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Coal Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prepare work permits and administer the SAFE Access to Plant, or similar systems, as it applies to the equipment under the control of the Coal Operator. * Inspect, repair, adjust, service, and ...

The New Castle Generating Station, situated on a 270-acre site along the Beaver River, has undergone a significant transformation from a coal plant to a natural gas facility in 2016, breathing new ...

The New Castle Generating Station, situated on a 270-acre site along the Beaver River, has undergone a significant transformation from a coal plant to a natural gas facility in 2016, breathing new ...

Plant Manager

New Castle, PA · On-site

$170K - $210K/hr

The New Castle Generating Station, situated on a 270-acre site along the Beaver River, has undergone a significant transformation from a coal plant to a natural gas facility in 2016, breathing new ...

The New Castle Generating Station, situated on a 270-acre site along the Beaver River, has undergone a significant transformation from a coal plant to a natural gas facility in 2016, breathing new ...

We are looking for a Prep Plant Technician that will service our coal preparation plant activities at our Blue Creek mine in Berry, Alabama. We expect this person to be a role model for the "Warrior ...

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Coal Plant information

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How much do coal plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for coal plant in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a coal plant operator?

To thrive as a Coal Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of power plant operations, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring technical certifications. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA software, and safety protocols is crucial for monitoring and optimizing plant performance. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential for responding to operational issues and working with team members. These abilities help ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant energy production in a demanding industrial setting.

What are some common challenges faced by operators working in a coal plant, and how are they addressed?

Operators in coal plants often encounter challenges such as maintaining emissions standards, ensuring equipment reliability, and managing the complexities of shift work. Staying compliant with environmental regulations requires constant monitoring and adjustment of systems. Additionally, operators must be vigilant with routine inspections and maintenance to prevent unplanned outages. Many coal plants address these challenges through continuous training, strong safety protocols, and teamwork between operators, engineers, and maintenance staff.

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

AspectCoal PlantPower Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma, technical training, and plant-specific certificationsRequires a high school diploma, technical training, and licensing or certification depending on the plant
Work EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor at coal-fired power facilities, often in industrial settingsIndoor control rooms and outdoor plant areas, working in shifts
Industry UsageSpecific to coal-fired power generation facilitiesApplicable across various power plants including coal, natural gas, and nuclear

While a Coal Plant refers to the facility that generates electricity from coal, a Power Plant Operator manages and controls the operations within various types of power plants, including coal facilities. Both roles require technical skills and safety training, but the operator's role is more focused on daily operations and system management across different plant types.

What does a coal plant worker do?

Coal plant workers operate and maintain the machinery at power plants that generate electricity by burning coal. Their responsibilities include monitoring equipment, controlling the flow of coal, performing regular maintenance, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They may also handle troubleshooting and repairs to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. Coal plant workers play a crucial role in ensuring the continuous supply of electricity to homes and businesses.
More about Coal Plant jobs

What states have the most Coal Plant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Coal Plant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Coal Plant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Coal Plant Operator

NRG Energy

Pekin, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we're all about propelling the next generation of leaders forward. We are driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. We deliver innovative solutions that make our customers' lives easier-helping them power, protect, and intelligently manage their homes and businesses. To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company.

We offer a dynamic work environment and a unified and inclusive culture. NRG fosters a strong sense of belonging that leads to better collaboration and business performance. Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now and in the future. In everything we do, we aim to champion our employees and bring value to our customers, investors and society. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Job Purpose

Working together under general supervision coordinate, instruct, train, and check the work of employees responsible for coal handling activities; operate locomotives and railroad cars; operate, inspect and service coal handling equipment; operate car dumpers and their auxiliary equipment; operate ash handling cranes; shift barges and railroad cars; lubricate equipment; operate ash and slag handling equipment; is a member of the station's fire brigade or acts as station fire guide for outside fire departments; perform all activities in accordance with applicable health, safety, and environmental standards; utilize computer and other technology based work management systems as may be required in performing work duties; perform all activities in a high quality manner to achieve best industry practice; perform general cleaning and housekeeping duties;  interact with station personnel, contractors, and others to perform coal plant operator functions; respond to overtime requests as needed; handle special assignments; and perform related work as required.

Essential Functions:

  • Operate, inspect, maintain, and lubricate such coal handling equipment as conveyors, trippers, crushers, feeders, breakers, screens, stackers, and loaders, ash and slag handling equipment, dust control equipment and bag houses.
  • Shift barges and railroad cars by operating pullers and manipulating cables; operate car heating equipment; inventory railroad cars; act as a weigh master; prepare locomotives for operation and standby, and other related railroad car activities.
  • Read, interpret, and implement technical information found in manufacturers' and OEM technical manuals, electrical and mechanical P &IDs, and operating and maintenance procedures.
  • Operate, inspect, and lubricate ash handling cranes, car dumpers and auxiliary equipment, locomotive and gantry cranes, barge unloaders, fuel handling mobile equipment such as tractor-bulldozer-scraper combinations, vacuum trucks, street sweepers, water wagons, backhoes and other mobile equipment.
  • Prepare work permits and administer the SAFE Access to Plant, or similar systems, as it applies to the equipment under the control of the Coal Operator.
  • Inspect, repair, adjust, service, and troubleshoot equipment.
  • Maintain records of coal cars, barge movements, and tonnages and input information into computerized system.
  • Write work orders and input data into work history file.
  • Maintain equipment and working area in a clean condition including shoveling, vacuuming, degreasing, washing, sweeping, and utilize other various cleaning methods.
  • Perform electrical disconnect switching and grounding; perform electrical and mechanical operations to place equipment in and out of service safely, for permit work.
  • Perform maintenance activity as required in support of the overall maintenance of the plant.
  • Assist in the planning and layout of jobs including parts identification and ordering of equipment needed to complete the job.
  • Conduct shift change by briefing the incoming Coal Plant Operators of current plant status and issues.
  • Adjust belt scrapers, seals, and side skirting; align feeder belts.
  • Perform routine equipment testing and maintain environmental logs.
  • Monitor equipment condition utilizing control room indication, field devices, and portable test equipment.
  • Utilize computer-based management systems as made available for operational and management requirements.
  • Assist other job classifications as may be required.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:

 

Required:

  • High School degree, or equivalent education
  • Valid Drivers License

 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Must have knowledge of job safety requirements, strong verbal and written communications skills, interpersonal skills and possess a demonstrated ability to learn. Three years of previous experience related to power plant operation, maintenance and operating coal handling equipment is strongly preferred.

 

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

This position is exposed to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, cold and hot temperatures and moderate to high noise levels. The position requires a person to occasionally bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, walk, sit, stand and climb. 

(Management reserves the right to change, rescind, add, or delete the duties and responsibilities of positions within the job classification at any time.)

Please Note:  Salary offered will be commensurate with the successful candidate's education and/or experience and in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement covering this position.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.  

Official description on file with Talent.

We support the use of AI tools to help you prepare for your interview (e.g., practicing responses, researching the role, or refining your resume). However, during interviews and assessments, we expect responses to reflect your own thinking, experience, and communication. Use of AI to generate or read answers in real time, complete assessments, or misrepresent your qualifications is not permitted and may impact your candidacy.


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About NRG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At NRG, we're bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to millions of customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Industry

Oil and coal products manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US