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Control Room Operator Power Plant Jobs in California

The candidate works effectively under the direction of the Power Plant Control Operator, can periodically assume control room responsibilities, and supports the training of apprentices and new ...

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Control Room Operator

Woodland, CA · On-site

$47.67 - $58.65/hr

Knowledge of power plant safety policies and procedures, especially in the areas of high-energy ... Operating and maintenance experience with various analytical and test equipment *Demonstrated ...

Control Room Operator

Woodland, CA · On-site

$47.67 - $58.65/hr

Knowledge of power plant safety policies and procedures, especially in the areas of high-energy ... Operating and maintenance experience with various analytical and test equipment *Demonstrated ...

Full Wadham Energy is accepting applications for POWER PLANT AUXILIARY OPERATOR at the Wadham Energy facility - a renewable energy electrical power plant located in Williams, CA. Our company offers a ...

Operate and maintain the facility in the control room or field, optimizing Plant performance ... Demonstrate procedural compliance in all plant operation activities by operating plant equipment ...

Operate and maintain the facility in the control room or field, optimizing Plant performance ... Demonstrate procedural compliance in all plant operation activities by operating plant equipment ...

Operate and maintain the facility in the control room or field, optimizing Plant performance ... Demonstrate procedural compliance in all plant operation activities by operating plant equipment ...

Responsibilities: • Operate and maintain the facility in the control room or field, optimizing ... operating plant equipment through established valve line-ups and system/component operating ...

Operate and maintain the facility in the control room or field, optimizing Plant performance ... Demonstrate procedural compliance in all plant operation activities by operating plant equipment ...

... control system modifications, alarm management, operator graphics, and automation improvements to ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

Power Plant Engineer

Mckittrick, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/hr

... control system modifications, alarm management, operator graphics, and automation improvements to ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

... control system modifications, alarm management, operator graphics, and automation improvements to ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

Shift Supervisor

Mckittrick, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Track record as a Control Room Operator (CRO) in a power plant or similar setting, skilled in monitoring, controlling operations, responding to alarms, and maintaining operational efficiency. CRO ...

Shift Supervisor

Mckittrick, CA

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Track record as a Control Room Operator (CRO) in a power plant or similar setting, skilled in monitoring, controlling operations, responding to alarms, and maintaining operational efficiency. CRO ...

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Control Room Operator Power Plant information

See California salary details

$13

$22

$42

How much do control room operator power plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for control room operator power plant in California is $22.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a control room operator do in a power plant?

A Control Room Operator in a power plant is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the equipment that generates and distributes electricity. They oversee computer systems and instrumentation to ensure the plant operates safely and efficiently. Their duties include starting or stopping equipment, responding to alarms, troubleshooting problems, and following strict safety procedures. Control Room Operators also coordinate with other plant staff to ensure smooth operations and compliance with regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a control room operator power plant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control Room Operator Power Plant, you need a solid understanding of power generation systems, electrical and mechanical principles, and typically a technical diploma or degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, distributed control systems (DCS), and relevant safety certifications is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure set outstanding operators apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous operation of the plant while minimizing risks and responding effectively to emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by control room operators in a power plant, and how can they be managed effectively?

Control Room Operators in power plants often face challenges such as responding quickly to abnormal operating conditions, maintaining clear communication with field staff, and managing high-pressure situations during emergency shutdowns. Effective management of these challenges relies on thorough training, a strong understanding of plant systems, and adherence to standardized operating procedures. Regular drills and teamwork with engineers and technicians also help operators remain prepared and responsive, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the plant.

What is the difference between Control Room Operator Power Plant vs Control Room Operator Nuclear Power Plant?

AspectControl Room Operator Power PlantControl Room Operator Nuclear Power Plant
CertificationsPlant-specific training, safety protocolsAdditional nuclear safety certifications, NRC licenses
Work EnvironmentFossil fuel, renewable, or thermal plantsNuclear reactors, radiation safety zones
Industry UsagePower generation from various sourcesExclusive to nuclear energy sector

While both roles involve monitoring and controlling power generation processes, Control Room Operators in nuclear plants require specialized certifications and work within radiation safety environments. In contrast, general Control Room Operators work across diverse power plants without nuclear-specific requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Control Room Operator Power Plant jobs in California?

For Control Room Operator Power Plant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Control Room Operator Power Plant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Control Room Operator Power Plant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Control Room Operator Power Plant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Control Room Operator Power Plant job openings:

Infographic showing various Control Room Operator Power Plant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,524 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Power Plant Operator

Pasadena, CA

$101K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The Pasadena Water and Power Department is seeking a Power Plant Operator to perform journey-level duties in the safe and efficient operation of simple and combined cycle gas turbines, main and auxiliary fluid cycles and the associated equipment. Work assigned requires complex technical knowledge of the functions applicable to an area of assignment and the ability to solve routine to difficult problems. IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate will perform the operation in the field, assist in the operation and monitoring of steam and gas turbine electric power-generating units, inspect the condition of main unit and auxiliary equipment, and perform operational routines and related duties as assigned.

This safety-focused operator demonstrates strong technical skills in monitoring plant systems, emissions controls, water treatment processes, and high-voltage equipment while maintaining accurate operational and compliance records. The candidate works effectively under the direction of the Power Plant Control Operator, can periodically assume control room responsibilities, and supports the training of apprentices and new operations personnel. This is a great opportunity.

To learn more about our Water and Power department please click here. Note: Two eligibility lists will be established for this position: one Open Competitive and one Promotional. The promotional list may take precedence.

Essential Functions The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description. Under direction from the Power Plant Control Operator, operates steam and gas turbo-electric generators; operates compressors, chillers and other equipment.

Makes routine rounds and inspects turbines, heat recovery steam boilers and auxiliary equipment regularly, reporting erratic operation or malfunction; reads operation indicators and determines proper settings and/or makes corrections; takes meter readings. Assists in the control of plant emissions from gas turbines; ensures monitoring equipment and emission control equipment is operating accurately. Chemically treats and controls cooling towers; supervises delivery of chemicals to holding tanks; maintains water chemistry for once through steam generators and water systems; tests and treats oil/water separator and outfall boxes.

Maintains a variety of logs, work reports and compliance records including inspection records, emission documentation, water processing, water treatment and wastewater disposal records; maintains chemical inventory. Under instruction from the Power Plant Control Operator, racks in/out equipment circuit breakers, up to 13,800 volts; sets and tags controls. Periodically relieves the Power Plant Control Operator in the control room.

May provide on-the-job training and work direction to Power Plant Mechanic Helpers and other newly hired operations personnel. Qualification Guidelines COMPETENCIES The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position. Attention To Detail - Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.

Professional & Technical Expertise - Applying technical subject matter to the job. Learning Agility - Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to one's work. Action & Results Focus - Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment.

Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals. Safety Focus - Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

(2) Two years of progressively responsible experience in high-pressure boilers (a minimum of 400 psi and a minimum of 100,000 pounds steam per hour in steam electric, mechanical drive or marine propulsion service) and steam plant auxiliaries OR (2) Two years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance and operation of a gas turbine (minimum of 6,000 shp) OR Completion of a Power Plant Apprentice program. SELECTION PROCESS The selection process may consist of a training and experience evaluation, written exam, interview panel, and/or department-level interviews. This position is a part of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) bargaining unit.

Probationary work period is one year. VACANCY INFORMATION There is currently (1) one vacancy in the Water and Power Department, Power Supply Division at the Glenarm/Broadway Power Plant. The resulting eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future.

Special Requirements Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and comply with the City's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment. The employee will be required to work a rotating shift schedule that includes work on various shifts, including weekends and holidays. Annual certification for CPR and First Aid.