First Opportunity Program: Lead Operating Engineer

First Opportunity Program: Lead Operating Engineer

Salary

$49.09 - $51.40 Hourly

Location

Oregon Convention Center, OR

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-8160-OCC-F

Department

Oregon Convention Center

Division

OCC Facility Management

Opening Date

07/20/2026

Closing Date

7/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

This is a First Opportunity recruitment, we are only accepting applications from residents who live within the First Opportunity Target Area (FOTA) and meet the qualifying annual household income limit. For more information please visitwww.oregonmetro.gov/fota.

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.

The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is looking for an experienced Lead Operating Engineer to join our Facilities team and play a key role in supporting the regions premier event venue at the Oregon Convention Center. In this leadership position, youll oversee daily facility engineering operations, provide guidance to engineering staff, and help ensure critical building systems and equipment operate safely and efficiently. Working closely with event teams and clients, youll contribute directly to the success of a wide variety of events by coordinating facility services and supporting temporary event utilities, including compressed air, domestic water, and natural gas systems. This position will primarily report to the Oregon Convention Center and support the Portland Expo Center as needed.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled facilities professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, leading teams, and delivering exceptional customer service. As one of the largest convention centers in the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon Convention Center hosts approximately 500 events each year and is nationally recognized for its leadership in sustainability, innovation, and event hospitality. If youre looking to make an impact in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while supporting world-class events at the Oregon Convention Center, we encourage you to apply.

For more information about the Oregon Convention Center, visit www.oregoncc.org.

As the Lead Operating Engineer, you will:

• Operate, monitor, maintain, and repair HVAC, refrigeration, and associated mechanical systems, including chillers, boilers, air handling units, pumps, and related equipment.
• Utilize and manage the Building Automation System (BAS) to monitor, troubleshoot, schedule, and optimize building performance and occupant comfort.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair commercial and industrial kitchen equipment.
• Perform and coordinate maintenance and repairs of plumbing systems, fixtures, and backflow prevention devices.
• Maintain and repair facility rolling stock and support equipment, including forklifts, floor scrubbers, sweepers, carts, and similar equipment.
• Coordinate and assign daily work activities for Operating Engineers to ensure timely completion of preventive maintenance and corrective repairs.
• Manage maintenance supplies, parts, tools, and equipment inventories, and coordinate procurement as needed.
• Support convention center operations by responding to facility issues and communicating maintenance needs, operational concerns, project status, and staff activities to the Facilities Manager.
• Oversee contractors and service providers while managing the CMMS to ensure preventive maintenance and work orders are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Plan, install, and support temporary event-related utility services, including compressed air, domestic water, and natural gas connections.

Attributes for success:

• Extensive knowledge of HVAC/R systems, including boilers, chillers cooling towers, refrigeration equipment, and associated mechanical systems.
• Proficient in diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing HVAC, mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and electronic control systems.
• Experienced with Building Automation Systems (BAS) and lighting controls, including monitoring, scheduling, alarm management, programming, and system optimization.
• Skilled in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for preventive maintenance, work order management, asset tracking, and documentation.
• Strong understanding of preventive/predictive maintenance practices, root cause analysis, equipment reliability, and energy-efficient building operations.
• Capable of rebuilding and repairing pumps, fans, compressors, and motor-driven equipment, as well as performing MIG/TIG welding, fabrication, and equipment modifications.
• Able to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, control drawings, technical manuals, and equipment specifications.
• Proven leadership and teamwork skills with the ability to coordinate staff, manage contractors/vendors, prioritize multiple tasks, and support ongoing facility operations and events.
• Committed to safety, regulatory compliance, and emergency response, including lockout/tagout procedures, industry codes, and safe work practices.
• Strong communication, customer service, and recordkeeping abilities, utilizing Microsoft Windows-based systems, maintenance software, and accurate reporting tools.

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.

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

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

• Five years of experience in a large public facility(Experience must include work-related tasks in plumbing, heating and cooling, and electrical.)
• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Required

• Limited Maintenance Electrician License (LME) or greater.
• A valid driver's license.

Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm.This role also provides the opportunity to be part of a team that supports a variety of exciting events and critical facility operations. As a result, flexibility is important, as occasional evening, weekend, holiday, on-call, and emergency response assignments may be required to meet operational and event needs across the two venues

Working Conditions: Work is performed throughout the Oregon Convention Center in a variety of environments, including mechanical rooms, maintenance shops, event spaces, rooftops, and other facility locations. The position operates in a dynamic setting with frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, and varying daily workloads. Duties regularly require walking, standing, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and working in confined spaces or at elevated heights.

Employees must be able to frequently lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 40 pounds, with assistance available for heavier loads when needed. Work may involve prolonged physical exertion and exposure to mechanical and electrical equipment, noise, dust, temperature extremes, inclement weather, and other potentially hazardous conditions. Adherence to all applicable safety regulations, procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements is required at all times.

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 them 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.

• At least two years experience of leading a team of Operating Engineer experience.
• Oregon Health Authority Backflow Tester Certification
• EPA Section 608 Universal Technician Certification
• ORACCA Brazing Certification
• Building Operators Certification Level I or II

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 completed online application
• Responses to all 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
• Driving records check for finalist candidate

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The starting pay rate for this position is $49.09 per hour. Upon successful completion of the six-month probationary period, the pay rate will increase to $51.40 per hour.

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by IUOE, Local 701 union. It is classified as a Lead Operating Engineer.

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:megan.warneke@oregonmetro.gov

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.

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

For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page.

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, the Oregon Convention Center and Portland Expo Center, help 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.

The Oregon Convention Center and Metro

The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is a leading public venue in the Pacific Northwest, hosting conventions, trade shows, meetings and community events that reflect the diversity and energy of the Portland region. Recognized for its leadership in sustainability and commitment to exceptional service, OCC serves as a catalyst for Oregon's economy, generating more than $330 million annually in consumer spending and supporting thousands of jobs.

The Portland Expo Center and Metro

The Portland Expo Center is a versatile public venue in Portland, Oregon, hosting trade shows, conventions, sporting events, concerts and community gatherings. With more than330,000 square feet of flexible space - including five exhibit halls, meeting rooms equipped with modern technology and53,000 square feet of outdoor event space - Expo supports a wide range of regional and national events. The facility also offers parking for more than 2,500 vehicles, providing convenient access for exhibitors and guests across the Pacific Northwest.

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.

This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these benefits:

• 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
• Hybrid/Telework living in Oregon /Washington depending on position and department

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.

Learn more about employee benefits.

Some positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.

View union contracts here.

01

This position requires a valid drivers license. Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires an Oregon Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME) License or higher. Do you have an Oregon Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME) License or higher certification?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have any of the following licenses or certifications related to this position? (Check all that apply.)

• EPA Section 608 Universal Certification
• ORACCA Brazing Certification
• Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Backflow Assembly Tester Certification
• Building Operator Certification I
• Building Operator Certification II
• I have none of the certifications listed here

04

Please check all the commercial building systems you are currently ADVANCED in operating or maintaining: (Select all that apply and experience should be listed in your application)

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
• Hydronic heating and cooling systems
• Refrigeration Systems
• Commercial Kitchen Equipment
• Plumbing
• Life Safety Systems (e.g., fire alarms, sprinklers)
• Elevators
• Roofing
• Electrical Systems
• Lighting Systems
• Compressed air systems
• I have little to no experience in these areas, but I'm motivated to learn.

05

How would you rate your proficiency with ticketing and maintenance work order functions in CMMS or related software systems?

• None - I have no experience using ticketing or work order features.
• Basic - I can submit and view tickets or work orders and follow simple workflows.
• Proficient - I can manage work orders, assign tasks, update statuses, and generate basic reports.

06

How would you describe your proficiency with Building Automation Systems (BAS), including troubleshooting, reading programming, graphics changes, scheduling, alarm management, trending, and system optimization?

• Beginner: Basic understanding of BAS concepts and navigation; requires guidance for most tasks.
• Intermediate: Able to perform routine troubleshooting, make basic programming and graphics changes, manage schedules and alarms, and support day-to-day system operation.
• Advanced: Independently troubleshoots complex issues, develops and modifies programming and graphics, analyzes trends, optimizes system performance, and supports multiple building systems.
• Expert: Recognized subject matter expert with extensive experience designing, programming, commissioning, optimizing, and leading BAS strategy across complex facilities and systems.

07

How would you describe your proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and controls drawings to diagnose and troubleshoot equipment and system issues?

• Beginner: Can identify basic symbols, components, and layouts but requires assistance interpreting complex drawings and troubleshooting issues.
• Intermediate: Able to read and interpret most electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and controls drawings to support routine troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
• Advanced: Independently analyzes complex drawings, traces system interactions, identifies root causes of issues, and uses documentation effectively to troubleshoot equipment and system performance problems.
• Expert: Demonstrates deep technical expertise across multiple disciplines, interprets highly complex design and as-built drawings, identifies system-wide impacts, and serves as a resource for troubleshooting, design reviews, and technical guidance.

08

Describe your experience supporting large commercial, institutional, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, or convention center facilities. Include the size of the facility, major systems maintained, and any experience supporting events or high-occupancy operations.

09

Describe your experience leading, coordinating, and mentoring engineering teams, contractors, or vendors. Include the size of the team, your responsibilities, and an example of how you led a team through a significant operational challenge or equipment failure, including the actions you took and the outcome.

Required Question

Employer Oregon Metro

Address 600 NE Grand Ave

Portland, Oregon, 97232

Phone 503-797-1570

Website http://www.oregonmetro.gov