Cogeneration Operator
- $44 - $61
- Woodland, CA
Lead critical plant operations as the senior operator on shift, ensuring safe, reliable power generation in a high-performance cogeneration facility.
A bit about us:
We operate a mission-critical cogeneration facility that provides reliable energy through advanced gas engine generation, heat recovery systems, emissions controls, chillers, and supporting utility infrastructure. Our operation runs 24/7 and depends on skilled operators who can think independently, solve complex problems, and maintain the highest standards of safety and reliability.
Why join us?
Earn $48-$60/hr with overtime opportunities
Senior-level operator role with leadership responsibilities
Work with advanced power generation and CHP systems
Highly autonomous position with real operational impact
Stable critical infrastructure environment
Strong safety-first culture
Opportunity to mentor and develop junior operators
Exposure to advanced controls, emissions systems, and plant optimization
Career path into Operations Leadership and Plant Management
Senior-level operator role with leadership responsibilities
Work with advanced power generation and CHP systems
Highly autonomous position with real operational impact
Stable critical infrastructure environment
Strong safety-first culture
Opportunity to mentor and develop junior operators
Exposure to advanced controls, emissions systems, and plant optimization
Career path into Operations Leadership and Plant Management
Job Details
We are seeking a Cogeneration Operator III to serve as the senior operator on shift within a 24/7 cogeneration facility. This individual will lead daily plant operations, direct junior operators, troubleshoot complex system issues, coordinate maintenance activities, and help ensure maximum reliability and uptime.
The ideal candidate brings hands-on power generation experience, strong troubleshooting skills, and the confidence to make operational decisions during both normal and emergency conditions.
Responsibilities
Plant Operations
Operate gas engines, HRSG systems, chillers, emissions equipment, and plant auxiliaries
Monitor plant performance using SCADA and local control systems
Lead plant rounds and verify critical operating parameters
Respond to alarms and abnormal operating conditions
Execute operational adjustments to maintain safe and efficient plant performance
Shift Leadership
Lead daily shift activities and direct Operators I and II
Serve as senior operational authority during off-hours
Review and approve shift logs and operating reports
Ensure effective communication during shift turnovers
Troubleshooting & Reliability
Diagnose mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control issues
Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions
Identify opportunities to improve reliability and plant efficiency
Support emissions compliance and performance optimization efforts
Maintenance Coordination
Coordinate with maintenance personnel during planned and unplanned outages
Manage lockout/tagout preparation and equipment isolation
Support equipment restoration and startup activities
Assist with predictive and preventive maintenance programs
Safety Leadership
Lead safety walkdowns and reinforce operational discipline
Ensure compliance with LOTO, confined space, hot work, and plant procedures
Promote a strong culture of safety and accountability
Team Development
Mentor and train Operators I and II
Support knowledge transfer and skills development
Help build operational excellence across the shift team
Qualifications
Required
High School Diploma or GED
4+ years of experience in:
Cogeneration
CHP Facilities
Power Generation
Industrial Utilities
Central Plant Operations
Previous shift leadership experience
Advanced troubleshooting skills across:
Mechanical systems
Electrical systems
Controls and instrumentation
Experience operating major gas engine platforms such as:
Jenbacher
Caterpillar
Waukesha
Strong understanding of emissions control systems
Ability to make sound operational decisions during emergencies
Preferred
Associate Degree or Technical Certification
Trade School Training
Advanced Power Generation Training
Experience in mission-critical facilities
The ideal candidate brings hands-on power generation experience, strong troubleshooting skills, and the confidence to make operational decisions during both normal and emergency conditions.
Responsibilities
Plant Operations
Operate gas engines, HRSG systems, chillers, emissions equipment, and plant auxiliaries
Monitor plant performance using SCADA and local control systems
Lead plant rounds and verify critical operating parameters
Respond to alarms and abnormal operating conditions
Execute operational adjustments to maintain safe and efficient plant performance
Shift Leadership
Lead daily shift activities and direct Operators I and II
Serve as senior operational authority during off-hours
Review and approve shift logs and operating reports
Ensure effective communication during shift turnovers
Troubleshooting & Reliability
Diagnose mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control issues
Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions
Identify opportunities to improve reliability and plant efficiency
Support emissions compliance and performance optimization efforts
Maintenance Coordination
Coordinate with maintenance personnel during planned and unplanned outages
Manage lockout/tagout preparation and equipment isolation
Support equipment restoration and startup activities
Assist with predictive and preventive maintenance programs
Safety Leadership
Lead safety walkdowns and reinforce operational discipline
Ensure compliance with LOTO, confined space, hot work, and plant procedures
Promote a strong culture of safety and accountability
Team Development
Mentor and train Operators I and II
Support knowledge transfer and skills development
Help build operational excellence across the shift team
Qualifications
Required
High School Diploma or GED
4+ years of experience in:
Cogeneration
CHP Facilities
Power Generation
Industrial Utilities
Central Plant Operations
Previous shift leadership experience
Advanced troubleshooting skills across:
Mechanical systems
Electrical systems
Controls and instrumentation
Experience operating major gas engine platforms such as:
Jenbacher
Caterpillar
Waukesha
Strong understanding of emissions control systems
Ability to make sound operational decisions during emergencies
Preferred
Associate Degree or Technical Certification
Trade School Training
Advanced Power Generation Training
Experience in mission-critical facilities
Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.
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Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Information collected and processed as part of your Jobot candidate profile, and any job applications, resumes, or other information you choose to submit is subject to Jobot's Privacy Policy, as well as the Jobot California Worker Privacy Notice and Jobot Notice Regarding Automated Employment Decision Tools which are available at jobot.com/legal.
By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Jobot, and/or its agents and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy here: jobot.com/privacy-policy