Cogeneration Operator

NOTIFICATIONS

The starting hourly salary for this position is Step 1.0 $ 54.10. Upon successfully completing the 6 month probation period, the hourly salary will increase to Step 2.0 $ 60.13.

This is a night shift position, Midnight to Noon, 7 days on, 7 days off.

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration.

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Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 2/16/2026

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

Physical Planning, Development & Operations (PPDO) manages and oversees all University activities and services related to physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, capital and space planning, space management, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University's main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet.

The department oversees operating budgets of over $60 million, manages a project portfolio of approximately $990 million, and employs over 400 full-time staff to carry out the duties necessary for campus development and operation.

More information can be found at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Under the direction of the Cogen Shop Supervisor, the Cogeneration Operator operates and maintains the campus central heating, central condensing, cogeneration plant, the campus swimming facility, and campus energy management and monitoring system on an assigned shift. Routine duties include operation of high-voltage (12KV) switch gear, starting and stopping of the cogeneration unit, paralleling operations of the cogeneration engine with the utility (PG&E), operation of gas-fired boilers, gas compressors, propane backup system, cooling towers, and automated pumping and piping systems related to the operation of the plant.

Budgeted Salary: $54.10/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Shift Differential: 100% of the time - additional $3/hour for a qualifying night shifts

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week:
  Mon-Sun 7 days on, 7 days off
• Shift Includes:
  Nights, Weekends

Career appointment

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