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Diesel Power Plant Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Facilities / Skilled Trades Reporting to a Power Plant Operator Shift Supervisor, the Plant Operator Lead will assist the supervisor in setting work priorities, assigning work, and overseeing daily ...

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Support diesel fuel operations for dual-fired equipment, including tank inspections and familiarity with equipment controls/monitoring. * Utilize BAS to monitor equipment status, alarms, and trends;

Support diesel fuel operations for dual-fired equipment, including tank inspections and familiarity ... Experience operating boilers and/or chiller plant systems in a commercial/industrial environment.

Support diesel fuel operations for dual-fired equipment, including tank inspections and familiarity ... Experience operating boilers and/or chiller plant systems in a commercial/industrial environment.

Power Plant Manager

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

Prepare monthly plant activity, operating plan, and budget variance reports. * Communicate ... Strong understanding of power plant operations and O&M functions. * Knowledge of plant chemistry ...

Power Plant Manager

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

Prepare monthly plant activity, operating plan, and budget variance reports. * Communicate ... Strong understanding of power plant operations and O&M functions. * Knowledge of plant chemistry ...

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Support diesel fuel operations for dual-fired equipment, including tank inspections and familiarity ... Experience operating boilers and/or chiller plant systems in a commercial/industrial environment.

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Support diesel fuel operations for dual-fired equipment, including tank inspections and familiarity ... Experience operating boilers and/or chiller plant systems in a commercial/industrial environment.

Provides skills for maintaining equipment at the plant Perform clearances in LOTOV under the direction of a senior operator or supervisor Utilizes/operates various types of hand, power, precision or ...

... operator or supervisor • Utilizes/operates various types of hand, power, precision or machine ... to plant operations and maintenance including but not limited to Lockout Tagout, Job Safety ...

Provides skills for maintaining equipment at the plant Perform clearances in LOTOV under the direction of a senior operator or supervisor Utilizes/operates various types of hand, power, precision or ...

Provides skills for maintaining equipment at the plant Perform clearances in LOTOV under the direction of a senior operator or supervisor Utilizes/operates various types of hand, power, precision or ...

Find out! We're looking for hard-working plant operators to join our growing team. Competitive pay ... Proficiency with hand and power tools * Ability to work effectively in adverse environmental ...

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Diesel Power Plant Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$22

$39

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for diesel power plant operator in Virginia is $22.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a diesel power plant operator?

A Diesel Power Plant Operator is responsible for operating, maintaining, and monitoring diesel-powered generators and related equipment to ensure a continuous and efficient power supply. They perform routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and conduct repairs to prevent downtime. Additionally, they monitor fuel levels, engine performance, and safety systems to maintain optimal operation. Their role is essential in industries or locations where diesel generators serve as primary or backup power sources.

What are some typical challenges a diesel power plant operator may face on the job?

As a Diesel Power Plant Operator, you may encounter challenges such as responding quickly to unexpected equipment failures, managing peak load demands, and ensuring strict adherence to safety and environmental regulations. The role often involves shift work, which can include nights, weekends, or holidays to maintain 24/7 operations. Effective troubleshooting skills and a proactive approach to maintenance can help minimize downtime and keep systems running efficiently. Additionally, operators often work as part of a team, coordinating with mechanics, engineers, and supervisors to resolve issues and improve plant performance.

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

To thrive as a Diesel Power Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of diesel engine mechanics, power generation systems, and safety protocols, generally supported by a technical diploma or relevant certifications. Familiarity with control panels, SCADA systems, and routine preventive maintenance tools, along with certifications such as OSHA or state power plant licensing, is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are highly valued in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure reliable plant operations, prevent breakdowns, and maintain safety and compliance at all times.

How to get hired as a diesel power plant operator?

To become a diesel power plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in power plant operations. Relevant skills include understanding of mechanical systems, electrical systems, and safety procedures, and obtaining certifications such as a state license or operator certification can improve job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Diesel Power Plant Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Diesel Power Plant Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Diesel Power Plant Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,122 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Plant Operator - Renewable Power (Old Dominion)

Opal Fuels

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Opal Fuels rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About OPAL Fuels
OPAL Fuels (Nasdaq: OPAL) is a leader in the capture and conversion of biogas into low carbon intensity RNG and renewable electricity. OPAL Fuels is also a leader in the marketing and distribution of RNG to heavy duty trucking and other hard to de-carbonize industrial sectors. For additional information, and to learn more about OPAL Fuels and how it is leading the effort to capture North America’s naturally occurring methane and decarbonize the economy, please visit www.opalfuels.com.
Position Summary
We are hiring for a Plant Operator to work in our Renewable Power Plant. This position reports to a Lead Plant Operator and is located in Henrico, VA  The Plant Operator is responsible for the direction of all day-to-day activities in a reciprocating engine landfill gas power generation facility. The goals of this position are to maximize production and minimize downtime with the utmost regard to safety, cleanliness, and environmental compliance.
Duties and Responsibilities

  • Operate, monitor, and maintain large reciprocating gas engines (Caterpillar 3500 series gensets) and associated auxiliary equipment.
  • Maintain detailed records on production data, equipment operational hours, service schedules and equipment outages.
  • Check all operating equipment daily including flow meters, gas chromatographs, fluid levels, pressure and temperature readings, and unusual noises to correct conditions before failure occurs.
  • Perform all maintenance and repairs on the operating equipment including oil and filter changes, replacement and repair of valves, blowers, compressors, and other plant equipment, as necessary. Participate in preventative maintenance outages and overhauls.
  • Maintain a high level of cleanliness in and around the plant. Keep oil from accumulating on the unit skids, floors, and soil around the plant. Keep weeds and shrubs cleaned from the plant yard and perimeter fence. Keep equipment and floors looking as presentable as possible.
  • Keep all on-site parts and supplies stocked and well organized. Maintain plant inventory.
  • Respond to call outs in a timely manner. Identify and correct the cause of the call out. If the problem cannot be corrected or diagnosed, it is the responsibility of the operator to contact the area manager to get the help required to fix the situation.
  • Operate the plant with a clear focus on safety. Clean up spills immediately. Make sure all lighting systems are fully functional; no slip or trip hazards are consistently present; and no electrical or mechanical hazards go on for long periods of time without attention. Affirm that all plant visitors, mechanics, and outside contractors are following safe work practices.
  • Works with internal resources to resolve problems.
  • Ensures adherence to company policies, procedures, regulatory compliance, and safety requirements.
  • Clearly communicate all material/personnel issues with the area managers.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

  • High school diploma/ GED equivalent
  • Diesel/large reciprocating engines operation and maintenance experience is required.
  • Must possess good mechanical skills.
  • Basic electrical knowledge is preferred.
  • General troubleshooting abilities.
  • Skilled in recordkeeping and logging.
  • Must be able to read and write well.
  • Computer skills (Microsoft Office).
  • Must be self-motivated and perform most tasks with little or no supervision.
  • Working knowledge of pressure, vacuum, and flow.
  • Experience with pumps, blowers, or air compressors.
  • Experience in welding helpful.

Work Hours and Arrangements
Monday - Friday; 8-hour shift; on-call (rotating); overtime; weekend availability.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position requires physical effort such as that associated with driving a motorized vehicle, operate an ATV, using hand tools, and typing on a computer. Position requires moderate lifting (10-50 lbs.), occasional need to walk on irregular surfaces, and occasional stooping, kneeling, climbing, or crouching. Also requires the use of hands and arms to operate/examine gas meters, flow meters, hand tools, power tools, bridge and jib cranes and test/diagnostic equipment.
Job Type
Full-time
Pay
The range for this role is anticipated to be $37.00 - $40.00 hourly with bonus for eligible positions. Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.
Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • 401(k) plus Matching Contributions
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Referral Bonus
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Ten Paid Holidays per year


OPAL Fuels LLC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
OPAL Fuels does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or agencies without a current signed agreement and written confirmation specifying the roles for which submissions are authorized. Any resumes submitted without an agreement and authorization will be considered the property of OPAL Fuels.

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