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Cogen Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Utilities Manager

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$160 - $200/hr

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 ...

Showing results 21-22

Cogen information

See California salary details

$11

$35

$86

How much do cogen jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cogen in California is $35.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $46.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cogen?

Cogen operators are professionals who manage and maintain cogeneration (combined heat and power, or CHP) systems. These systems simultaneously produce electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source, increasing energy efficiency. Cogen operators monitor equipment, ensure safe and efficient operation, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot issues to optimize system performance. Their work is crucial in industrial, commercial, and utility settings to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a cogen?

To thrive as a Cogeneration (Cogen) Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, power plant operations, and relevant safety protocols, often supported by a technical degree or certification in power engineering. Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA systems, and preventive maintenance software is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable plant performance while minimizing downtime and operational risks.

What challenges do cogen operators face and how can they manage them?

Cogen Operators often face challenges such as balancing electrical and thermal output to meet fluctuating demand, responding quickly to system alarms or unexpected shutdowns, and maintaining equipment efficiency. Effective management includes regular monitoring of control systems, adhering to preventive maintenance schedules, and collaborating closely with maintenance and engineering teams. Operators also benefit from ongoing training to stay updated on safety protocols and technological advancements, which helps prevent downtime and ensures safe, efficient plant operation.

What is the difference between Cogen vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectCogenPower Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires HVAC, electrical, or mechanical certificationsRequires power plant operation licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, energy plants, combined heat and power systemsPower plants, energy generation facilities, utility sites
Industry UsageCommon in combined heat and power (CHP) plants and industrial energy systemsUsed across various power generation facilities including fossil fuel, nuclear, and renewable plants

While both Cogen and Power Plant Operators work in energy production environments, Cogen specialists focus on combined heat and power systems, often requiring specific certifications related to HVAC and mechanical systems. Power Plant Operators oversee the entire operation of power generation facilities, requiring licenses specific to power plant operations. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What does a cogen operator do?

A cogen operator monitors and controls combined heat and power (CHP) systems to ensure efficient operation of electricity and thermal energy production. They perform routine inspections, troubleshoot equipment, and may operate control systems or SCADA software. Certification and knowledge of safety protocols are often required in this role.

What job categories do people searching Cogen jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cogen jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Cogen job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,863 per year, or $35 per hour.

$160 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Details: Level: Management. Job Location: Oxnard Mill - Oxnard, CA 93033. Position Type: Full Time. Education Level: Bachelor's. Salary Range: $160,000.00 - $200,000.00 Base+Commission/year. Travel Percentage: Less than 10%. Job Shift: M-F 8 hours per day. Job Category: Manufacturing.

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.
QualificationsSKILLS 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
  • 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.

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