Salary: $7,098.00 - $8,819.00 Monthly
Location : Puente Hills Landfill, Whittier, CA
Job Type: Open to all
Job Number: AA-165-26E
Department: Solid Waste - Energy Recovery
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
JOB POSTINGNOTICE OF JOB OPPORTUNITYPOSTING #AA-165-26EPOWER PLANT OPERATIONS ASSISTANTThis 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.LOCATION: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, ENERGY RECOVERY SECTION, PUENTE HILLS GAS-TO-ENERGY FACILITYNOTES:- 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: The major job duties are listed below. For a detailed list, please see the
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 QUALIFICATIONSCandidates 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 ; OR
- Three (3) years of equivalent industrial or military experience at a power-generation, petro-chemical process or similar facility.
EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIAThe 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 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 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:
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Antonio Archuleta at
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.
- 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.
HOLIDAYS13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENTEmployees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.
STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENTFor 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:
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
01
Thank you for your interest in this Power Plant Operations Assistant job opportunity with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts.Your answers to the following Supplemental Questions are required for your application to be considered complete. The information that you provide will be evaluated "as-is," and you will not have a second chance to revise or clarify the information provided. Therefore, it is important to provide concise, organized, and easy to understand answers to each item.VERY IMPORTANT: It is imperative that your responses reflect a true and accurate description of your background. Additionally, your answers must be supported by the information you have entered in your application profile. Responses that cannot be substantiated by information contained in your application profile will be deemed as invalid. Moreover, questions that ask you to provide a description of particular aspects related to your work experience must be fully described for your responses to be considered complete. A supplemental review of your responses will be conducted to validate them. Falsification, exaggeration, and misrepresentation will result in your disqualification and will likely bar you from future employment opportunities with Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts.If you have questions regarding these instructions or the selection process in general, please contact Antonio Archuleta at AntonioArchuleta@lacsd.org.
- I understand and agree to comply with the above instructions.
02
How many years of experience do you have performing duties as a Power Plant Attendant or equivalent industrial or military experience at a power-generation, petro-chemical process or similar facility?
- Less than 2 years
- More than 2 years but less than 3 years
- More than 3 years but less than 4 years
- More than 4 years but less than 5 years
- More than 5 years
03
Please identify the company/agency/organization, dates of employment, and your position where you gained the experience described in the previous question. (Employers listed must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application.) If you have no experience, type N/A.
04
I understand that the written test for this position will tentatively be held on XX, September XX, 2026 and have made arrangements to be available during this time. If I'm not available, I agree to notify antonioarchuleta@lacsd.org as soon as possible, but no later than one (1) day before the test.
- I understand and agree with the above instructions.
05
I understand that the interviews for this position will tentatively be held during the week of September XX, 2026 and have made arrangements to be available during this time. If I'm not available, I agree to notify antonioarchuleta@lacsd.org as soon as possible, but no later than one (1) day before the interview.
