About this opportunity
Oregon Metro lists this Operating Engineer I (variable hour) opportunity in portland, Oregon. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Salary: $40.70 - $42.62 Hourly
Location : Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, OR
Job Type: Variable Hour
Job Number: -P5-G3
Department: Portland'5 Ctrs for the Arts
Division: P'5 Facilities Management
Opening Date: 06/17/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Summary
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 performing arts centers, managing five iconic venues in downtown Portland. As an Operating Engineer I , you'll support the safe and reliable operation of building systems that power world-class performances. This event-driven role is ideal if you thrive in a fast-paced environment and bring strong mechanical expertise, with work primarily focused on HVAC and electrical systems and exposure to a wide range of technical building systems.
This position is on-call as needed to support event operations, with scheduling based on business needs predominantly in the evenings and on weekends. Success in this role requires flexibility, reliability, strong attendance, effective communication across departments, and the ability to collaborate with multiple trades and clearly explain technical information to diverse audiences.
As an Operating Engineer I you will:
Maintain and troubleshoot HVAC systems: including air handlers, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, fans, controls, and associated PLC/automation systems, using building drawings and documentation.
Service plumbing and hydronic systems: including piping, valves, drainage, and potable/non-potable water systems.
Support life and fire safety systems: coordinating inspections and maintenance for sprinklers, alarms, suppression systems, and related equipment.
Perform general mechanical and building trades work: including doors, hardware, glazing, structural finishes, and minor carpentry; welding/brazing experience is a plus.
Maintain kitchen and refrigeration equipment as needed.
Assist with low-voltage infrastructure: including basic troubleshooting of network/data cabling tied to building systems.
Use maintenance and work order systems to track repairs, review system data, and support efficient operation of building assets.
Follow and promote safety standard s: including OSHA practices, lockout/tagout, PPE use, and hazard awareness.
Attributes for success: Reliability : Demonstrates consistent punctuality and strong attendance.
Customer Service: Communicates clearly with customers and teammates, providing timely updates and thorough work order documentation. Accurately reads and follows written and verbal instructions, with strong attention to detail. Uses CMMS systems to manage and close out work.
Safety : Applies industry safety standards (OSHA and others) and works safely in physically demanding conditions, including lifting, climbing ladders, and frequent movement throughout the facility.
Initiative & Troubleshooting : Takes a proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving with a willingness to learn. Reads and interprets schematics, one-line diagrams, and building plans (mechanical, electrical, and fire protection).
Teamwork : Works collaboratively with staff and contractors, maintains positive working relationships, and verifies quality and completeness of completed work.
Technical & Physical Skills : Understands and safely operates building systems including boilers, chillers, cooling towers, packaged units, electrical systems (high/low voltage), and DDC controls, including how these systems interact.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
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.
TO QUALIFY
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
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: Possession of a valid driver's license.
Able to work a variety of shifts including weekdays, daylight hours, evenings, weekends and holidays as required.
Ability to successfully pass a background and driving check.
Shift and schedule: This position is variable hour with no set schedule, you set your schedule, allowing you to balance work with your personal commitment. You'll have the opportunity to support our team primarily during days. Additional opportunities may come up to help during events, nights, weekends, days and holidays as needed, with your schedule adapting to the operational needs and special events at the Portland'5 Centers for the Arts.
Working Conditions :
This role requires working in a wide range of mechanical and facility environments, including exposure to physical, electrical, chemical, thermal and ergonomic hazards typical of building trades work. Duties may involve lifting, climbing, confined spaces, and operating mechanical equipment. A strong commitment to safety, adherence to established protocols, and timely reporting of hazards are essential to maintaining a safe work environment.
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you 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
Moving Elevated Work Platform or scaffolding authorized person certificate of training
Heavy equipment or forklift authorized person certificate of training
Universal CFC/EPA Certificate
Brazing or Welding Certificate
HVAC trade-school certification equivalent or more
Niagara or other BAS (Building Automation System) training certificate
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
Mechanical experience from military role
Preference provided to those with strong ability to work in the daytime hours to support core operational needs.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required 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
COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATON
The starting rate for this position is step 1: $40.70 per hour.
This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) local 701 union. 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:
Additional Information
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.
Non-discrimination in hiring decisions
Metro is committed to equal employment opportunity and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws. Metro employment decisions - including recruitment, screening, interviewing, selection, promotion, compensation, and separation - must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected class.
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 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.
As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.
Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.
Part-time employees benefits are based on position and the number of hours worked. A few of the benefits that may be offered are: Medical, dental and vision health insurance
Paid sick leave
Paid vacation, holiday and other leave
Paid parental leave
Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement
No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
Employee Assistance Program
Training opportunities
Flexible schedules depending on position and department
For part-time employees, employee contributions to health insurance premiums are pro-rated based on the number of hours they work.
Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.
Some positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.
01
This position is considered a variable hour position with no set schedule and will be scheduled to work based on business and event needs; which can include nights, weekends and holidays. This is not a full-time position. Variable hour employees are able to work 1040 hours per year. Are you able to meet this availability requirement? Yes
No
02
How many years of relevant experience do you have with construction trades or building system maintenance? (Make sure this is reflected in the Work Experience section of your application) No experience
1 year or less of related experience
1 year but no more than 2 years of related experience
2 years but no more than 3 years of related experience
3 years but no more than 4 years of related experience
4 years but no more than 5 years of related experience
5 years but no more than 6 years of related experience
6 years but no more than 7 years of related experience
7 years but no more than 8 years of related experience
8 years but no more than 9 years of related experience
9 years but no more than 10 years of related experience
10 or more years of related experience
03
How would you describe your experience working as an Operating Engineer or maintenance technician in a medium to large commercial facility, including the types of systems and responsibilities you've managed?
04
Do you hold any trade certifications, technical training, or related credentials that are relevant or transferable to this position? If yes, please list them.
05
Do you have a valid driver's license? Yes
No
06
How would you describe your approach to workplace safety and your role in maintaining a safe work environment?
07
How do you define and demonstrate outstanding customer service when supporting a wide range of building users, including staff, performers, contractors, and the public?
Required Question
Worksite address
portland, OR, 97204, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.