Operating Engineer

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

The Operating Engineer is primarily responsible for the operation and maintenance of stationary equipment, boilers (gas and/or oil), chiller systems and other mechanical equipment used to provide campus utilities. Working independently, under general supervision, the Operating Engineer performs day-to-day operations for the Boiler Chiller Plant, and assists with the operation of building equipment and automated energy management systems to control HVAC. Incumbent will monitor and adjust mechanical and computerized controls to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, and maintain daily logs of operation including maintenance work, test results, instrument readings, details of equipment malfunctions and energy consumption for conservation analysis. Responsibilities include identifying malfunctions, testing water quality, and taking necessary corrective action. Incumbent will also perform miscellaneous field duties, including maintenance and repair of underground and auxiliary equipment. This position works under direct supervision of the Supervising Building Services Engineer and general supervision of the Manager of Engineering Trades/Chief Engineer. Operating Engineers work shifts, day, swing, and/or graveyard, including weekends, providing continuous twenty-four-hour coverage, seven days per week.

The abilities listed above would normally be acquired through the full-time equivalent of two years of hands-on experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boiler and chiller systems, co-generation systems, and/or related mechanical equipment. Completion of a certificate or other vocational training in a related field, may be substituted for hands-on experience.

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills: 

• 2 years of HVAC service experience and/or 2 years of central plant operation experience.
• 1 year of pipefitting experience.
• 1 year of steam operations experience.
• Boiler operations experience.
• Chiller operations experience.
• Understanding of building automation software.

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, “Today Decides Tomorrow,” is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century. 

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus.  We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

Chico State is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

CSU, Chico's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at CSU, Chico Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available on the web at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.

Open Until Filled (Review of Applications will begin 06/09/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.)

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