Trainee Cogeneration Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cogeneration Plant Operator (Operating Engineer)
Job no: 558931
Work type: Staff
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Trades, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Position Summary
San Diego State University is seeking a skilled Cogeneration Plant Operator to support the operation, maintenance, and reliability of the campus central plant and utility systems. This role ensures safe, efficient, and continuous delivery of essential services through equipment operation, maintenance, and system monitoring.
Key Responsibilities

• Power Plant Operations
• Operate, monitor, and maintain central plant equipment, including boilers, turbines, compressors, cooling towers, and utility distribution systems.
• Monitor control systems and plant performance to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance and respond to equipment issues and emergencies.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Maintenance & Emergency Response
• Troubleshoot and repair plant and HVAC systems to maintain optimal performance.
• Respond to service requests and utility disruptions affecting campus operations.
• Perform preventive maintenance to reduce downtime and extend equipment life.
• Documentation & Operational Support
• Maintain records, reports, inventories, and work documentation.
• Coordinate materials, equipment, and support activities with other trades and departments.

Why Join Us?

• Support critical infrastructure that serves the entire campus.
• Work with advanced utility and energy management systems.
• Contribute to safe, reliable, and efficient campus operations.
• Be part of a collaborative Facilities Services team.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it's like to work at the CSU-watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.
Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Working hours are 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and may vary based on operational needs. This schedule follows a watch rotation that alternates every four months. The selected candidate will begin with a training period, during which the hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Upon successful completion of the training period, the candidate will transition to the regular watch rotation schedule.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary
The Division of Business and Financial Affairs is responsible for ensuring a safe, productive campus environment while providing the highest quality service in support of academic excellence through thoughtful stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure and human resources at San Diego State University.
SDSU Facilities Services (FS) is a customer-service based organization providing facility maintenance activities through a transparent and deliberate process. It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel, and alteration activities in support of the academic and research mission of the university. Facilities Services employs approximately 250 employees and supports approximately eight million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land.
For more information regarding the Facilities Services department, click here.
Education and Experience
Equivalent to two years of hands-on experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boiler and chiller systems, cogeneration systems, and/or related mechanical equipment. Completion of a certificate or other vocational training may be substituted for hands-on experience
Key Qualifications

• Must be able to operate boilers and chillers safely and efficiently
• Monitor energy consumption and adjust equipment and system features
• Thorough knowledge of cogeneration plant equipment and systems, including gas and steam turbines, HRSGs, boilers, cooling towers, water treatment, and auxiliary systems.
• Working knowledge of system water testing and treatment procedures.
• Must have the ability to analyze, respond appropriately to emergency situations and to recognize, secure and report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Must have knowledge of safe working techniques and safety equipment.
• must be aware of the typical hazards of the workplace as well as the special hazard that may be encountered (biohazards, chemicals, asbestos/lead-containing materials).
• Ability to lift more than 40 pounds with or without assistance.
• Five years of experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boiler, chiller and cogeneration systems or related mechanical equipment preferred
• Turbine Endorsement, City of Los Angeles preferred
• Building Operator Certification, Level II preferred

Licenses/Certifications Required
Valid California Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Compensation and Benefits
San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department's budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 10 ($6,400/month).
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,355-$7,801 per month (Step 1-Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.
SDSU Values
At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.
Principles of Community
At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.
SDSU's Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Supplemental Information
Apply by June 23, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Sophia Faulk at
Advertised: Jun 09 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App