CoGen Operator - 139385

Payroll Title

COGEN OPR

Department

UTILITIES & SUSTAINABILITY

Hiring Pay Scale

$56.12 / Hour

Worksite

Campus

Appointment Type

Career

Appointment Percent

100%

Union

K6 Contract

Total Openings

1

Work Schedule

8 hrs/day, Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM

#139385 CoGen Operator

Filing Deadline: Tue 5/5/2026

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UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 4/24/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Description

• Department Overview:
  
  

The Central Utility Plant (CUP) Operator/Co-Gen is primarily responsible for the skilled operation, maintenance and repair of all equipment associated with the central plant, including the troubleshooting, testing, repair, replacement and installation of gas turbines, heat recovery steam generators, high voltage electrical distribution systems, emergency diesel generators, natural gas compressors, emission control equipment, steam driven chillers, electric chillers, heat exchangers, pumps, cooling towers, air compressors, water softeners, filtration systems and thermal energy storage systems. The CUP monitors various energy management systems for the campus.

• Position Overview:
  
  

Under supervision, this position monitors, operates, and maintains combined heat and power plant, chilled water/high temperature hot water systems, and connected co-generation equipment controls. Under supervision, this position operates, services, and repairs stationary power plant equipment including gas turbines, heat recovery steam generators, high voltage electrical distribution systems, emergency diesel generators, natural gas compressors, emission control equipment, steam driven chillers, electric chillers, heat exchangers, pumps, cooling towers, air compressors, water softeners, filtration systems and thermal energy storage systems both locally and at remote plant sites. Maintain central plant cleanliness and stowage, including preservation of valves, piping, equipment and support structures. Support plant operations that ensure continuous plant performance safely and efficiently. Monitor and respond to changes in operating conditions to maintain continuous plant performance. Perform plant operations, perform work duties and routines, perform planned, predictive, and corrective maintenance, and respond to emergencies as needed. Perform physical watch stander rounds of the Central Utility & Co-generation Plants per prescribed frequencies and in accordance with established round protocols and recording direction. Maintain accurate records of equipment operation and maintenance on log sheets and logbooks. Maintain accurate records of time and materials used for equipment repairs and maintenance. Record and report any abnormal conditions to the Central Utilities Plant Operator/Co-Gen Lead. Assist Central Utilities Plant Operator/Co-Gen Lead in troubleshooting any plant issues. This is a maintenance position, which will require the selected individual(s) to also stand watch as required, and to cover for watchstander vacation and sick call-in's on occasion. Adhere to policies, procedures, and practices on safety and plant operation instructions.

Qualifications

• Journey-level experience operating, maintaining and repairing Central Utility and Combined Cycle Co- Generation Plant systems, pumps, piping, digital and pneumatic controls, i.e. gas turbines, heat recovery steam generators, high voltage electrical distribution systems, emergency diesel generators, natural gas compressors, emission control equipment, steam driven chillers, electric chillers, heat exchangers, pumps, cooling towers, air compressors, water softeners, filtration systems and thermal energy storage systems and other related controls and systems.
• Familiarity with the principles of water treatment pertaining to boilers, high and medium temperature water, chill water, steam condensate, water hardness, etc. to maintain and extend the life of piping and equipment. Experience performing water chemistry analysis and making required chemical adjustments on multiple water heating and cooling systems.
• Experience reading and recording data such as equipment temperature, pressures and fluid levels. Experience documenting corrective, maintaining logs and trouble call records.
• Experience reading mechanical and electrical drawings such as P&IDs, Single Line diagrams, schematics, and logic diagrams.
• Experienced user of standard computer systems and applications including Microsoft Office Suite, Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) such as Maximo, electronic mail and web based applications.
• Have substantial knowledge and understanding of engineering fundamentals with respect to Central Utility and Cogeneration Plant systems and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of electrical systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a service oriented environment subject to frequently changing priorities.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally, in writing or electronically.
• Ability to effectively work individually or in teams as well as with diverse groups.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and sound adjustment.
• Ability to perform all duties associated with power plant operations which include bending, lifting, reaching, working on elevated platforms and ladders, working in confined spaces, or working at significant heights.
  
  

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Physical ability to perform essential job functions with ability to move through limited access spaces and cover distances on foot to widely separated work sites.
• May be assigned overtime, alternate shift, weekend or emergency call back hours as necessary.
• This position may be required to stand watch.
  
  

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $117,179 - $117,179 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $56.12 - $56.12

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

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If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace