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

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts invite applications for the Power Plant Operations Assistant at the Puente Hills facility. The role is designed to develop hands-on expertise with high-pressure steam systems, turbine-generator equipment, and plant control systems, with structured training and on-the-job development aimed at advancing to Power Plant Operator I and other higher-level roles.

The assignment is expected to last about 2 to 4 years, with the option of pursuing advancement within

Qualifications

• Familiar with basic hand tools and measurement tools.
• Understanding of steam generating power plant basics and instrumentation is helpful.
• Commitment to safety practices in industrial settings.

Responsibilities

• Participate in operation and maintenance of plant equipment under supervision.
• Adjust load and voltage of equipment as needed.
• Inspect and calibrate boiler and plant equipment not fully controlled by computer systems.
• Record and report abnormal conditions to higher-level operators.
• Monitor plant instrumentation and complete operational logs.
• Assist in minor plant maintenance and repairs as directed.

Skills

Basic hand tools

Steam plant basics

Safety practices

Job description

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

NOTES

• This assignment is expected to last two (2) to four (4) years due to the impending closure of Puente Hills Gas-to-Energy Facility (PERG).
• 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 by clicking here to be considered.
• Positions that become available may have specific shift assignments, respirator requirements and/or roving status.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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

• 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.

COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESS MAY COVER

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 ofboilers, 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

SELECTION PROCESS

• All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.
• 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.

NOTES

NOTES: The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a reference check, background check, DMV report, and a drug test.

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts convert waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Antonio Archuleta at [e-mail].

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