment.

This includes various mechanical and electrical equipment including HRSG, boilers, diesel and gas engines, diesel and natural gas turbines, cooling towers, boiler feed and condensate systems, water treatment systems, Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS), water softeners (various), and other mechanical auxiliary equipment typical in this type of environment. This recruitment may also be used to fill Assistant Plant Operating Engineer positions.

Desirable qualifications and core competencies. The ideal candidate will possess a steam plant and EPA refrigerant equipment license, have knowledge of chillers, absorbers operations and water chemistry principles. The ideal candidate also possesses experience in Utilities and Public Works trades such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical or welding, as well as Central Utility Facility or Public Works trades experience. The most successful candidates will also possess the competencies below:

Technical Experience & Knowledge

• Knowledge of high pressure HRSG and boilers, gas turbine engines, electrical generators, steam chilled water, electrical distribution and transfer equipment, transmitters, and auxiliary systems
• Experience using SCADA and PLC systems, computer-based management tracking systems, emission monitoring systems, and energy management systems
• Understanding of Heat Transfer & Combustion Principles
• Operate, maintain, diagnose problems, and repair all equipment associated with the production of electricity, steam, and chilled water, including boiler feed water equipment, water pretreatment equipment, electrical/electronic pneumatic and hydraulic controls systems, air quality control equipment, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
• Prepare, review, perform quality control, and file operation, maintenance, and data reports and logs, and various other plant documentation
• Functionally utilize typical office type software such as Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel

Communication Skills

• Effectively communicate with managers, supervisors, engineers, craft workers and the public
• Be able to communicate with City, State and Federal Agencies
• Produce clear and concise written documents and records; maintain accurate computer logs

Safety Focus

• Ability to observe safety practices working with high pressure steam and heavy mechanical equipment
• Take a proactive approach to fostering a safe work environment
• Identify, report and correct unsafe working conditions and/or equipment in an efficient and timely manner
• Respond quickly to emergency conditions with boilers and auxiliary equipment
• Understand the Lock Out Tag Out procedures

Problem Solving & Analytical Skills

• Ability to read, write, and interpret blueprint instructions and diagrams
• Analyze and interpret CUF operating parameters
• Analyze situations accurately and take prompt controlling action during facility upset and emergency conditions
• Analyze, interpret, calculate, and adjust as needed electric power input/output, steam and chilled water output, and equipment efficiency
• Ability to apply reasoning and judgment in diagnosing mechanical faults and choosing the best method of repair
• Ability to conduct water analysis…