Cogeneration Operator

**Cogeneration Operator**

**Location**: Santa Cruz

**Job ID**: 63659

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**INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)**

The IRD for this job is**: 02-13-2024**
**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 planning and 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 includes operating budgets of over $54 million, manages a project portfolio of approximately $950 million, and employs over 370 full-time staff to carry forth the duties necessary for the campus' development and operation.

**JOB SUMMARY**

Under the direction of the Cogen Shop Supervisor, the Cogeneration Operator operates and maintains the campus's central heating, central condensing, cogeneration plant, pool facility, and 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**: $47.64/hour. After 6 month probation period is completed, salary rate will increase to $52.95/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.

**Benefits Level Eligibility**: Full benefits

**Schedule Information**:

- Full-time, Fixed
- Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
- Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
- Shift Includes: Swing Shift

**Employee Classification**: Career appointment

**Job End Date**: None

**Work Location**: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

**Union Representation**: K7, Santa Cruz Skilled Craft

**Job Code Classification**: COGEN OPR (008094)

**Travel**: Up to 25% of the time

**JOB DUTIES**

**50% - Plant Operations**
- Responsible for the inspection, operation, and maintenance of 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 pool equipment, and related automation systems that operate the equipment daily.
- Operate and repair auxiliary systems including pumps, boilers, cooling towers, and heat exchangers in conjunction with the cogeneration plant. Monitor heating and cooling requirements for campus central core buildings to ensure efficient equipment utilization and operation.
- Place the cogeneration plant online and in parallel with PG&E. Monitor and control load changes on the campus critical feeder and high voltage distribution system. Assist campus electricians and mechanics in instances of stand-alone operation of the plant by determining the maximum loads (both electrical and cooling) the plant can carry when separated from PG&E. Operate high voltage 12 kV breakers in a safe manner using proper PPE to maintain campus electrical system under normal situations and in emergencies.
- Operate Wonderware, Tridium energy management, and SCADA central control systems to monitor and control various mechanical and electrical equipment throughout campus. Identify repair needs of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) machinery in buildings throughout the campus through the remote monitoring and control system. Verify repairs needed of equipment throughout campus after hours and make assigned repairs in the plant and at remote locations as required. The above requires driving a University vehicle in all areas of the campus and the ability to use standard test equipment and tools without supervision. The incumbent will utilize procedure manuals and instruction manuals (campus and manufacturer) written in Englis