-
Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
AIRPORT ENERGY MANAGER
(OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MANAGER, SENIOR)
THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The open eligible list established through this recruitment will be used to fill current and future Operations and Maintenance Manager, Senior positions within John Wayne Airport or the County of Orange. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, as the recruitment will close on
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 11:59PM PST.
JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT
The award-winning John Wayne Airport, Orange County (JWA) has been a major cornerstone of Orange County for more than 100 years. Located in beautiful Southern California, we currently serve approximately 11.7 million annual passengers. We strive to provide a superior guest experience to ensure travel is convenient and stress-free. The County of Orange owns and operates John Wayne Airport, Serving more than three million people within 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County and beyond.
As a medium hub airport, we have commercial flights to more than 40 non-stop destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Eleven commercial airlines and two air cargo airlines fly out of the Airport. It is home to nearly 500 general aviation (private, non-commercial) aircraft, representing 60% of total operations, and includes two full-service fixed base operators and one limited use general aviation facility.- Mission: Connecting People, Places and Opportunities.
- Vision: To be an airport of choice by creating exceptional experiences.
- Core Values: REACH
- R espect
- E nvironmental Stewardship
- A ccountability
- C ollaboration
- H onesty
To learn more about working at John Wayne Airport, click here.To learn more about the County of Orange, click here.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Airport Energy Manager is a key member of the John Wayne Airport’s Maintenance team. They will be responsible for the development, strategy and direction of Airport wide energy management program, strategies, utility management, and development of energy saving projects related to electrical & thermal generation as well as utility purchases. The manager will also provide leadership for the successful and continuous 24/7/365 operation of the Central Utility Plant (CUP) serving John Wayne Airport. The plant provides essential electrical and thermal utility services. This position will be the key driver to ensure the airport meets its current and future energy needs, and manages airport energy capacity.
The incumbent is responsible for working within John Wayne Airport to manage utility billing to customers, regulatory reporting/compliance, budget, and long-term strategic energy planning. They will manage electrical energy resources and maintenance to ensure reliability and sustainability The incumbent will be required to interact and oversee contracts with the plant operator and Southern California Edison to ensure compliance and cost effectiveness. This position will serve as an in-house engineering technical expert to assess future needs for electrical generation, transmission, and distribution capacity, or chilling capacity. Ensure integration and optimal utilization of various power resources, increase efficiency and ensure operational resilience. Collaborate on projects involving electrical generation/distribution infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. Respond to any incidents involving unplanned disruption to the generation or distribution of power.
ABOUT OUR PLANTS
The Central Utility Plant (CUP) is located at John Wayne Airport. The CUP has four natural gas-fired internal combustion engines driving a total of 7 MW of electricity and two 550-ton absorption chillers, one 125-ton air-cooled centrifugal chiller, three 750-ton centrifugal chillers and support equipment including a cooling tower. The CUP provides power on a microgrid. Redundant power capability is maintained through access to the Southern California Edison electrical grid.
DESIRABLE AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate possesses at least 4 years of progressively responsible experience in the operation, supervision, management and administration of power plants, cogeneration facilities and/or other power generating and distributing operations within a critical facility. Further, the ideal candidate will possess experience in utility management, design and commissioning, energy management programs and leading energy saving projects. An ideal candidate will also be licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) from the State of California.
A degree in utility management, electrical, chemical, mechanical, civil engineering or a related technical degree is highly desirable.
Additionally, a highly desirable candidate will possess the following certificate, however not required: Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
The most successful candidates must possess demonstrated experience in the core competencies listed below:
Technical Expertise- Development and implementation of energy management strategies, power distribution, countywide utility management, and development and implementation of energy saving projects related to electrical & thermal generation as well as utility purchases
- Public works/Engineering knowledge specific to central utility plant operations and management, electrical distribution systems and infrastructure
- General understanding of a microgrid - gas turbine/engine/electrical cogeneration plants
- General understanding of centrifugal refrigeration units, absorption chillers, closed water systems, large cooling towers, high voltage electrical distribution, transformers, and transfer switches
- General understanding of process controls, Supervisory Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) and metering
- Regulatory compliance related to power generation (e.g., hazardous materials, wastewater treatment, life safety systems, emission, etc.)
- General understanding of governmental purchasing and contract administration including budget preparation
- Manage maintenance construction projects involving the repair of facilities and infrastructure
- Ability to lead the activities of contractors and/or County Staff
- Supervise and evaluate staff performance, training, coaching, coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands, and assigning/monitoring work
- Align organizational vision with County strategic goals and department business objectives
- Engage people, organizations, and partners in developing goals, executing plans, and delivering results
- Ensure that staff have the resources they need and that the workforce has the capacity to meet current and long-term organizational objectives
- Work cooperatively and maintain effective working relationships to accomplish objectives
- Set challenging, measurable project goals that are aligned with broad County strategies and departmental business objectives
- Assign clear authority and hold others accountable for goal achievement
- Monitor and execute procurement activities for assigned work unit; and negotiating and administering contracts
- Develop and implement policies and procedures and provide appropriate leadership in emergency response situations
- Develop appropriate leadership in emergency situations
- Communicate effectively, tactfully and maintain effective working relationships with County leadership and management, departmental staff, contractors, engineering firms, outside agencies, and the general public both verbal and written, using technical and non-technical language
- Build consensus and negotiate with public and private parties
- Produce clear and concise written documents, technical reports, emails, program and project status reports and briefs
- Present ideas and compile materials clearly, concisely, logically and persuasively both orally and in writing to persuade and inform audiences with competing interests including but not limited to government officials, community organizations, and others
- Facilitate group discussions and build consensus using persuasive reasoning
- Perform administrative related responsibilities that involves coordinating with other divisions, such as finance or budget, while responding to staff and customers' demands within a short timeframe
- Effective active listening to understand other’s needs, resolve escalated issues, facilitate group discussions and build consensus using persuasive reasoning
- Demonstrate thorough understanding of the concepts of strategic planning
- Plan and organize to effectively allocate work among a team based on their respective job classifications and individual expertise
- Identify organizational priorities and relate them to resource and budget allocation
- Develop financial monitoring reports and systems
- Demonstrate cost consciousness and an ability to conserve departmental and/or County resources
- Make recommendations on improving facility management systems
- Interpret, monitor, and report financial information and statistics
- Use ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks and find ways to increase efficiency in County procedures
- Re-engineer business processes and improve organizational effectiveness by proposing and implementing change initiatives required to improve efficiency, streamline operations and meet future business needs
- Develop technical solutions to new or highly complex problems that cannot be solved using existing methods or approaches
- Research and analyze changes in technology, regulatory compliance, trends, and best practices and develop appropriate recommendations and solutions
Safety Focus- Proven track record of addressing public safety and complying with complex regulations, laws, and other rules
- Knowledge of state, federal and local laws, rules, and regulations regarding plant safety
- Knowledge of best industry practices to avoid injury
- Ability to develop safety procedures and policies to ensure safe operations of Utility Plants
- Ability to enforce violations of safety procedures and remedy safety issues
- Oversee the implementation of, and adherence to, quality assurance activities and standards
Please click here to learn about the minimum qualifications for the Operations and Maintenance Manager, Senior classification. Note that the job requirements outlined in this bulletin exceed that of the minimum qualifications for the general job classification.
AIRPORT ACCESS REQUIREMENTS
Employees must clear a background check, which includes a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) check, and Security Threat Assessment (STA) check. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Airport Access Badge with an Airport Driving Endorsement within ten (10) days of employment. Airport Access Badge must be maintained and renewed every two (2) years.
LICENSE REQUIRED
Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's license, Class C or higher as well as the ability to obtain and maintain a TSA Security and Clearance is required by date of appointment.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical and Mental Requirements
Possess vision sufficient to read standard text and a computer monitor and to drive a vehicle; speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably in person to individuals and groups and over the telephone; possess body mobility to stand, sit, walk, stoop and bend routinely to perform daily tasks and to access a standard office environment; possess manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard, utilize office equipment and to write and drive; use a County approved means of transportation.
Environmental and Working Conditions
Possess the ability to independently reason logically to analyze data, reach conclusions and make recommendations; possess the ability to remain calm and appropriately focused in rapidly changing and difficult situations involving conflict, complex issues, controversy and diverse stakeholder groups and interests; possess the ability to deal calmly and effectively with emotional interactions.
Function effectively in a standard office environment.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen applications and supplemental responses for qualifications that meet minimum qualifications, are highly desirable, and are most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the assessment step.
Application Screening | (Refer/Non-Refer): Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those candidates that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Application Appraisal Panel | (Refer/Non-Refer): Applications and supplemental responses will be scored by a panel of job knowledge experts. Only those candidates that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step. Applicants are encouraged to submit a thorough application and fully respond to the supplemental questions.
Structured Oral Interview (SOI) | Structured Oral Interview (Weighted 100%)
Applicants will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each applicant's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.
Eligible List | Score Groups : Once all assessments have been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Please note: The information you provide on your application and/or response to the supplemental questions may be used as a scoring device, so please be thorough and complete in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored in lieu of the required information.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Michelle Bocicor at mbocicor@ocair.com .
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Administrative Management *
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits -- such as a variety of health plan options, sick and vacation time and paid holidays -- we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as:- Retirement: Benefits are provided through the Orange County Employees' Retirement System (OCERS). Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information. - Paid Leave: Twelve holidays per year plus sick and vacation time
- Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
- Dental Insurance: County pays 100% of employee and dependent premiums
- Paid Life Insurance: $100,000 life insurance policy
- Paid Accidental & Death and Dismemberment Insurance: $100,000 AD&D insurance policy
- Paid Short & Long Term Disability insurance programs
- 457 Defined Contribution Program
*Effective 07/01/20, management employees who are sworn Public Safety Managers receive health insurance benefits through the AOCDS Medical Benefit Plans.
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 10/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
-
-
County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
-