Apprentice Power Plant Operator Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Schedule: Rotating Shifts – Nights, Weekends & Holidays
Compensation: $30–$36 per hour
Start Date: ASAP
Work Environment: Approximately 95% Indoor / 5% Outdoor

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Power Plant Control Room Operator to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a power generation facility in Ryegate, Vermont.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience operating and monitoring steam boilers, turbine generators, DCS/control room systems, pumps, compressors, conveyors, motors, fans, and other industrial power-generation equipment.

Candidates with experience in biomass, wood-fired, steam, thermal, waste-to-energy, or industrial power plants are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a hands-on operating position that requires both control room operation and field-based plant rounds and equipment monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the facility through the DCS/control room and from within the plant as required.
• Safely operate and monitor steam boilers, turbine generators, pumps, compressors, fans, motors, conveyors, and auxiliary systems.
• Maintain normal operating conditions for steam generation and related equipment.
• Perform scheduled plant rounds and monitor equipment for abnormal conditions.
• Monitor operating instruments, gauges, alarms, and equipment performance.
• Operate and maintain wood fuel unloading, processing, and conveying systems.
• Monitor and operate ash handling and conveying systems.
• Perform routine boiler-water and cooling-water testing and treatment.
• Identify abnormal operating conditions and take appropriate corrective action within established procedures.
• Communicate important operating conditions, equipment issues, and shift information to supervisors and incoming/outgoing shifts.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, records, reports, and documentation.
• Follow established operating, emergency, safety, and environmental procedures.
• Support maintenance activities and assist with troubleshooting when required.
• Participate in plant start-up, shutdown, emergency response, and other operational activities.
• Work closely with the Steam Plant Operator and Operations Supervisor to maintain safe and efficient plant operations.
• Complete required safety, environmental, technical, and industry training.
• Perform additional plant operations, maintenance, housekeeping, and administrative duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience in power generation, steam plants, industrial plants, or process operations.
• Knowledge of power generation equipment and industrial process systems.
• Experience with some combination of:
• • Steam boilers
  • Turbine generators
  • DCS/control room systems
  • Pumps and compressors
  • Motors and fans
  • Conveyors/material handling
  • Water treatment systems
  • Ash handling systems
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, blueprints, technical manuals, drawings, and operating procedures.
• Ability to monitor and interpret instruments, gauges, alarms, and equipment conditions.
• Basic computer skills and ability to maintain accurate operating records.
• Strong communication skills and ability to provide clear verbal and written shift reports.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to respond to plant emergencies when required.

Preferred Background

Experience in any of the following environments is highly desirable:

• Biomass / Wood-Fired Power Plants
• Steam/Thermal Power Plants
• Waste-to-Energy Facilities
• Industrial Power Plants
• Manufacturing Utilities
• Chemical/Process Plants
• Cogeneration Facilities

Work Schedule

This position requires flexibility to work a rotating shift schedule, including:

• Day and night shifts
• Weekends
• Holidays
• Emergency/on-call coverage as required
• Candidates must be comfortable working a rotating schedule.

Physical & Work Requirements

This is an active industrial plant position. Candidates must be able to:

• Frequently stand and walk throughout the facility.
• Climb stairs, ladders, ramps, catwalks, and other elevated areas.
• Bend, crouch, kneel, reach, push, pull, and perform other physical tasks.
• Lift at least 50 lbs.
• Work at heights and in varying weather conditions when required.
• Enter and work in confined spaces.
• Respond to plant emergencies and shutdown activities.
• Wear required PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, safety footwear, fall protection, and respiratory protection.
• Pass required respirator physical and fit testing.
• Approximately 95% of the work is performed indoors and 5% outdoors.

Safety & Environmental Responsibilities

• Follow all facility safety policies and procedures.
• Comply with applicable state, federal, and environmental requirements.
• Report unsafe conditions and environmental irregularities immediately.
• Follow operating, emergency, and casualty procedures.
• Participate in required CPR/First Aid, safety, environmental, and technical training.
• Maintain a professional, respectful, and safety-focused work environment.

Ideal Candidate

The strongest candidate will be a hands-on Power Plant Operator or Control Room Operator with experience operating steam boilers, turbine generators, DCS-controlled systems, and auxiliary plant equipment.

Biomass/wood-fired, steam, thermal, waste-to-energy, or industrial power-generation experience is highly preferred.

If you enjoy hands-on plant operations, troubleshooting equipment, working as part of a shift team, and maintaining safe and reliable power generation, this could be an excellent opportunity.