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Cogen Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Utilities Manager

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Manage operating budget and has responsibility for the financial performance of the operation ... Proficient at managing outages, shutdowns, and start-ups of Cogen equipment. * Demonstrated ability ...

Utilities Manager

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Manage operating budget and has responsibility for the financial performance of the operation ... Proficient at managing outages, shutdowns, and start-ups of Cogen equipment. * Demonstrated ability ...

Utilities Manager

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$160 - $200/hr

Manage operating budget and has responsibility for the financial performance of the operation ... Proficient at managing outages, shutdowns, and start-ups of Cogen equipment. * Demonstrated ability ...

Showing results 21-23

Cogen Operator information

What is a cogen operator?

Cogen Operators, short for Cogeneration Operators, are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining cogeneration plants, also known as combined heat and power (CHP) facilities. These plants simultaneously generate electricity and useful heat from the same energy source, increasing efficiency compared to traditional power plants. Cogen Operators monitor equipment, perform routine maintenance, ensure safety protocols are followed, and troubleshoot issues to keep the plant running smoothly. Their work is essential for optimizing energy production and minimizing environmental impact. They often work with complex control systems and must have strong technical and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cogen operator?

To thrive as a Cogen Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or certification in power plant operations. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for maintaining efficient and safe cogeneration plant operations, minimizing downtime, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by cogen operators in maintaining efficient plant operations?

Cogen Operators often encounter challenges such as balancing heat and power outputs to meet fluctuating facility demands, responding quickly to equipment alarms or malfunctions, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They must also coordinate with maintenance teams and other plant staff to minimize downtime during maintenance or unexpected outages. Adaptability and strong troubleshooting skills are key to managing these dynamic situations and maintaining optimal plant performance.

What is the difference between Cogen Operator vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectCogen OperatorPower Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications or licenses related to cogeneration systemsRequires certifications in power plant operations, often including boiler and turbine licenses
Work EnvironmentOperates in facilities with combined heat and power systems, often in industrial or utility settingsWorks in large-scale power generation plants, including fossil fuel, nuclear, or renewable energy facilities
Industry UsageCommon in industries with on-site energy needs and cogeneration systemsWidely used across various power generation sectors
Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving energy efficiency and combined heat and power systemsCompared for general power generation roles and plant operations

While both roles involve operating energy systems, Cogen Operators focus on combined heat and power systems, whereas Power Plant Operators oversee large-scale power generation facilities. The skills and certifications overlap but are tailored to their specific environments and systems.

Infographic showing various Cogen Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee daily operations and maintenance of utility systems including steam generation, power distribution, and wastewater treatment.

  • Manage safety, environmental compliance, and emergency response plans related to utility systems.

  • Supervise and develop a team of supervisors, engineers, and technicians responsible for utility system performance.


Job description

What we need: New-Indy, Oxnard LLC is a leading independent manufacturer and marketer of corrugated containerboard paper. This business unit manager is responsible for overseeing the complex systems that supply the Oxnard mill with essential resources including steam, water, power and compliance with environmental regulations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Oversee daily operations and maintenance for systems steam generation, power distribution and wastewater treatment.
  • Ensure all safety and environmental processes and programs are followed consistently.
  • Manage operating budget and has responsibility for the financial performance of the operation.
  • Analyze utility usage and costs to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost savings.
  • Develop and implement long-term capital and strategic-improvement plans.
  • Coordinate maintenance, inspections and repairs of utility equipment and facilities.
  • Participate in the mill's leadership team to make decisions and develop long-term strategies that impact the entire operation.
  • Lead development of direct reports and union employees toward implementation of a self-directed and reliability-focused organization.
  • Develop and assist in executing contingency plans and managing emergency responses to mechanical failures or significant service disruptions.
  • Maintain detailed records and prepare technical reports for management, regulatory inspections, budgets, and compliance.
  • Manage, supervise, train, and evaluate a team of supervisors, engineers, and technicians.

Other duties: position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Managerial responsibilities include 3-5 exempt direct reports and their union operators.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Four-year electrical, mechanical, chemical, or pulp & paper engineering degree.
  • Minimum 10 years of appropriate experience leading power and turbine generator operations. Preferred in the paper industry.
  • Advanced knowledge of utility systems, including boilers, turbines, steam systems
  • Proficient at managing outages, shutdowns, and start-ups of Cogen equipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and achieve desired results
  • Ability to balance multiple priorities to meet short and long-term objectives.
  • Outstanding communication skills, includes ability to recognize contributions, make effective presentations, and can quickly build trust and respect.
  • Proficient in MS Office software with a working knowledge of analytical tools like Power BI

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • No license requirement.

Physical Requirements: Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to:
  • Stand for long periods of time, walk, sit and use of hands to handle or feel.
  • Walk the distance of a large manufacturing facility
  • Reach with hands and arms above the shoulders
  • Have full wrist range of motion to use tools
  • Bend at the waist and twist upper body
  • Grip hand and power tools, ladders, and equipment
  • Use hands to turn valves, push and pull items
  • Climb or balance on stairs, ladders & catwalks
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Move, lift & carry up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Occasionally required to sit, drive heavy machinery such as a bobcat, forklift and clamp truck
  • Vision abilities required are close vision and depth perception, Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Able to verbally communicate and hear abilities

Work Environment: The duties of the job are performed either in the Paper Mill at the site of a piece of equipment, yard, or receiving/shipping. The Paper Mill is a large facility, and the employees can work at various locations within the Mill during a shift. Equipment in the Paper Mill can be very large. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee:
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud (80+dB).
  • Frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
  • Occasionally exposed to loud, moving mechanical equipment; high precarious places; vapor or corrosive chemicals; hot and cold; blood borne pathogens; and risk of electrical shock.
  • Occasionally the employee is exposed to the Mill work environment which can be hot, and the noise level is loud

Employees are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment [PPE] such as hard hats, steel-toed boots, gloves, safety glasses and hearing protection.
Pay Transparency: The starting annual salary for this position ranges from $160,000 to $185,000 annual. New-Indy provides a variety of benefits to employees, including medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO). Please note that the compensation information is a good faith estimate for this position and assumes a rate based on location and experience.