Power Plant Operations Assistant (AA-165-26E) PERG

Power Plant Operations Assistant

Build your career in power plant operations as a Power Plant Operations Assistant at the Puente Hills Gas-to-Energy Facility (PERG). Work alongside experienced operators while gaining hands-on experience with high-pressure steam systems, turbine-generator equipment, plant control systems, and related auxiliary equipment. This assignment is anticipated to continue for approximately two (2) to four (4) years and offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, job stability, structured training, and valuable on-the-job development designed to build your technical skills and prepare you to compete for advancement to Power Plant Operator I and other higher-level positions in power plant operations.

Location: Solid Waste Management Department, Energy Recovery Section, Puente Hills Gas-to-Energy Facility

This recruitment is being conducted for both the Power Plant Operator I and Power Plant Operations Assistant classifications. Only one (1) vacancy currently exists, and it may be filled at either level. You must submit a separate application for Power Plant Operator I.

Positions that become available may have specific shift assignments, respirator requirements and/or roving status.

To participate in routine power plant operations and maintenance duties at a high-pressure steam generating plant.

Under the general supervision of the Energy Recovery Supervisor, and technical leadership of higher-level operators, incumbents will:

• Participate in the operation and maintenance of plant equipment under supervision
• Adjust load and voltage of equipment as needed
• Inspect and adjust boiler and plant equipment not fully controlled by the computer system
• Report abnormal conditions to higher-level operators for corrective action
• Monitor plant instrumentation and complete operational logs
• Perform routine water quality analyses
• Assist in operating, lighting, and securing boilers and flares
• Start and stop turbines, boilers, and other plant equipment
• Implement process changes as directed
• Perform minor emergency repairs and routine maintenance on hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical devices
• Clean mechanical equipment and apply protective coatings to surfaces
• Change lubricants, gaskets, and tighten or loosen joints
• Operate hand and power tools for maintenance tasks
• Assist mechanics with assembling and disassembling plant equipment
• Operate the plant computer on a relief basis during normal conditions

Candidates must possess all of the following:

• A valid California Class C Driver License; AND
• One of the following:
• Two (2) years of experience in the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County performing duties as a Power Plant Attendant ; OR
• Three (3) years of equivalent industrial or military experience at a power-generation, petro-chemical process or similar facility.

Knowledge of :

• Basic hand and power tools
• Basic functions of a steam generating power plant
• Safety considerations in an industrial plant setting
• Basic arithmetic
• Safe work practices
• Principles of operation and maintenance of boilers, turbines, generators and power plant equipment
• Principles of combustion

Ability to :

• Read and comprehend apprentice-level training manuals, diagrams and technical instructions
• Learn the operation of all phases of a power plant
• Use basic hand tools
• Learn to read meters and gauges
• Perform manual labor
• Perform minor plant maintenance work
• Record and interpret readings of meters and gauges and maintain operating logs
• Recognize needed equipment repairs
• Guide others in operating and maintaining plant equipment
• Perform a wide variety of plant operations

The selection process will consist of a written test weighted at 50%, and an interview weighted at 50%. Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process. The initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of September 7, 2026.

To apply, please apply online at within the application period. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment application. Check your e-mail regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications are sent via e-mail. Please make sure that your registered e-mail address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery add View email address on click.appcast.io to your contact list.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.