Operating Engineer I (variable hour)

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, operated by Metro, is one of the nation’s largest performing arts centers, managing five iconic venues in downtown Portland. As an Operating Engineer I , you’ll support the safe and reliable operation of building systems that power world-class performances. This event-driven role is ideal if you thrive in a fast-paced environment and bring strong mechanical expertise, with work primarily focused on HVAC and electrical systems and exposure to a wide range of technical building systems.

This position supports event operations, with scheduling based on business needs predominantly in the evenings and on weekends. Success in this role requires flexibility, reliability, strong attendance, effective communication across departments, and the ability to collaborate with multiple trades and clearly explain technical information to diverse audiences.

As an Operating Engineer I you will:

• Maintain and troubleshoot HVAC systems: including air handlers, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, fans, controls, and associated PLC/automation systems, using building drawings and documentation.
• Service plumbing and hydronic systems: including piping, valves, drainage, and potable/non-potable water systems.
• Support life and fire safety systems: coordinating inspections and maintenance for sprinklers, alarms, suppression systems, and related equipment.
• Perform general mechanical and building trades work: including doors, hardware, glazing, structural finishes, and minor carpentry; welding/brazing experience is a plus.
• Maintain kitchen and refrigeration equipment as needed.
• Assist with low-voltage infrastructure: including basic troubleshooting of network/data cabling tied to building systems.
• Use maintenance and work order systems to track repairs, review system data, and support efficient operation of building assets.
• Follow and promote safety standards: including OSHA practices, lockout/tagout, PPE use, and hazard awareness.

Attributes for success:

• Reliability: Demonstrates consistent punctuality and strong attendance.
• Customer Service: Communicates clearly with customers and teammates, providing timely updates and thorough work order documentation. Accurately reads and follows written and verbal instructions, with strong attention to detail. Uses CMMS systems to manage and close out work.
• Safety: Applies industry safety standards (OSHA and others) and works safely in physically demanding conditions, including lifting, climbing ladders, and frequent movement throughout the facility.
• Initiative & Troubleshooting: Takes a proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving with a willingness to learn. Reads and interprets schematics, one-line diagrams, and building plans (mechanical, electrical, and fire protection).
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with staff and contractors, maintains positive working relationships, and verifies quality and completeness of completed work.
• Technical & Physical Skills: Understands and safely operates building systems including boilers, chillers, cooling towers, packaged units, electrical systems (high/low voltage), and DDC controls, including how these systems interact.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.   

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

Minimum qualifications:

• One year of experience as an operating engineer in a large facility or Maintenance Technician in a medium to large commercial facility, OR

• We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.  

Required:

• Possession of a valid driver's license.

• Able to work a variety of shifts including weekdays, daylight hours, evenings, weekends and holidays as required.

• Ability to successfully pass a background and driving check.
  
  

Shift and schedule: This position offers flexibility by operating on a business needs type schedule, allowing you to balance work with your personal commitment. You’ll have the opportunity to support our team primarily during days.  Additional opportunities may come up to help during nights, weekends, and holidays as needed, with your schedule adapting to the operational needs and special events at the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts.

Working Conditions: 

This role requires working in a wide range of mechanical and facility environments, including exposure to physical, electrical, chemical, thermal and ergonomic hazards typical of building trades work. Duties may involve lifting, climbing, confined spaces, and operating mechanical equipment. A strong commitment to safety, adherence to established protocols, and timely reporting of hazards are essential to maintaining a safe work environment.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• OSHA-10 or OSHA-30 certificate

• Moving Elevated Work Platform or scaffolding authorized person certificate of training

• Heavy equipment or forklift authorized person certificate of training

• Universal CFC/EPA Certificate

• Brazing or Welding Certificate

• HVAC trade-school certification equivalent or more

• Niagara or other BAS (Building Automation System) training certificate

• Fall Protection Certificate of training

• Lock Technician or Locksmith Certificate

• Network Infrastructure or Security Certificate or Knowledge of basic TCP/IP networking hardware and physical infrastructure  

• Mechanical experience from military role

• Preference provided to those with strong ability to work in the daytime hours to support core operational needs.

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A complete online application 
• Complete responses to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check 
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate 

The starting rate for this position is step 1: $39.13 per hour.

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) local 701 union. It is classified as an Operating Engineer I.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Megan Warneke 

Email: megan.warneke@oregonmetro.gov

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
   

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. 

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page. 

Government Jobs

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Metro 

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home. 

As part of the Metro family, Portland'5 Centers for the Arts helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.

Portland’5 Centers for the Arts and Metro
 As the fifth-largest performing arts center in the nation, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts takes care of treasured public theaters and concert halls that bring music, theater, dance and lecture performances to greater Portland. Portland’5’s roughly 73 employees host more than one million patrons each year.

Salary : $39 - $41