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Assistant Power Plant Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Power Plant Intern

Hanging Rock, OH

$14 - $18.50/hr

... track plant operating procedures. * Assist with identifying procedures that may be missing ... power plants or equivalent education will be considered Mechanical and trouble shooting skills ...

As a Bulk Plant Operator, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient handling and movement of ... Assist with housekeeping in the plant and yard to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work ...

Water Plant Operator

Akron, OH · On-site

$52K - $62K/yr

Drives to various locations to assist in the delivery of chemicals and to inspect process equipment ... Operates stand-by generators during power outages or as a supplemental electrical power supply.

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Assistant Power Plant Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$13

$21

$37

How much do assistant power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant power plant operator in Ohio is $21.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Power Plant Operator vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectAssistant Power Plant OperatorPower Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training, possibly licensing
Work EnvironmentSupervisory support, assisting in operationsOverseeing plant operations independently
ResponsibilitiesMonitoring equipment, assisting with maintenanceControlling plant systems, troubleshooting, ensuring safety

The Assistant Power Plant Operator typically performs supportive tasks under supervision, focusing on monitoring and assisting with operations. The Power Plant Operator has more responsibility, including controlling plant functions independently and troubleshooting issues. Both roles require technical knowledge, but the operator role involves greater decision-making and operational authority.

What challenges does an assistant power plant operator face?

Assistant Power Plant Operators often face challenges such as responding quickly to equipment malfunctions, maintaining safety protocols during routine and emergency situations, and accurately monitoring complex control systems. Balancing multiple tasks—like recording operational data, adjusting controls, and conducting inspections—requires attention to detail and effective communication with senior operators and maintenance teams. Adapting to shift work and being prepared for unexpected operational issues are also common aspects of the role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an assistant power plant operator?

To thrive as an Assistant Power Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent, and sometimes vocational training. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA software, and safety protocols is crucial in this role. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for monitoring operations and responding to issues. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient plant operation and rapid response to potential hazards or equipment malfunctions.

What is an assistant power plant operator?

Assistant Power Plant Operators are entry-level professionals who help oversee and control the operation of power plants under the supervision of senior operators. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring equipment, reading meters and gauges, performing routine inspections, and assisting with start-up and shut-down procedures. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient generation of electricity, responding to system alarms, and supporting maintenance activities. Assistant Power Plant Operators often receive on-the-job training to learn plant-specific procedures and safety protocols.

How hard is it to get a job at an assistant power plant operator?

Getting a job as an assistant power plant operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training, and sometimes a certification such as a boiler operator license. Employers often look for candidates with basic mechanical skills, safety knowledge, and the ability to work in shifts, making the hiring process competitive but accessible with proper qualifications.

How much do assistant power plant operators make a week?

Assistant power plant operators typically earn between $600 and $1,000 per week, depending on experience, location, and shift differentials. They often work in environments requiring technical skills and may need certifications such as a license or training in plant operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Power Plant Operator jobs in Ohio? For Assistant Power Plant Operator jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Power Plant Operator jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Power Plant Operator jobs in Ohio are:

$14 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Vistra rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

If you have what it takes to become part of the Vistra family and would like to start a promising career with a global leader, take a look at the exciting employment opportunities that are currently available and apply online.

Job Summary

Intern will support and maintain efficient and cost effective facility operations adhering to compliance, safety and environmental regulations under the supervision of plant management. Work as part of a team to complete daily tasks required to assist in the operation and maintenance of facility equipment, systems.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Shadow operators during field rounds and learn how operators assess equipment condition through sight, sound, smell, vibration, temperature, and general equipment condition.
  • Observe normal operating activities in the field and control room to develop an understanding of how the two power blocks are operated and monitored.
  • Learn the basic purpose, configuration, and operating concepts of major plant systems, including:
    • Gas turbines and LM2500 units
    • Steam turbines
    • Combined-cycle operation
    • Package boilers
    • Chillers
    • Water treatment systems
    • Pumps, valves, actuators, and supporting equipment
  • Gain supervised exposure to the water treatment process, including raw-water clarification, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, sampling, and chemical-feed concepts.
  • Assist with water-quality documentation, chemical inventory tracking, and chemical-ordering support as assigned.
  • Learn the identification and basic function of electrical equipment, including switchgear, breakers, and associated components, under qualified supervision.
  • Develop familiarity with valve types and actuator types, including manual valves, motor-operated valves, air-operated valves, servo-operated valves, and common actuator brands and configurations.
  • Observe the safe-work processes associated with electrical switching, equipment isolation, LOTO, confined space, and hot-work activities.
  • Review drawings and other approved references to develop an understanding of isolation points and hazard-control concepts associated with LOTO, under qualified supervision.
  • Learn the confined-space permitting process, including hazard identification and the purpose of required controls.
  • Participate in safety meetings, safety observations, and continuous-improvement discussions.
  • Support the operations team's procedure-use initiative by helping organize, index, and track plant operating procedures.
  • Assist with identifying procedures that may be missing, outdated, unclear, difficult to locate, or in need of operator review.
  • Gather and organize operator feedback related to procedure clarity, accuracy, usability, and effectiveness.
  • Help track action items associated with the operational excellence procedure rollout and procedure improvement efforts.
  • Assist with developing training aids, system walkdown guides, checklists, and reference material for operator development.
  • Support the capture of plant-specific operational knowledge from experienced employees, including practical troubleshooting insights, equipment knowledge, and lessons learned.
  • Help document best practices and recurring operating knowledge related to water treatment, electrical systems, mechanical systems, startups, shutdowns, and abnormal or casualty response.
  • Shadow Instrumentation and Controls personnel to gain exposure to basic instrumentation, control loops, control-system concepts, and Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems.
  • Shadow maintenance personnel during approved work activities to gain a better understanding of equipment function, inspections, repairs, rebuilding, gasket replacement, and related maintenance practices.
  • Assist with outage preparation, contractor coordination documentation, and collection of post-outage lessons learned, as appropriate.
  • Help organize safety, procedure, training, and continuous-improvement action items to support communication and consistency across all four operating crews.
  • Maintain a structured learning log documenting systems reviewed, procedures observed, safety topics covered, assigned projects, and key learning outcomes.

Requirements:
High School diploma, trade school, military service or technical school training
Experience gained through college degree programs and/or certifications is applicable to above skills
Possess the ability to work independently and in a fast paced environment
Knowledge of CCGT power plants or equivalent education will be considered
Mechanical and trouble shooting skills
Effective communication skills
Ability to work flexible hours, weekday shift vacancies, support plant start-ups, be on call and accept call-outs and over time work on short notice
Intermediate user PC skills
General knowledge of safety and environmental regulation

Job Family

General Services

Company

Luminant Power LLC

Locations

Hanging Rock PlantOhio
We are a company of people committed to: Exceeding Customer Expectations, Great People, Teamwork, Competitive Spirit and Effective Communication. If this describes you, then apply today!
If you currently work for Vistra or its subsidiaries, please apply via the internal career site.

It is the policy of the Company to comply with all employment laws and to afford equal employment opportunity to individuals in all aspects of employment, including in selection for job opportunities, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service, protected veteran status, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance submitting an application or would like to request an accommodation, please email usatassistance@vistraenergy.comtomake a request.


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