First Opportunity Program: Operating Engineer II - Portland Expo Center

First Opportunity Program: Operating Engineer II - Portland Expo Center

Salary

$44.69 - $46.83 Hourly

Location

Expo Center, OR

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-8195-Expo-F

Department

Expo Center

Division

Expo Center Operations

Opening Date

08/06/2026

Closing Date

8/13/2026 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, were Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work we do every day benefits the people who live here today and for generations to come.

The Portland Expo Center (Expo) is seeking an experienced Operating Engineer to join our Facilities team and help support one of the Pacific Northwests most versatile event venues. In this role, you will operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair critical building systems while ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable facility operations.

Working closely with facility staff, event teams, contractors, vendors, and event organizers, you will play a key role in supporting trade shows, conventions, community events, sporting events, and other large-scale gatherings. Responsibilities include maintaining HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and control systems, coordinating temporary event utility services, and supporting facility readiness for a diverse range of events.

This position is primarily based at the Portland Expo Center and may provide support to the Oregon Convention Center as needed.

If you are a skilled facilities professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, supporting high-profile events, and delivering exceptional customer service in a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply.

For more information about the Portland Expo Center, visitwww.expocenter.org.

As the Operating Engineer II, you will:

• Operate, monitor, maintain, and repair HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, and mechanical systems, including boilers, chillers, air handling units, pumps, and related equipment.
• Utilize the Building Automation System (BAS) to monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, manage schedules, and optimize building operations.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair commercial kitchen equipment, plumbing systems, fixtures, piping, and backflow prevention devices.
• Maintain and repair facility support equipment, including forklifts, floor scrubbers, sweepers, utility carts, and other rolling stock.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance activities in accordance with established schedules, procedures, safety standards, and work orders.
• Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document work, manage preventive maintenance programs, and track facility assets.
• Assist with inventory management of maintenance supplies, tools, equipment, and replacement parts.
• Respond to facility issues, communicate operational needs and project updates, and coordinate effectively with Facilities leadership, contractors, and service providers.
• Install, maintain, and support temporary event utility services, including compressed air, domestic water, and natural gas connections.
• Support event operations by ensuring facility systems are safe, reliable, and responsive to the needs of exhibitors, event organizers, and guests.

Attributes for Success

• Strong knowledge of HVAC/R systems, including boilers, chillers, cooling towers, refrigeration equipment, and associated controls.
• Skilled in diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control systems.
• Proficient with Building Automation Systems (BAS),lighting controls, and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance practices, equipment reliability, and energy-efficient building operations.
• Ability to maintain and repair pumps, fans, compressors, motor-driven equipment, and other facility systems.
• Experience with brazing, welding, fabrication, and equipment modifications.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, control drawings, technical manuals, and equipment specifications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and emergency response procedures.
• Excellent communication, customer service, teamwork, and documentation skills

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:

• Two(2) years of experience as an operating engineer in a large public events facility, commercial, industrial, institutional, hospitality, healthcare, public assembly, or similar facility or,
• Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position.

Required:

• Oregon Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME) License or higher.
• Valid drivers license.

Typical Schedule: This full-time position is based on a 40-hour workweek. The facility operates seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and schedules will be assigned within those hours based on facility, event, and operational needs. Shifts may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Team members may also participate in on-call and emergency response coverage as needed. Additionally, this role may also participate in on-call and emergency response coverage to help maintain critical facility systems and support successful event operations.

We value work-life balance and a team-first culture, providing scheduling visibility whenever possible and working together to ensure coverage needs are met while supporting employee well-being.

Working Conditions : Youll work throughout the Portland Expo Center in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, supporting events and facility operations in a fast-paced setting with changing priorities. This active role requires frequent walking, standing, climbing, bending, and lifting up to 40 pounds, as well as working at heights and in confined spaces. Employees may be exposed to noise, dust, varying weather conditions, and mechanical or electrical equipment, making a commitment to safety and proper PPE use essential.

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.

Preferred 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.

• Oregon Health Authority Backflow Assembly Tester Certification.
• EPA Section 608 Universal Technician Certification.
• ORACCA Brazing Certification.
• Building Operator Certification (Level I or II).
• Experience supporting convention centers, event venues, public assembly facilities, hospitality facilities, healthcare facilities, or other large, high-occupancy buildings.
• Experience supporting trade shows, exhibitions, conventions, concerts, sporting events, or similar customer-focused operations.

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
• 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
• Driving records check for finalist candidate

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The starting pay rate for this position is$44.69per hour. Upon successful completion of the six-month probationary period, the pay rate will increase to $46.83 per hour.

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by IUOE Local 701union. The position is classified as an Operating Engineer II.

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.

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

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, Portland Expo Center 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.

The Portland Expo Center and MetroThe Portland Expo Center is a versatile public venue in Portland, Oregon, hosting trade shows, conventions, sporting events, concerts and community gatherings. With more than 330,000 square feet of flexible space - including five exhibit halls, meeting rooms equipped with modern technology and 53,000 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 currently possess a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires an Oregon Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME) License or higher. Do you currently possess an Oregon Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME) License or a higher-level electrical license?

• Yes
• No

03

Select your years of experience working as an operating engineer in a large public events facility, commercial, industrial, institutional, hospitality, healthcare, public assembly, or similar facility. (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

04

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

• EPA Section 608 Universal Technician Certification
• ORACCA Brazing Certification
• Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Backflow Assembly Tester Certification
• Building Operator Certification Level I
• Building Operator Certification Level II
• None of the above

05

Please indicate the commercial building systems in which you have advanced experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, or repairing. (Select all that apply. Experience should be reflected in your application materials.)

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
• Hydronic Heating and Cooling Systems
• Refrigeration Systems
• Commercial Kitchen Equipment
• Plumbing Systems
• Life Safety Systems (e.g., Fire Alarms, Sprinkler Systems)
• Elevators
• Roofing Systems
• Electrical Systems
• Lighting Systems
• Compressed Air Systems
• Building Automation Systems (BAS)
• None of the above, but I am motivated to learn

06

How would you rate your proficiency using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or similar maintenance software?

• None - I have no experience using maintenance management software.
• Basic - I can enter, update, and close work orders and follow standard workflows.
• Proficient - I can manage work orders, assign tasks, maintain records, and generate basic reports.
• Advanced - I can administer maintenance programs, analyze performance metrics, manage asset records, and train others on CMMS functionality.

07

How would you describe your proficiency with Building Automation Systems (BAS), including troubleshooting, programming review, graphics modifications, scheduling, alarm management, trend analysis, 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.

08

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.

09

The Portland Expo Center operates in a fast-paced environment where event schedules, customer needs, and facility priorities can change quickly. Please describe a time when you had to adjust your work plans because of an unexpected change, urgent facility issue, or competing priorities, including what happened. How did you determined and managed priorities, how did you communicated with team members, customers, contractors, or other stakeholders, and what the outcome of your actions was.

Required Question

Employer Oregon Metro

Address 600 NE Grand Ave

Portland, Oregon, 97232

Phone 503-797-1570

Website http://www.oregonmetro.gov