Power Plant Operations Assistant (AA-165-26E) PERG

Job Description

JOB POSTING

NOTICE OF JOB OPPORTUNITY
POSTING #AA-165-26E

POWER PLANT OPERATIONS ASSISTANT


This job posting may close at any time without prior notice. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as the initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of September 7, 2026.

Build your career in power plant operations as a Power Plant Operations Assistant at the Puente Hills Gas-to-Energy Facility (PERG). Work alongside experienced operators while gaining hands-on experience with high-pressure steam systems, turbine-generator equipment, plant control systems, and related auxiliary equipment. This assignment is anticipated to continue for approximately two (2) to four (4) years and offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, job stability, structured training, and valuable on-the-job development designed to build your technical skills and prepare you to compete for advancement to Power Plant Operator I and other higher-level positions in power plant operations.

LOCATION : SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, ENERGY RECOVERY SECTION, PUENTE HILLS GAS-TO-ENERGY FACILITY

NOTES:

• This assignment is expected to last two (2) to four (4) years due to the impending closure of Puente Hills Gas-to-Energy Facility (PERG).
  
• This recruitment is being conducted for both the Power Plant Operator I and Power Plant Operations Assistant classifications. Only one (1) vacancy currently exists, and it may be filled at either level. You must submit a separate application for Power Plant Operator I by clicking here to be considered.
• Positions that become available may have specific shift assignments, respirator requirements and/or roving status.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To participate in routine power plant operations and maintenance duties at a high-pressure steam generating plant.

JOB SUMMARY: T he major job duties are listed below. For a detailed list, please see the job description .

Under the general supervision of the Energy Recovery Supervisor, and technical leadership of higher-level operators, incumbents will:

• Participate in the operation and maintenance of plant equipment under supervision
• Adjust load and voltage of equipment as needed
• Inspect and adjust boiler and plant equipment not fully controlled by the computer system
• Report abnormal conditions to higher-level operators for corrective action
• Monitor plant instrumentation and complete operational logs
• Perform routine water quality analyses
• Assist in operating, lighting, and securing boilers and flares
• Start and stop turbines, boilers, and other plant equipment
• Implement process changes as directed
• Perform minor emergency repairs and routine maintenance on hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical devices
• Clean mechanical equipment and apply protective coatings to surfaces
• Change lubricants, gaskets, and tighten or loosen joints
• Operate hand and power tools for maintenance tasks
• Assist mechanics with assembling and disassembling plant equipment
• Operate the plant computer on a relief basis during normal conditions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must possess all of the following:

• A valid California Class C Driver License; AND
• One of the following:
  • Two (2) years of experience in the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County performing duties as a Power Plant Attendant ; OR
  • Three (3) years of equivalent industrial or military experience at a power-generation, petro-chemical process or similar facility.
    

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The competitive selection process may cover:

Knowledge of :

• Basic hand and power tools
• Basic functions of a steam generating power plant
• Safety considerations in an industrial plant setting
• Basic arithmetic
• Safe work practices
• Principles of operation and maintenance of boilers, turbines, generators and power plant equipment
• Principles of combustion
  
  

Ability to :

• Read and comprehend apprentice-level training manuals, diagrams and technical instructions
• Learn the operation of all phases of a power plant
• Use basic hand tools
• Learn to read meters and gauges
• Perform manual labor
• Perform minor plant maintenance work
• Record and interpret readings of meters and gauges and maintain operating logs
• Recognize needed equipment repairs
• Guide others in operating and maintaining plant equipment
• Perform a wide variety of plant operations

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SELECTION PROCESS:

• All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.
• The selection process will consist of a written test weighted at 50%, and an interview weighted at 50%.
• Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process.
• The initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of September 7, 2026.

TO APPLY:
Please apply online at www.lacsd.org within the application period. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment application. Check your e-mail regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications are sent via e-mail. Please make sure that your registered e-mail address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list.

NOTES:
The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a reference check, background check, DMV report, and a drug test.

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts convert waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources .

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Antonio Archuleta at antonioarchuleta@lacsd.org .

As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.

RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 24/25 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.

• DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.

COMPENSATION

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2026, the Districts contribute $2,417.99 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.

• DENTAL: Districts paid. Employees can choose from prepaid and indemnity dental plans. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage. The indemnity dental plan will has an annual in network maximum of $1,750, and an out of network maximum of $1,000.

• VISION: Employee paid.

• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.

• SICK LEAVE : Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.

• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.

• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for each birth, foster placement and/or adoption (regardless of the number of children involved) as determined by the parental leave policy.

HOLIDAYS
13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
For some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.

More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits

NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated January 2, 2026

Closing Date/Time: Continuous