Cogen Operator

Job Summary

#CA-SS The primary role of this position is to monitor and operate the Central Plant equipment at the UC Davis Health Sacramento Campus. Equipment consists of a gas turbine generator, steam turbine generator, emergency diesel generators, electrical switchgear, Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), packaged steam boilers, steam absorption chillers, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, water treatment system, air compressors, and pumps. In addition to the primary role, this position will monitor the Building Automation System associated with campus buildings and remote locations. The position will also perform maintenance activities to ensure reliable operation of Central Plant equipment. Apply By Date November 18, 2026 at 11:59PM; Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time. Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• High school diploma, GED or equivalent experience/training.
• Operation and Maintenance experience with one or more of the following: Gas Turbine, Steam Turbine, Boiler (over 200 bhp or over 7,000 lb/hr steam), Diesel Engine (over 1,000 hp or over 750 KW), Shipboard Engine Room, Large Industrial Steam System.
• Ability to perform critical thinking in an industrial environment.
• Ability to work dayshift, swing-shift, or nightshift on weekdays and/or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Gas Turbine Generators.
• Experience with Steam Turbine Generators
• Power Plant Operator experience
• Cogeneration Unit or Combined Cycle Unit Experience.
• Experience with water testing and water treatment
• Experience with 480V, 4160V and 12KV electrical systems.
• Experience with Centrifugal Chillers and/or Absorption Chillers
• Experience with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
• Maintenance abilities in relation to rotating machinery, piping, and/or electrical systems.
• Steam cycle knowledge.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, drawings, and manuals.
• Customer service skills.

Key Responsibilities

• 65% - OPERATIONS
• 25% - MAINTENANCE
• 5% - ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
• 5% - ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Department Overview The Plant Operations & Maintenance (PO&M) Department is a 24-hour, seven day a week organization responsible for the operation, repair and maintenance of buildings, systems, and grounds at UC Davis Health (UCDH) that includes 148 acres and structures that total 4 million Maintained Gross Square Feet. PO&M is one of the largest operations and maintenance support providers to clinical, administrative, research, School of Medicine, and School of Nursing departments throughout the UCDH network. The UCDH Sacramento campus is one of several UC campuses that have their own central plant with a Cogeneration Unit. Cogeneration (sometimes called Combined Heat and Power or CHP) is the generation of two different forms of energy from a single energy source. The UCDH Cogeneration Unit simultaneously produces electricity and heat that is used throughout the Sacramento Campus and operated by PO&M 24x7x365. The UCDH Central Plant Cogeneration Unit consists of a GE LM2500 Gas Turbine, a Deltak Heat Recovery Steam Generator, and a Murray backpressure steam turbine. In addition to the Cogeneration Unit, the Central Plant contains multiple Centrifugal Chillers, Absorption Chillers, Auxiliary Package Boilers, Emergency Diesel Generators, 12 KV Switchgear, campus loop circulating pumps, heating water heat exchangers, and other equipment used to support production of UCDH utilities.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $54.59 - $65.27
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 108
• UC Job Title: COGEN OPR
• UC Job Code: 008094
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): 8 hour and 12 hour Shifts, rotating
• Location: Central Plant, UCDHS (HSP073) – Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: K3-Skilled Trades
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Shift Hours are 08 and 12 hours. Shift rotates.
• Must be able to work scheduled/unscheduled overtime, during weekends, holidays, and off-shift periods and be accessible by telephone.
• Must have the physical stamina to work in inclement weather (hot/cold) conditions, confined spaces, from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, etc.
• Position requires climbing a vertical ladder to the height of approximately 50 feet.
• Position requires passing a site specific Cogen Operator Training program.
• Position requires wearing a uniform while on shift.
• Position requires the use of a radio for communication with other staff members.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks