County of Orange
Plant Operating Engineer / Assistant Plant Operating Engineer
County of Orange, Santa Ana, California, United States, 92725
PLANT OPERATING ENGINEER / ASSISTANT PLANT OPERATING ENGINEER
Salary Information
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
Recruitment is Open to the Public The eligible list established through this recruitment will be used to fill current and future Plant Operating Engineer positions within OC Public Works. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in lower classifications within the Plant Operating Engineer job series, such as Assistant Plant Operating Engineer.
Deadline to Apply This recruitment will close at 11:59PM PST on Monday, December 22, 2025.
OC Public Works provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, to cities, and to other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through efficient delivery and maintenance of public works infrastructure, planning, and development services. OC Public Works core values are integrity, accountability, service and trust. OC Public Works partners with a diverse array of local, state, and federal agencies; special districts and authorities; and the private development community including construction, planning, and design firms, to accomplish many of the County's infrastructure projects.
Click here for more information about OC Public Works. Click here for more information about the County of Orange.
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 is a dual recruitment. Applicants will first be assessed and be considered for Plant Operating Engineer positions. Applicants will be considered for Assistant Plant Operating Engineer positions if they do not meet the assessment score threshold for the Plant Operating Engineer classification. More information about the minimum qualifications for both of these classifications is below. The primary distinction between Plant Operating Engineer and Assistant Plant Operating Engineer positions is that Plant Operating Engineer is the journey-level position in the series and works under general supervision. The Assistant Plant Operating Engineer is the entry-level position within the series, and works under close supervision.
Desired Qualifications and Core Competencies Desired 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 accurately and take corrective actions based on results
Minimum Qualifications Click here to view the complete classification description for Plant Operating Engineer and Assistant Plant Operating Engineer.
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 to review the policy.
Recruitment Process Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Application Appraisal Panel
– Applications and supplemental responses will be scored by a panel of job knowledge experts. Only those candidates that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a thorough application and fully respond to the supplemental questions.
Structured Oral Interview
(Weighted 100%) – Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a qualification appraisal panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
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.
Contact Information Email notification 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. Be sure to check your spam folder for misdelivered emails related to this recruitment.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Zachary Gutierrez at 714-667-1623 or Zachary.Gutierrez@ocpw.ocgov.com.
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Recruitment is Open to the Public The eligible list established through this recruitment will be used to fill current and future Plant Operating Engineer positions within OC Public Works. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in lower classifications within the Plant Operating Engineer job series, such as Assistant Plant Operating Engineer.
Deadline to Apply This recruitment will close at 11:59PM PST on Monday, December 22, 2025.
OC Public Works provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, to cities, and to other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through efficient delivery and maintenance of public works infrastructure, planning, and development services. OC Public Works core values are integrity, accountability, service and trust. OC Public Works partners with a diverse array of local, state, and federal agencies; special districts and authorities; and the private development community including construction, planning, and design firms, to accomplish many of the County's infrastructure projects.
Click here for more information about OC Public Works. Click here for more information about the County of Orange.
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 is a dual recruitment. Applicants will first be assessed and be considered for Plant Operating Engineer positions. Applicants will be considered for Assistant Plant Operating Engineer positions if they do not meet the assessment score threshold for the Plant Operating Engineer classification. More information about the minimum qualifications for both of these classifications is below. The primary distinction between Plant Operating Engineer and Assistant Plant Operating Engineer positions is that Plant Operating Engineer is the journey-level position in the series and works under general supervision. The Assistant Plant Operating Engineer is the entry-level position within the series, and works under close supervision.
Desired Qualifications and Core Competencies Desired 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 accurately and take corrective actions based on results
Minimum Qualifications Click here to view the complete classification description for Plant Operating Engineer and Assistant Plant Operating Engineer.
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 to review the policy.
Recruitment Process Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Application Appraisal Panel
– Applications and supplemental responses will be scored by a panel of job knowledge experts. Only those candidates that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a thorough application and fully respond to the supplemental questions.
Structured Oral Interview
(Weighted 100%) – Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a qualification appraisal panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
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.
Contact Information Email notification 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. Be sure to check your spam folder for misdelivered emails related to this recruitment.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Zachary Gutierrez at 714-667-1623 or Zachary.Gutierrez@ocpw.ocgov.com.
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr