Power Plant Operator I (LO-140-25E) PERG

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

POWER PLANT OPERATOR I

Kickstart your career in Energy Recovery as a Power Plant Operator I and become part of a team that values growth and development. This assignment is expected to last three (3) to five (5) years and offers competitive pay, full benefits, job stability, structured training, and on-the-job development with experienced operators. You'll gain practical experience with high-pressure steam systems, turbines, and plant equipment—building the skills needed to advance in the field. In addition to learning opportunities, you'll enjoy a supportive work environment, access to retirement plans and the potential for promotion to higher-level positions in power plant operations.

JOB POSTING

NOTICE OF JOB OPPORTUNITY

POSTING #LO-140-25E

POWER PLANT OPERATOR I

Kickstart your career in Energy Recovery as a Power Plant Operator I and become part of a team that values growth and development. This assignment is expected to last three (3) to five (5) years and offers competitive pay, full benefits, job stability, structured training, and on-the-job development with experienced operators. You'll gain practical experience with high-pressure steam systems, turbines, and plant equipment—building the skills needed to advance in the field. In addition to learning opportunities, you'll enjoy a supportive work environment, access to retirement plans and the potential for promotion to higher-level positions in power plant operations.

LOCATION:

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, ENERGY RECOVERY SECTION, PUENTE HILLS GAS TO ENERGY FACILITY

NOTE: This recruitment is being conducted for both the Power Plant Operator I and Power Plant Operations Assistant classifications. Only one (1) vacancy exists and it may be filled at either level. You must submit a separate application if you are interested in being considered for both levels. The list of eligible candidates resulting from this posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that may occur in the next six (6) months. Positions that become available may have specific shift assignments, and/or respirator requirements.

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 plant equipment via a computer-based plant control system
• Monitor and regulate combustion, boiler and water levels
• Control pressure and temperature of super-heated steam
• Set valves and controls for specified fuel feed rate, draft openings, water level and steam pressure of boiler, and for proper operation of combustion control systems, feed water regulation, stoker and dampers
• Activate auxiliary equipment of turbine-generator unit
• Synchronize generator to line
• Monitor air pollution control equipment and quality control analyses
• Periodically inspect the plant
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must possess all of the following:

• A valid California Class C driver license
• 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
  
  

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Knowledge Of

• General operating characteristics of steam boiler, electric generating plants
• Principles of combustion
• Power plant safety practices and procedures
  
  

Ability To

• Oversee the operation of high pressure (600 psi or higher) steam generating plant equipment to ensure uninterrupted plant operations on an assigned shift
• Coordinate and lead the work of a small crew
• Understand and interpret operational information and recommended process changes
• Evaluate plant emergency conditions and implement corrective action
  
  

Additional Information

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 exam which will be pass/fail and an interview weighted at 100%.
• Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process.
• The written exam is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025.
• The interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of June 9.
• Candidates will be notified of their results in the selection process by Human Resources via Neogov.
  
  

To Apply

Please apply online at governmentjobs.com within this application period. By using the online application system you will receive confirmation via e-mail that your application was received for this position. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment Application or online application. Check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications may be sent via e-mail. Please verify that your registered email address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery, [e-mail] to your contact list.

Note

The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a job-related pre-employment physical, be able to use respiratory equipment and pass an annual pulmonary function test, as well as a reference check, background check, DMV report, and a drug test.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Lauren Ortega at [e-mail].

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

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

RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 24/25 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.
• DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.
  
  

Compensation

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2025, the Districts contribute $2,305.28 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.
• DENTAL: Districts paid. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage for a prepaid dental program which provides for most routine dental care through a panel of contracting dentists with no deductibles. Employees are eligible to enroll in an indemnity plan if requested within thirty days after completion of three years of employment (sooner for some bargaining units), or during subsequent open enrollment periods.
• VISION: Employee paid.
• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.
  
  

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.
• SICK LEAVE: Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.
• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.
• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for each birth, foster placement and/or adoption (regardless of the number of children involved) as determined by the parental leave policy.
  
  

HOLIDAYS

13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT

For some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

Work Environment & Other Benefits

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.
  
  

More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits

NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated December 26, 2024

01

Thank you for your interest in this Power Plant Operator I job opportunity with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. Your answers to the following Supplemental Questions are required for your application to be considered complete. The information that you provide will be evaluated "as-is," and you will not have a second chance to revise or clarify the information provided. Therefore, it is important to provide concise, organized, and easy to understand answers to each item. VERY IMPORTANT: It is imperative that your responses reflect a true and accurate description of your background. Additionally, your answers must be supported by the information you have entered in your application profile. Responses that cannot be substantiated by information contained in your application profile will be deemed as invalid. Moreover, questions that ask you to provide a description of particular aspects related to your work experience must be fully described for your responses to be considered complete. A supplemental review of your responses will be conducted to validate them. Falsification, exaggeration, and misrepresentation will result in your disqualification and will likely bar you from future employment opportunities with Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. If you have questions regarding these instructions or the selection process in general, please contact Lauren Ortega at [e-mail].

• I understand and agree to comply with the above instructions.
  
  

02

How many years of experience do you have as a Power Plant Operations Assistant?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• 2 - 3 years
• 3 or more years
  
  

03

Please identify the company/agency/organization, dates of employment, and the title of your position where you gained the experience described in the previous question. (Employers listed must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application). Write N/A if none.

04

Please describe your experience operating or assisting in the operation of a power generation or petro-chemical process facility. Include your job title(s), specific duties, the type of facility, and dates of employment. Write N/A if none.

05

I understand that the written exam for this position is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 5 and have made arrangements to be available on this day. If I'm not available, I agree to notify [e-mail] as soon as possible, but no later than one (1) day before the test.

• I understand and agree with the above instructions.
  
  

06

I understand that the interview for this position is tentatively scheduled for the week of June 9 and have made arrangements to be available during this time. If I'm not available, I agree to notify Lauren Ortega at [e-mail] as soon as possible, but no later than one (1) day before the interview.

• I understand and agree with the above instructions.
  
  

07

Please confirm which position you are interested in applying for:

• Power Plant Operations Assistant (PPOA)
• Power Plant Operator I (PPOI)
• Both PPOA and PPOI
• Required Question

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Power Plant Operator” roles.

ELECTRIC STATION OPERATOR 5224 (D) (12/07/23)

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.