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Contract Power Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

$69.15/hr

You will serve as a journey level Power Plant Operator at a hydroelectric facility whose principal assignment is operation of the powerhouse. The powerhouse consists of 27 main generators, 2 station ...

New

Sprung Services, Inc.

Be Seen First

Power Plant Operator

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

Power Plant Operator Wage: $38-$42/hour (Includes 8 hours of built-in overtime) Shift: Rotating - 7 ... Steam Plant and Boiler Room Operations: Long-Term Contract Operations and Short Term Temporary ...

Open Mountain Energy

Power Plant Operator

Winnemucca, NV · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

... power plants. Geothermal energy experience a plus, however, excellent work ethic, reliability ... Used prescribed plant operating procedures to conduct efficient and effective plant uptime while ...

Alcoa

A Power Plant Operator controls the generation of electricity of electrical power by operating and maintaining fuel systems such as ash, demineralizer and others, to ensure the smelter operation is ...

Alcoa Corporation

Power Plant Operator

Newburgh, IN · On-site

A Power Plant Operator controls the generation of electricity of electrical power by operating and maintaining fuel systems such as ash, demineralizer and others, to ensure the smelter operation is ...

Alcoa

Power Plant Operator

Newburgh, IN · On-site

A Power Plant Operator controls the generation of electricity of electrical power by operating and maintaining fuel systems such as ash, demineralizer and others, to ensure the smelter operation is ...

St Anthony Hospital

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO

$27.28 - $43.06/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by ...

St Anthony Hospital

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$27.28 - $43.06/hr

As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by being responsible for operating ...

City of Bryan, TX

BTU-Power Plant Operator

Bryan, TX · On-site

$28.90/hr

... Power Plant Operator Position # #9000050 FLSA Non-Exempt Classification Type Labor/Maintenance ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an 'at-will ...

Vistra Energy

Power Plant Operator

Bellingham, WA

$43 - $49/hr

All applicants must be a successful candidate on the Plant Operator Selection System/Power Plant Operations and Maintenance (POSS / MASS) program in order to be considered a candidate for this ...

Rahr Malting Co

Power Plant Operator

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

Koda Energy/RahrBSG is looking for a Power Plant Operator to join out team in Shakopee, Minnesota. The Plant Operator is a shift lead position that is responsible for the safe, efficient, and ...

St Anthony Hospital

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO

$27.28 - $43.06/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by ...

TXU Energy

Power Plant Operator

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$43 - $49/hr

All applicants must be a successful candidate on the Plant Operator Selection System/Power Plant Operations and Maintenance (POSS / MASS) program in order to be considered a candidate for this ...

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Contract Power Plant Operator information

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract power plant operator 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.

Are contract power plant operators in high demand?

Contract power plant operators are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for reliable energy production and plant maintenance. Employment opportunities depend on industry activity, regulatory changes, and the operator's certifications and experience. Skilled operators with knowledge of control systems and safety protocols are particularly sought after.

How to get hired as a contract power plant operator?

To become a contract power plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training, and experience operating power plant equipment. Certifications such as a boiler operator license or control room operator certification can improve job prospects, and familiarity with control systems and safety protocols is essential. Employers often seek candidates with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work flexible schedules in a demanding environment.

What is a contract power plant operator?

A Contract Power Plant Operator is a skilled professional responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and operating power generation equipment on a temporary or project-based basis. They ensure the plant runs efficiently and safely by performing routine inspections, troubleshooting issues, and adhering to operational procedures. Contract operators may work at various facilities, including power plants, industrial sites, or energy production locations, depending on the employer's needs. Their role often requires flexibility, technical expertise, and adherence to strict safety and environmental regulations.

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

To thrive as a Contract Power Plant Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, operational knowledge of power generation systems, and usually a relevant technical diploma or certifications such as EPA or NERC. Familiarity with SCADA systems, control room instrumentation, and plant safety protocols is essential. Effective problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and within a team are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure that operators can manage plant efficiency, respond to emergencies quickly, and maintain strict compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

What does a contract power plant operator do?

A typical shift for a Contract Power Plant Operator involves monitoring and adjusting equipment in the control room, performing routine inspections, and responding to system alarms or malfunctions. Operators may also be responsible for documenting plant performance, coordinating with maintenance personnel, and ensuring all regulatory and safety protocols are followed. Shifts can vary depending on the employer—many power plants operate on 24/7 schedules, requiring operators to work nights, weekends, or rotating shifts. Working as a contractor can mean adapting to different plant environments and teams, which provides valuable experience across various operational settings.

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Contract Power Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Power Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

POWER PLANT OPERATOR

US Department of the Army

Bridgeport, WA

$69.15/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

United States Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 491 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: You will serve as a journey level Power Plant Operator at a hydroelectric facility whose principal assignment is operation of the powerhouse. The powerhouse consists of 27 main generators, 2 station service generators, a spillway with 19 gates and an intake structure with 29 gates.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) POWER PLANT OPERATOR~ without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform common journey-level Power Plant Operator duties in a power producing plant such as hydropower, fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas), nuclear, solar, and/or wind. I can restore a station service generator or main generator to service after routine maintenance, corrective maintenance, or after a major overhaul in a power plant. I can respond to system plant or disturbances with minimal supervision. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed.
- Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
PHYSICAL EFFORT: Eye and hand coordination is required to operate switches and controls. Job requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs. Is required to operate large valves, apply servo locks, lift deck hatches and other jobs requiring pulling or turning force. Lifts and carries equipment and supplies frequently up to, and occasionally over, 45 pounds. Work requires prolonged standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, twisting, pulling, pushing, and kneeling.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Works on a rotating shift, inside, in well-lighted work area. Works outdoors for short periods with exposure to climate extremes. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Incumbent is often exposed to equipment and machinery noises and outside the control room employee will be subject to the discomfort of wearing safety equipment such as hard-hats, earplugs, and respirators. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

What United States Army employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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