Operating Engineer
Company: Orion Talent
Job Ref: # 8350042
Date Posted: 1/28/2026 12:00:00 AM
City, State: Baton Rouge, LA
Salary: $27 - $27
Description
Go to end ⇓An Operating Engineer position supporting a district energy plant (steam, hot water and chilled water) at Louisiana State University. Operate and maintain chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps and other ancillary equipment. Through teamwork, we will ensure overall plant compliance with applicable safety, environmental and operational permits or guidelines. The successful candidate will be a self-starter that enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, strong commitment to deadlines and team, is process oriented with a high sense of ownership in their work, possesses a high degree of intellectual curiosity, and has superior foundation in the maintenance and troubleshooting of central heating and cooling plants.
- Develop competency in operations of existing plant facilities to ensure that unplanned outages are minimized.
- Make recommendations to the Operations Supervisor or Lead Operating Engineer to enhance reliability and plant performance.
- Work with the Operations Supervisor and Lead Operating Engineer to perform maintenance programs and procedures.
- Develop an understanding of troubleshooting of the plant, distribution system, interface systems and energy transfer stations. Work in a safe manner while following applicable regulatory requirements.
- Follow plant operational procedures to ensure the accomplishment of plant production goals. Monitor and report on system performance to meet or exceed plant production goals.
- Investigate, take corrective action, and report on plant outages to minimize impact to customer services. Manage outage timetables that optimize cost effectiveness while insuring reliability.
- Develop proficiency as a plant operator in conjunction with cultivating skills in the calibration and troubleshooting of automation, power, and interface systems.
- As the shift schedule dictates, will be available on a 24-hour basis to assist in emergency situations and fill vacancies in the shift rotation as directed by the Operations Supervisor.
- Track and log operational system status using applicable journals and control system tools. Understand system-operating requirements, identify trends, perform routine analysis and make recommendations for operating adjustments.
- Perform maintenance and repairs on building mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
Must-Have Skills, Experience, and Education:
- High School Diploma or GED is required. Additional studies and courses in a technical discipline would be a plus.
- Training, licenses, or certifications in plant operations are considered advantageous.
- 5 years' experience in operations, maintenance and troubleshooting of central heating and cooling plants
- Experience with large scale plant automation, startup, commissioning, and energy management activities is a plus
- Experience with combined heat and power systems (CHP) & cogeneration is a plus
- Highly professional ethical standards are expected
- Must be proficient in the use of various hand tools including but not limited to; wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, power tools, pliers, tape measures, rules, multi-meters, grinders, files, torches, hammers, saws and all other types of pneumatic tools.
- Must be able to work with PVC piping of all sizes, climb ladders, work overhead, work in confined spaces, work outdoors and indoors, work in heat, cold, windy and dusty environments.
- Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems is expected
- Highly analytical with great attention to detail.
- Must be willing to wear all types of PPE including hearing protection, eye protection, all types of hand protection, steel toe footwear, head protection, wear fall-protection, half-face and full-face respirators
- Demonstrated strong communication, collaborative and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in a dynamic, complex, fast-paced environment, to adapt quickly and to manage changing priorities.
- Must be self-motivated and proactive to seek methods to change and/or enhance plant environment. Willing to work any hours necessary to ensure plant operations are conducted in a reliable method.
- Experience in a service-oriented environment is preferred.
Nice-to-Have Skills, Experience, and Education:
- Experienced in working with district energy systems preferred
- Experienced in working in a unionized environment preferred
- Budget preparation and fiscal management knowledge
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of utility plant engineering and operations
