Entry Level Power Plant Operator Jobs in California

Salary : $101,801.44 - $120,921.01 Annually
Location : City of Pasadena, CA
Job Type: 2025 - REGULAR FULLTIME 40+ HRS A WK
Job Number: 27-031
Department: Water & Power
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
The Pasadena Water and Power Department is seeking a Power Plant Operator to perform journey-level duties in the safe and efficient operation of simple and combined cycle gas turbines, main and auxiliary fluid cycles and the associated equipment. Work assigned requires complex technical knowledge of the functions applicable to an area of assignment and the ability to solve routine to difficult problems.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will perform the operation in the field, assist in the operation and monitoring of steam and gas turbine electric power-generating units, inspect the condition of main unit and auxiliary equipment, and perform operational routines and related duties as assigned. This safety-focused operator demonstrates strong technical skills in monitoring plant systems, emissions controls, water treatment processes, and high-voltage equipment while maintaining accurate operational and compliance records. The candidate works effectively under the direction of the Power Plant Control Operator, can periodically assume control room responsibilities, and supports the training of apprentices and new operations personnel.
This is a great opportunity! To learn more about our Water and Power department please
Note: Two eligibility lists will be established for this position: one Open Competitive and one Promotional. The promotional list may take precedence.
Essential Functions
The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the

• Under direction from the Power Plant Control Operator, operates steam and gas turbo-electric generators; operates compressors, chillers and other equipment.
• Makes routine rounds and inspects turbines, heat recovery steam boilers and auxiliary equipment regularly, reporting erratic operation or malfunction; reads operation indicators and determines proper settings and/or makes corrections; takes meter readings.
• Assists in the control of plant emissions from gas turbines; ensures monitoring equipment and emission control equipment is operating accurately.
• Chemically treats and controls cooling towers; supervises delivery of chemicals to holding tanks; maintains water chemistry for once through steam generators and water systems; tests and treats oil/water separator and outfall boxes.
• Maintains a variety of logs, work reports and compliance records including inspection records, emission documentation, water processing, water treatment and wastewater disposal records; maintains chemical inventory.
• Under instruction from the Power Plant Control Operator, racks in/out equipment circuit breakers, up to 13,800 volts; sets and tags controls.
• Periodically relieves the Power Plant Control Operator in the control room.
• May provide on-the-job training and work direction to Power Plant Mechanic Helpers and other newly hired operations personnel.

Qualification Guidelines
COMPETENCIES
The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Attention To Detail - Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
• Professional & Technical Expertise - Applying technical subject matter to the job.
• Learning Agility - Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to one's work.
• Action & Results Focus - Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment.
• Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Safety Focus - Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• (2) Two years of progressively responsible experience in high-pressure boilers (a minimum of 400 psi and a minimum of 100,000 pounds steam per hour in steam electric, mechanical drive or marine propulsion service) and steam plant auxiliaries OR
• (2) Two years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance and operation of a gas turbine (minimum of 6,000 shp) OR
• Completion of a Power Plant Apprentice program.

SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process may consist of a training and experience evaluation, written exam, interview panel, and/or department-level interviews.
This position is a part of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) bargaining unit.
Probationary work period is one year.
VACANCY INFORMATION
There is currently (1) one vacancy in the Water and Power Department, Power Supply Division at the Glenarm/Broadway Power Plant.
The resulting eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future.
Special Requirements
Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and comply with the City's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment.
The employee will be required to work a rotating shift schedule that includes work on various shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Annual certification for CPR and First Aid.
Retirement:
The City of Pasadena contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to offer a defined benefits program for eligible employees.
"New" CalPERS members are subject to the provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and will receive the following benefit formulas:
Miscellaneous: 2% at 62
"Classic" members of CalPERS will receive the following benefit formulas:
Miscellaneous: 2.5% at 55
Deferred Compensation:
The City offers a 457(b) deferred compensation plan to help employees save for their retirement and supplement their CalPERS pension. Employees can defer salary with pre-tax or Roth after-tax deductions up to annual IRS maximum.
Health Insurance:
The City contracts with CalPERS to offer several comprehensive health plans that include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).
Other Benefits include:

• Dental Insurance (HMO and PPO plans offered)
• Paid leave (holidays, sick leave, vacation leave)
• City-paid Life and Short-Tem Disability insurance
• Voluntary vision, life, accident, critical illness and long- term disability insurance
• Medical & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Free Employee Assistance Program

01
Select the option that best describes your qualifying experience for the Power Plant Operator position.

• At least (2) two years of progressively responsible experience in high-pressure boilers (a minimum of 400 psi and a minimum of 100,000 pounds steam per hour in steam electric, mechanical drive or marine propulsion service) and steam plant auxiliaries.
• At least (2) two years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance and operation of a gas turbine. (minimum of 5,000 shp)
• Completion of a Power Plant Apprentice Program.
• None of the above

02
Describe your previous and relevant work experience as it relates to the Power Plant Operator position. Please include any specific experience that you have directly related to Power Generation facilities, including experience with gas turbines, balance of plant auxiliary systems and equipment, high pressure boilers, etc.
03
Do you possess a valid California Class C Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

04
As required for this position, are you able to work a rotating shift schedule that includes work on various shifts, including weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

Required Question