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Contract Power Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... operating parameters. Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis ...

Power Plant Operator

Oswego, NY · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Indeck Energy Services is looking for an individual with combined cycle power plant experience to ... Since 1985, Indeck Energy has developed, financed, managed the construction, owned and operated ...

Power Plant Operator

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$38.32 - $47.90/hr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... operating parameters. Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis ...

Power Plant Operator

Bellingham, MA · On-site

$43 - $49/hr

This position is located at our Bellingham Power Plant in Bellingham, MA. We offer amazing benefits ... Develops and implements plant operating procedures * Ensures strict adherence to safety, health and ...

Indeck Energy Services is looking for an individual with combined cycle power plant experience to ... Since 1985, Indeck Energy has developed, financed, managed the construction, owned and operated ...

Power Plant Operator

Bellingham, MA · On-site

$43 - $49/hr

This position is located at our Bellingham Power Plant in Bellingham, MA. We offer amazing benefits ... Develops and implements plant operating procedures * Ensures strict adherence to safety, health and ...

Power Plant Operator

Bellingham, MA · On-site

$43 - $49/hr

This position is located at our Bellingham Power Plant in Bellingham, MA. We offer amazing benefits ... Develops and implements plant operating procedures * Ensures strict adherence to safety, health and ...

Overview The Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain and adjust boilers, furnaces, engines ...

Overview The Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain and adjust boilers, furnaces, engines ...

The Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain and adjust boilers, furnaces, engines, pumps ...

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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 Jun 9, 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.

What is a Contract Power Plant Operator job?

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 in the Contract Power Plant Operator position, and why are they important?

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 typical shift look like for a Contract Power Plant Operator?

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.

More about Contract Power Plant Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Power Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Contract Power Plant Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator jobs? The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Power Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Power Plant Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Power Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 46% Contract. 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

Power Plant Operator

Calpine

Westbrook, ME

$38.32 - $47.90/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Calpine rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Calpine, a business unit of Constellation Energy Corporation (Nasdaq: CEG), is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. With 79 energy facilities in operation, Calpine’s fleet has the capacity to generate approximately 27,000 MW of electricity – enough to power approximately 27 million homes. Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states and Canada. Its clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner.

The company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, its renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth's surface to produce clean, renewable electricity.

Job Summary (includes but is not limited to the following, other duties may be assigned)

Responsible for start, stop and monitoring of equipment including reading gauges and meters and recording activities in operating logs and records. Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating parameters.  Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment in a safe, efficient and economical manner. Performs overhaul maintenance and system improvement tasks. Performs chemical analysis and chemical control on steam, cooling, and condensate systems, and maintains chemistry logs. Incumbents assist in the development of standard operational procedures and provide input to plant betterment items to improve plant efficiency, reliability, and safety. Ensures compliance with all local, State and Federal regulations and plant procedures. Regularly required to maintain plan security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and forklifts, and handle and transfer bulk chemicals.

Job Responsibilities

  • Journey-level; specialized technical knowledge with function.
  • Performs a variety of technical service/support duties that are semi-routine in nature.
  • Routine and non-routine decisions with some latitude, but still subject to approval.
  • With limited guidance, prioritizes and executes responsibilities effectively for a single trade, group of related tasks or functional area.
  • Work periodically reviewed by others; work reflects solid performance of duties.
  • Errors have small and possibly incremental impact on department or facility and discovered in succeeding operations where work is verified or checked.
  • Completes tasks and resolves problems that require an ability to recognize deviation from accepted practices.
  • Resolves most questions and problems and refers only the most complex issues to higher levels.
  • Completes tasks and resolves problems that require an ability to recognize deviation from accepted practices.
  • Resolves most questions and problems and refers only the most complex issues to higher levels.

Job Requirements

  • High School Diploma, degree from technical/vocational school, military service or equivalent.
  • Journey-level; generally, 6 years directly related experience including understanding of health and safety regulations, and previous experience working with and around hazardous energy, chemicals and waste materials including knowledge of safe handling, storage, and transport.
  • Requires previous experience using test equipment and calibration appliances. Experience with machinery repair and control systems.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity and mathematics.
  • Basic certifications/licensures. Valid state driver’s license. 
  • Must either hold a State of Maine Boiler or Stationary Engineer’s License, or have the qualifications to meet State Licensing Requirements

Salary Information

Hourly Rate Range - $38.32 to $47.90 /hour

Additional Calpine Information:

  • Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
  • Calpine is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, please send an e-mail with your request to hrrecruitment@calpine.com. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case-by-case basis.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here