Operating Engineer II at City of Norfolk, VA

About the Department

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

The Facility Maintenance Division of the Department of General Services is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of City-owned buildings and critical infrastructure systems. Within this division, the Central Energy Plant (CEP) provides heating, cooling, and energy management services for major city facilities, including City Hall, the School Administration Building, the City Jail, and Slover Library, along with other connected facilities throughout Norfolk. The CEP is staffed by Operating Engineers who monitor and maintain boilers, chillers, pumps, and building automation systems to ensure continuous, safe, and efficient operations.

The City of Norfolk is seeking qualified applicants for Operating Engineer II in the Central Energy Plant. This is a fixed-position role in a control room setting where the Operating Engineer monitors building automation systems, identifies and troubleshoots plant issues, and follows established procedures to ensure uninterrupted service to critical city facilities.

The role requires flexibility and reliability: engineers work 10-hour shifts on a rotating schedule, changing every four months. While teamwork is essential, the position also requires the ability to work independently for long periods while maintaining focus and attention to detail. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a monitoring role, able to identify system irregularities before they escalate, and committed to following through on established procedures.

Position Duties

• Operates and monitors building automation systems (DDC systems such as Siemens, Johnson Controls, or equivalent) to manage boilers, chillers, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
• Identifies plant irregularities and takes corrective action using established operating procedures to ensure reliable service.
• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on plant systems as assigned, documenting all work performed.
• Responds to alarms and system issues by troubleshooting, communicating with supervisors, and initiating corrective steps.
• Works rotating 10-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to maintain 24/7 coverage of the CEP.
• Collaborates with other Operating Engineers and Facility Maintenance staff while also working independently to maintain plant reliability.
• Monitors emergency phone line and responds by connecting with appropriate City staff or contractors.
• Provides information to contractors and vendors accessing plant systems and verifies work as directed.
• Completes work order documentation in the City’s computerized maintenance management system.

Minimum Qualifications

Work requires knowledge of technical, vocational, or mechanical systems obtained through one year of advanced study or training beyond high school equivalency.

Required:

• Two (2) years of experience in the operation, repair, or maintenance of boilers, chillers, building automation systems, or related plant equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems such as Siemens, Johnson Controls, Trane, or Automated Logic is highly desirable.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to work independently, and flexibility to cover rotating shifts.

Other Qualifications

• Valid Driver’s License required. A DMV transcript dated within 30 days will be required if selected for hire.

Work Schedule:

• Starting/Training Schedule will be Monday-Friday from 7am-3:30pm
• Regular schedule will be 4 days per week at 10 hours per day on a 4-month rotating schedule.
• Required Shift Schedule that rotates will be required to cover 24/7/365 operation of plant to include weekends, evenings, overnight, and holidays.
• Occasional overtime work will be required due to facility emergencies and/or contractor work scheduling.

Signing Bonus:

• This position is eligible for a $5,000 signing bonus.

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