Position Summary

Join our team as an Operating Engineer at San Diego State University!

In this role, you’ll operate and maintain a variety of mechanical equipment, including gas turbines, generators, and water purifiers, ensuring our campus power plant runs smoothly and efficiently. You’ll monitor systems, perform maintenance, and coordinate operations to optimize energy production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain power plant equipment, including boilers and engines.
• Monitor instrumentation gauges and computer-based management systems.
• Ensure safety procedures are followed and address any operational issues.
• Maintain accurate records of time and materials.
• Support the Facilities Services team and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Communicate effectively with diverse individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Perform physical work and implement safety procedures.

What We Offer:

• Be part of a proactive maintenance program that supports the university’s mission.
• Respond to emergencies to protect life, property, and the educational mission.
• Enjoy a collaborative and respectful work environment.
• Make a meaningful impact on campus operations and energy efficiency.

If you’re a skilled operator with a commitment to safety and teamwork, apply now to help us keep San Diego State University running smoothly!

Position Information

• Full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard work hours during on-the-job training and orientation will be Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., then will vary depending on Cogen Plant schedule and coverage. SDSU Cogen Plant operates 24/7 and 365 days a year. 
• 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

Knowledge: Work requires thorough knowledge of high and low pressure boiler and chiller systems, electrical distribution and transfer systems and equipment, and auxiliary equipment; thorough knowledge of the methods, materials and tools used in the operation of applicable systems; working knowledge of system water testing and treatment procedures; and working knowledge of applicable building automation systems and interfaces. 

Abilities: Must be able to operate boilers and chillers safely and efficiently; quickly identify and correct malfunctions; monitor energy consumption and adjust equipment and system features; operate computer-based energy management systems and interfaces with main building automation system; read, interpret and work from blueprints, manuals, diagrams and operating procedures; estimate cost, time and materials of projects; maintain logs and records; retrieve data related to work performed using manual and/or computerized record-keeping systems; prepare standard reports; provide instruction to unskilled assistants; analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations; read and write at a level appropriate to the position; and perform arithmetic calculations as required by the position. 

Experience: These abilities normally would be acquired through the 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.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.

Key Qualifications

• Steam Engineer License, City of Los Angeles is preferred.
• Building Operator Certification, Level II is preferred.
• Turbine Endorsement, City of Los Angeles is preferred.
• Five years of experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boiler, chiller and cogeneration systems or related mechanical equipment is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $6,404 per month. 

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources. 

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,076 - $7,766 per month. 

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. 

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement.  For more information, click here.

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. 

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on October 2, 2024. To receive full consideration, apply by October 1, 2024. 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. 

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.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Michelle Puentes at mpuentes2@sdsu.edu.