Operating Engineer I chez Oregon Metro

About the Department

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.  

Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, operated by Metro, is one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic performing arts centers, managing five unique venues in the heart of Portland. We are proud to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, where inclusion, collaboration, and personal growth are at the core of our culture. We are currently seeking an Operating Engineer I to join our dedicated team—someone who thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and brings both strong technical ability and a passion for exceptional service. 

This role offers the opportunity to work behind the scenes of world-class performances, supporting the safe and efficient operation of our facilities. The ideal candidate is a flexible, self-starting professional who enjoys problem-solving, communicating across departments, and partnering with a variety of trades and contractors. You’ll be using tools like Asset Essentials, radio communication, and email to coordinate and complete tasks, often under tight timelines. Reliability, strong attendance, and the ability to explain technical information clearly to people with different goals and perspectives are key to success in this role. 

As an Operating Engineer I you will: 

• Networking and data cabling systems: Perform duties associated with network infrastructure needs such as; troubleshooting network connectivity issues, checking the connection on ethernet ports with netscout, etc. and able to understand associated building prints/documentation. 
• HVAC system components: Perform duties associated with air conditioning systems, boilers and heating systems, chiller and cooling tower systems, pumps, fans, and other motor-driven mechanics, and able to understand associated building prints, Programmable Logic Controllers associated with our automated HVAC systems and HVAC controls. 
• Plumbing systems: Perform duties associated with valves, piping and hydronic distribution systems, drainage systems, plumbing fixtures for potable and non-potable water sources; and able to understand associated building prints. 
• Life & Fire Safety Systems: Perform and arrange duties and inspections associated with sprinkler, fire door, fire escape, fire exits, alarm, panel, sensor, extinguisher and other fire suppressant systems. 
• Kitchen and concession equipment: Performing and arranging duties associated with refrigeration units, and other kitchen equipment. 
• General Building carpentry, hardware and glazing for building envelope and interior needs: Perform duties associated with Windows, doors, door closers, door locks, gates and latches, exterior metal cladding, brickwork, granite, marble and cement poured molding, wood features and furnishings and able to understand associated building prints. Additionally, any knowledge of Welding or brazing of materials utilizing any methods – i.e.: stick, wire, TIG, MIG, soldering, is valuable. 
• Customer service software systems: Utilizes appropriate software and platforms, such as our event scheduling software, Momentus, to assist with event setups that require temporary power hookups, VoIP and network connections, etc. Uses our work order software, Asset Essentials, to provide updates on repairs/improvements and closes the loop with customers. Regularly reviews analytics (such as what is shown on our Power BI page) and notes ideas for process improvement. Stores and uses reference information from mapped network drives and SharePoint pages, including building prints. 
• Safety systems and training: Acts as a a student of, an advocate for and expert on building system safety. Continues to update training on a wide variety of safety practices at work such as working at heights, OSHA safety training, chemical awareness, hazard identification and analysis, lock-out-tag-out of hazardous energies, identifying and wearing proper PPE and safety barricades, etc. 

Attributes for success: 

• Punctuality: Has great punctuality and maintains a history of good attendance. 
• Overtime: Able and willing to work monthly rotating ‘on-call’ service duties to support after-hours, weekend and holiday emergencies and urgent facility response.  
• Customer Service: Excellent customer service skills, including an ability to update and follow up with conclusions on work orders and projects. Can read and follow written and oral instructions as well as demonstrate attention to detail and can describe details to customers in clear, descriptive and understandable reports via typed work order. Enters data into, and follows work orders generated by, facility CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software. 
• Safety: Experience and certifications in industry-standard safety skills such as OSHA. Ability to move safely throughout the day consistently and often, walking, crouching, bending, squatting, working from ladders, light/mid/heavy lifting, stretching, reaching, etc. 
• Troubleshooting: Maintains a curious, inquisitive nature and willingness to learn. Understands how humility and setting aside ego can play a role in troubleshooting and research phases. Reads and understands drawings and diagrams such as schematics, one-line diagrams, building mechanical, fire protection and floor plans. 
• Teamwork: Practices teamwork regularly and is unafraid of asking coworkers for help. Establishes and maintain positive and effective working relationships with fellow employees, management, contractors and the public. Works smoothly with outside repair and maintenance contractors in various disciplines while ensuring a strict standard of work product quality is met by checking in and checking work when our contractor partners communicate, they believe a job is finished. 
• Technical & Physical Skills: Experience with or understanding of safe operation and maintenance of boiler systems, chiller systems with cooling towers and package units with condensers. Understanding of the role high and low voltage electrical systems, mechanical systems and DDC controls play in a building, as well as how they interact with one another. 

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.    

Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan 

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications: 

• One year of experience as an operating engineer in a large facility or Maintenance Technician in a medium to large commercial facility, OR completion of an apprenticeship program in a relevant trade, OR 
• We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.   

Required: 

• Required possession of a valid driver's license. 
• Must be, or be willing to become, CPR and First Aid certified. 
• Able to work a variety of shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays when required. 

Working Conditions:  This dynamic role involves a wide range of work conditions and potential hazards, including physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic risks, with a strong emphasis on safety training, awareness, and prompt reporting to ensure a healthy and secure workplace.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply: 

If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years. 

Like to have qualifications: 

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position. 

• OSHA-10 or OSHA-30 certificate 
• Universal CFC/EPA Certificate 
• Brazing Certificate 
• HVAC trade-school certification equivalent or more 
• Fall Protection Certificate of training 
• Lock Technician or Locksmith Certificate 
• Network Infrastructure or Security Certificate or Knowledge of basic TCP/IP networking hardware and physical infrastructure   

SCREENING AND EVALUATION 

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment. 

• A complete online application  
• Complete responses to supplemental questions 

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change. 

• Initial review of minimum qualifications 
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)

COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATION

The starting salary for this position is step 1: $39.13 per hour. After successfully completing 6 months, you will move to the full rate of pay at step 2: $40.98 per hour.  

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) local 701. It is classified as an Operating Engineer I.  

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Megan Warneke

Email: [email protected]

Other Qualifications

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
 

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. 

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page. 

Government Jobs

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Metro 

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home. 

As part of the Metro family, Portland'5 Centers for the Arts helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.

Portland’5 Centers for the Arts and Metro
 As the fifth-largest performing arts center in the nation, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts takes care of treasured public theaters and concert halls that bring music, theater, dance and lecture performances to greater Portland. Portland’5’s roughly 73 employees host more than one million patrons each year.