Cogeneration Plant Operator (Operating Engineer)

Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking a skilled Cogeneration Plant Operator to support the operation, maintenance, and reliability of the campus central plant and utility systems. This role ensures safe, efficient, and continuous delivery of essential services through equipment operation, maintenance, and system monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Power Plant Operations
  • Operate, monitor, and maintain central plant equipment, including boilers, turbines, compressors, cooling towers, and utility distribution systems.
  • Monitor control systems and plant performance to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations.
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance and respond to equipment issues and emergencies.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Maintenance & Emergency Response
  • Troubleshoot and repair plant and HVAC systems to maintain optimal performance.
  • Respond to service requests and utility disruptions affecting campus operations.
  • Perform preventive maintenance to reduce downtime and extend equipment life.
• Documentation & Operational Support
  • Maintain records, reports, inventories, and work documentation.
  • Coordinate materials, equipment, and support activities with other trades and departments.

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Working hours are 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and may vary based on operational needs. This schedule follows a watch rotation that alternates every four months. The selected candidate will begin with a training period, during which the hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Upon successful completion of the training period, the candidate will transition to the regular watch rotation schedule.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.