Cogeneration Plant Operator (Operating Engineer)

Job No: 501804
Work Type:
Locations: San Diego
Categories: Unit 6 - Teamsters Local 2010, Probationary, Full Time, Trades


SDSU Facilities Services 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 over 220 employees (full time and students) and supports approximately eight million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land with an operating budget of approximately forty million dollars. The campus has over 15 MW of generation capacity including two Taurus 60 gas turbines and one steam turbine.

Position Summary

Under general direction of the Associate Director of Operations, the Cogeneration Plant Operator is responsible for operating, maintaining, repairing, inspecting, monitoring and documenting mechanical equipment such as:

• Gas turbine engines

• Gas compressors

• Waste heat boilers with economizers

• Diesel/natural gas reciprocating engines

• Package or built-up water tube boilers with or without economizers

• Boiler feed and condensate water system, pumps and return systems

• Deaerating feed water tanks

• Cooling towers and systems

• Electrical switch gears

• 12-volt starter battery packs

• Deionized NOX water systems

• Reverse osmosis water purification systems

• Fuel oil supply and transfer systems

• Automatic water softeners

• Air compressors and systems and similar apparatus

• Diesel/natural gas reciprocating engines

The Cogeneration Plant Operator assists in the operation, maintenance, repair, and inspection of heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, and water treatment equipment as it pertains to cogeneration or power systems, including hot water boilers, chillers, condensers, compressors, circulating water pumps, blower fans, valves, ducting, gauges and manhole covers. They may also render emergency repairs to steam, natural gas, water and air systems, and oil distribution systems. The Cogeneration Plant Operator is also responsible for proper electrical switchgear operation, distribution of the electrical system, and the electricity produced by the power plant, in addition to the proper transfer from on-station usage to alternate users.

The Cogeneration Plant Operator operates the power plant's computer-based management system as it interfaces with the main Energy Management System (EMS); monitors computer functions to start, stop and control the kilowatt output of the generator through electrical control systems; and interprets input/output energy calculations and equipment efficiency calculations.

Objectives - Provide an