Power Plant Operator I (AA-198-26E) PERG

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts is seeking a Power Plant Operator I for the Puente Hills Gas-to-Energy Facility. The role focuses on operating and monitoring a high‑pressure steam generating plant, with responsibilities including control system operation, boiler management, turbine-generator coordination, and compliance with air quality controls.

Qualified applicants will have a California Class C Driver License and 18 months of related experience or equivalent military/industrial

Qualifications

• Valid California Class C Driver License is required.
• Eighteen (18) months of experience as a Power Plant Operations Assistant or equivalent industrial/military experience in power generation or petro-chemical facilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor plant equipment using computer-based control systems to maintain safe, reliable operations.
• Regulate boiler, combustion and steam parameters to ensure proper production and safety.
• Operate turbine-generator equipment and synchronize to the electrical grid.
• Monitor air pollution control equipment and conduct routine plant inspections.

Skills

High-pressure steam

Turbine-generator

Plant control systems

Safety practices

Job description

NOTICE OF JOB OPPORTUNITY

POSTING #AA-198-26E

POWER PLANT OPERATOR I

Open to both internal and external applicants.

This job posting may close at any time without prior notice. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as the initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of September 7, 2026.

Take the next step in your power plant operations career as a Power Plant Operator I at the Puente Hills Gas-to-Energy Facility (PERG). Join an experienced team operating a unique energy recovery facility where you’ll build on your existing skills while gaining valuable 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 opportunities to expand your technical expertise and compete for advancement to 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 Operations Assistant by clicking here to be considered.
• Positions that become available may have specific shift assignments, respirator requirements and/or roving status.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform journey level technical operations at a high‑pressure steam generating plant, utilizing a computer‑based electronic control system.

JOB SUMMARY

The major job duties are listed below. For a detailed list, please see the job description.

Under the general supervision of the Energy Recovery Operations Supervisor, and technical guidance from higher‑level operators, the incumbent will:

• Operate and monitor plant equipment to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations by using a computer‑based plant control system to observe operating conditions and control plant equipment.
• Monitor and regulate boiler and combustion operations to maintain proper steam production and operating conditions by monitoring combustion and boiler water levels and adjusting fuel feed rates, draft openings, feedwater regulation, stokers, dampers, valves, and combustion controls.
• Control superheated steam conditions to support proper operation of plant generating equipment by monitoring and regulating steam pressure and temperature within required operating parameters.
• Operate turbine‑generator equipment (e.g., turbine and generator controls, steam and auxiliary valves, pumps, lubrication systems, cooling systems, and related auxiliary equipment) and synchronize the generator to the electrical line to support the safe and reliable generation and delivery of electrical power by activating auxiliary equipment, monitoring operating conditions, and performing generator synchronization procedures.
• Monitor air pollution control equipment and quality‑control results to support proper plant operation and compliance with applicable operating requirements by reviewing equipment conditions, system readings, and quality‑control analyses.
• Inspect plant equipment and operating areas to identify abnormal, unsafe, or deteriorating conditions and support continued plant reliability by conducting periodic plant rounds and observing equipment operation and condition.

Applicants must possess all of the following:

• A valid California Class C Driver License; AND
• One of the following:

• Eighteen (18) months of experience as a Power Plant Operations Assistant; OR
• Equivalent industrial or military experience in a power generation or petro‑chemical process facility.

Knowledge of:

• Plant operating principles and processes
• Boiler and combustion systems and operations
• Steam systems and operating principles
• Turbine‑generator systems and operations
• Electrical generation and generator synchronization principles and procedures
• Plant instrumentation and control systems
• Air pollution control equipment and operating requirements
• Power plant safety practices and procedures
• Plant inspection and equipment‑monitoring practices

Ability to:

• Operate and adjust power plant equipment and controls
• Interpret plant operating data output
• Conduct systematic plant inspections and equipment rounds
• Recognize abnormal operating conditions and determine appropriate operational responses
• Monitor multiple plant systems and operating conditions concurrently

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 30%, and an interview weighted at 70%.
• 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

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

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