Salary: $7,912.00 - $9,830.00 Monthly
Location : Puente Hills Landfill, Whittier, CA
Job Type: Open to all
Job Number: AA-198-26E
Department: Solid Waste - Energy Recovery
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
JOB POSTINGNOTICE OF JOB OPPORTUNITYPOSTING #AA-198-26EPOWER PLANT OPERATOR IOpen to both internal and external applicantsThis 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.Take the next step in your power plant operations career as a Power Plant Operator I at the Puente Hills Gas-to-Energy Facility (PERG). Join an experienced team operating a unique energy recovery facility where you'll build on your existing skills while gaining valuable 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 opportunities to expand your technical expertise and compete for advancement to higher-level positions in power plant operations.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 Operations Assistant by clicking here to be considered.
- Positions that become available may have specific shift assignments, respirator requirements and/or roving status.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To perform journey level technical operations at a high-pressure steam generating plant, utilizing a computer-based electronic control system
JOB SUMMARY: The major job duties are listed below. For a detailed list, please see the
Under the general supervision of the Energy Recovery Operations Supervisor, and technical guidance from higher-level operators, the incumbent will:
- Operate and monitor plant equipment to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations by using a computer-based plant control system to observe operating conditions and control plant equipment.
- Monitor and regulate boiler and combustion operations to maintain proper steam production and operating conditions by monitoring combustion and boiler water levels and adjusting fuel feed rates, draft openings, feedwater regulation, stokers, dampers, valves, and combustion controls.
- Control superheated steam conditions to support proper operation of plant generating equipment by monitoring and regulating steam pressure and temperature within required operating parameters.
- Operate turbine-generator equipment (e.g., turbine and generator controls, steam and auxiliary valves, pumps, lubrication systems, cooling systems, and related auxiliary equipment) and synchronize the generator to the electrical line to support the safe and reliable generation and delivery of electrical power by activating auxiliary equipment, monitoring operating conditions, and performing generator synchronization procedures.
- Monitor air pollution control equipment and quality-control results to support proper plant operation and compliance with applicable operating requirements by reviewing equipment conditions, system readings, and quality-control analyses.
- Inspect plant equipment and operating areas to identify abnormal, unsafe, or deteriorating conditions and support continued plant reliability by conducting periodic plant rounds and observing equipment operation and condition.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSApplicants must possess all of the following:
- A valid California Class C Driver License; AND
- One of the following:
- Eighteen (18) months of experience as a ; OR
- Equivalent industrial or military experience in a power generation or petro-chemical process facility
EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIAThe competitive selection process may cover:
Knowledge of: - Plant operating principles and processes
- Boiler and combustion systems and operations
- Steam systems and operating principles
- Turbine-generator systems and operations
- Electrical generation and generator synchronization principles and procedures
- Plant instrumentation and control systems
- Air pollution control equipment and operating requirements
- Power plant safety practices and procedures
- Plant inspection and equipment-monitoring practices
Ability to:- Operate and adjust power plant equipment and controls
- Interpret plant operating data output
- Conduct systematic plant inspections and equipment rounds
- Recognize abnormal operating conditions and determine appropriate operational responses
- Monitor multiple plant systems and operating conditions concurrently
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 30%, and an interview weighted at 70%.
- 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 Operator I 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 much experience do you possess as a Power Plant Operations Assistant with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, or in equivalent industrial or military work at a power generation or petrochemical process facility?
- Less than 1.5 years
- More than 1.5 years but 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 tentat
