Cogeneration Operator

NOTIFICATIONS

The starting hourly salary for this position is Step 1.0 $54.10. Upon successfully completing the 6 month probation period, the hourly salary will increase to Step 2.0 $60.13.

This is a night shift position, Midnight to Noon, 7 days on, 7 days off.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the on our website.

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, .

The IRD for this job is: 2/16/2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Physical Planning, Development & Operations (PPDO) manages and oversees all University activities and services related to physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, capital and space planning, space management, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University's main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet. The department oversees operating budgets of over $60 million, manages a project portfolio of approximately $990 million, and employs over 400 full-time staff to carry out the duties necessary for campus development and operation.

More information can be found at:

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Cogen Shop Supervisor, the Cogeneration Operator operates and maintains the campus central heating, central condensing, cogeneration plant, the campus swimming facility, and campus energy management and monitoring system on an assigned shift. Routine duties include operation of high-voltage (12KV) switchgear, starting and stopping of the cogeneration unit, paralleling operations of the cogeneration engine with the utility (PG&E), operation of gas-fired boilers, gas compressors, propane backup system, cooling towers, and automated pumping and piping systems related to the operation of the plant.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $54.10/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Shift Differential: 100% of the time - additional $3/hour for a qualifying night shifts

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Sun 7 days on, 7 days off
• Shift Includes: Nights, Weekends

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: K7 union

Job Code Classification: 008094 (COGEN OPR)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

50% - Plant Operations

• Inspects, operates, and maintains stationary power plant equipment, including natural gas-fueled engine generators, gas-fired hot water boilers, air compressors, natural gas compressors, propane backup system with vaporizer, hydronic pumping systems, cooling towers, heat exchangers, commercial swimming pool equipment, and related automation systems that operate the equipment.
• Operates and repairs auxiliary systems, including pumps, boilers, cooling towers, and heat exchangers in conjunction with the cogeneration plant.
• Monitors heating/cooling requirements for campus central core buildings to ensure efficient equipment utilization and operation.
• Places the cogeneration plant online and in parallel with PG&E.
• Monitors and controls load changes on the campus critical feeder and high voltage distribution system.
• Assists campus electricians and mechanics in instances of stand-alone operation of the plant by determining maximum loads (both electrical and cooling) the plant can carry when separated from PG&E.
• Operates high voltage 12 kV breakers safely using proper PPE to maintain the campus electrical system under normal and emergency situations.
• Operates Wonderware, Tridium energy management, and SCADA central control systems to monitor and control various mechanical and electrical equipment throughout campus.
• Identifies repair needs of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) machinery in buildings throughout the campus through the remote monitoring and control system.
• Verifies necessary repairs of equipment throughout campus after hours.
• Makes assigned repairs in the plant and at remote locations as necessary, which involves driving a University vehicle to all areas of the campus, using standard test equipment and tools without supervision, and utilizing procedure manuals and instruction manuals (campus and manufacturer) written in English.
• Maintains records of plant operating data on a shift and an assigned basis.
• Orders oil and chemicals based on available storage, takes delivery of fuel, oil, and chemical loads per safe fuel handling procedures, utilizing a forklift when necessary.
• Receives and responds to campus complaints regarding heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.
• Dispatches appropriate individuals for emergency repairs, as needed.
• Acts as a liaison with the Campus Disaster Team regarding the operation of the plant in emergencies.

40% - Maintenance and Repair

• Inspects, operates, and repairs equipment from ladders, scaffolds, stairs, in confined spaces, and in proximity to loud machinery.
• Performs assigned and preventive maintenance and emergency repairs on all equipment, lubricating, changing filters, belts, couplings, bearings, mechanical seals, checking alignments, analyzing system operating parameters, and making repairs to rotating machinery.
• Cleans heat exchangers and cooling towers on an as-needed basis.
• Performs water treatment and testing on plant water systems, including heating hot water, condensing water, cooling towers, soft water systems, and swimming pools.
• Maintains swimming pool filter and pumping system by safely lifting, dumping, or mixing (with or without accommodation) 25-100 lbs. of chemicals (either liquid or solid) into storage tanks or feeders in correct proportions.
• Operates pool sanitation systems such as a calcium hypochlorite feed system, muriatic acid, or ozone generator.
• Assists with pool filter cleaning and repair.
• Assists with troubleshooting problems and makes repairs when necessary.
• Actively searches for and promotes ways to improve the work environment, including improvements to customer service, implementing change when needed.

10% - Safety and Communications

• Performs cleaning and painting inside the plant and as assigned.
• Performs safety inspections and maintains equipment used by shop personnel.
• Attends safety and training classes and follows all product and University-specific safety procedures when using tools and equipment.
• Monitors plant security and implements changes as directed.
• Adheres to University policies and procedures, including safety rules.
• Reports safety, project integrity, or security issues immediately.
• Writes and maintains a weekly timesheet.
• Employs interpersonal skills when interacting with members of the campus community.
• Assists in maintaining an inventory of shop materials, supplies, and tools by informing supervisor of specific needs.
• Accurately reads various meters on a daily and monthly basis for billing and reporting purposes.
• Schedules equipment for after-hours operation, as needed by customers.
• Responds to campus callouts after normal hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Works a temporary alternative schedule or shift (e.g., night shift) as requested by supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area / or equivalent experience and / or training.
• Experience working within University setting.
• Working knowledge of advising techniques.
  Knowledge of google suites, with the ability and willingness to learn and use new computer programs/applications.
• Solid written communication skills.
• Solid verbal communication skills sufficient to convey and disseminate information clearly, concisely, effectively and accurately.
• Solid Customer Service skills.
• Knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of gas turbine generators and related equipment, including parallel operations with a utility (i.e. PG&E).
• Knowledge and experience in the start-up, maintenance, and repair of power plant equipment such as gas-fired boilers, pumps, valves, compressors, cooling towers, fans, and control systems.
• Experience in and ability to operate and work in close proximity to rotating equipment and medium voltage (12KV) switchgear.
• Knowledge and experience in the testing and treatment of heating plant water systems, including hot water, cooling tower, swimming pool, and soft water systems.
• Ability to read and understand procedure manuals, system schematics, and b