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Coal Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Plant Electrician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems and equipment used in a coal preparation plant. This role ...

Who we are Job Summary The Plant Electrician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems and equipment used in a coal preparation plant. This ...

Perform electrical, mechanical and hydraulic inspections, testing, maintenance and repair work associated with a coal preparation plant. * Perform scheduled, unscheduled and preventative maintenance ...

Coal Services Coordinator I, II or Sr.

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

... coal, fuel oil, and reagents (limestone, hydrated lime, PAC and ammonia). This includes ... This position monitors plant specific and system inventories to assure compliance with inventory ...

Operate coal, gas, oil fired boilers, and related plant equipment. Operate air pollution control equipment. Perform preventative maintenance on plant equipment including lubrication as required.

Plant Engineer

Center, ND · On-site

$74K - $112K/yr

Coal-fired power generation facility. * Combination of office, field, and plant-floor work. * Collaboration with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams. * Focus on plant reliability, safety ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Project and Outage Manager - Coal Fired Power Plant

Consolidated Asset Management Services

New Florence, PA • On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description
This position is accountable to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of scheduled outages, major maintenance activities, and capital projects supporting a coal-fired generating station, with two supercritical boilers.
This position is responsible for ensuring that assigned work is performed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget while maintaining compliance with all regulatory, environmental, and operational requirements. The Project / Outage Manager will work closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, contractors, and vendors to support plant reliability, availability, and continuous improvement. This position is located at a union site.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead the planning, scheduling, budgeting, and execution of planned and forced outages for the coal-fired generating station.
  • Develop detailed outage work scopes, critical path schedules, manpower plans, and resource requirements.
  • Coordinate maintenance, engineering, operations, contractors, and OEM representatives during outage preparation and execution.
  • Monitor outage progress, resolve field issues, and adjust schedules to minimize downtime and protect generation targets.
  • Manage contractor selection, mobilization, site access, safety orientation, and performance during outage activities.
  • Track outage costs, forecast spending, control change orders, and report schedule and budget status to leadership.
  • Ensure compliance with plant safety procedures, OSHA requirements, environmental permits, and company policies.
  • Ensure quality assurance & controls (QA/QC) procedures in place, inspections, testing, turnover documentation, and post-outage closeout activities.
  • Lead lessons-learned reviews, root-cause follow-up, and continuous improvement initiatives for future outages.
  • Support capital projects, major equipment overhauls, and reliability improvement efforts across boiler, turbine, balance-of-plant, and auxiliary systems at the station.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, project management, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent industry experience may be considered.
  • 5+ years of outage management, project management, or major maintenance leadership experience in fossil power generation, heavy industrial, or utility environments.
  • 10+ years of experience in maintenance, operations, engineering, or project execution involving boilers, steam turbines, coal handling, ash handling, and related plant systems preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of coal-fired power plant equipment, outage processes, work control, and safe work practices.
  • Experience with critical path scheduling tools, budgeting, cost control, procurement coordination, and contractor management.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead large cross-functional teams in high-pressure outage environments.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.
  • Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) preferred.
  • Utilization of Project / Outage planning software (MS Project) preferred.
  • Leadership Experience and Development training.
  • Expectations to continue to retain certifications and training as necessary.

Working Conditions
  • This position requires work in both a professional office setting and throughout the power plant site.
  • The employee must be able to walk extended distances, climb stairs and ladders, and access various areas of an industrial facility.
  • This role may require standing for extended periods, working around large industrial equipment, and wearing required personal protective equipment.
  • The incumbent is required to be available on a 24/7 emergency response basis.
  • The work environment may include exposure at times to elevated noise levels, dust, heat, confined plant spaces, and changing outdoor weather conditions.
  • The employee must be able to effectively perform duties in a union operating environment while maintaining strong working relationships across plant departments and represented personnel.