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.

Deadline to apply. 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).

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:

• 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 accurately and take corrective actions based on results.

Minimum qualifications. Please click here for details on the Plant Operating Engineer classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

Recruitment process. Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition. Application screening (refer/non-refer) applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step. Application Appraisal Panel | AAP (Weighted 100%) An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen and evaluate the application, and supplemental questionnaire for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above. Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list. Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%) The Structured Oral Interview is a timed assessment. Applicants will provide answers to job-related questions, which will be rated by a panel of subject matter experts using standardized evaluation criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will move advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list. Eligible list. Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies. Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Veterans employment preference. The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here (Download PDF reader) to review the policy.

Reasonable accommodation. The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

Email notification. Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.