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Entry Level Power Plant Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Army

Power Plant Trainee

Warsaw, MO · On-site

$37.72/hr

... Operator, Power Plant Electrician, Power Plant Mechanic, or Power Plant Electronics Mechanic ... Serves as a Power Plant Trainee completing the generalized portion of the formal Hydroelectric ...

NRG Energy

Plant Operator Trainee

Thompsons, TX · On-site

Power Plant Environment-Work both inside and outside in all temperatures and climate conditions in accordance with Heat Stress procedures. Around large rotating equipment, energized electrical ...

NRG

Plant Operator Trainee

Thompsons, TX · On-site

Power Plant Environment-Work both inside and outside in all temperatures and climate conditions in accordance with Heat Stress procedures. Around large rotating equipment, energized electrical ...

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 ...

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

Position Details Position Information Posting Number 2026594 Position Title BTU-Power Plant Operator Position # #9000050 FLSA Non-Exempt Classification Type Labor/Maintenance/Technical Department ...

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Entry Level Power Plant Operator Trainee information

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How much do entry level power plant operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level power plant operator trainee in the United States is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Power Plant Operator Trainee vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectEntry Level Power Plant Operator TraineePower Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma; on-the-job training providedRequires relevant certifications or licenses, such as state licensing or operator certification
Work EnvironmentSupervised, training-focused environment within power plantsFull responsibility for operating and monitoring plant equipment
ExperienceNo prior experience required; training providedPrevious experience or certification often required

The Entry Level Power Plant Operator Trainee is an entry-stage role focused on learning and training, with supervision and minimal responsibilities. In contrast, a Power Plant Operator is a fully qualified professional responsible for plant operations, requiring certifications and experience. The trainee position serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed or certified power plant operator.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

The most popular types of Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs include:

Entry Level Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,327 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Power Plant Trainee

US Department of the Army

Warsaw, MO • On-site

$37.72/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

United States Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 492 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

About the Position: Serves as a Power Plant Trainee completing the generalized portion of the formal Hydroelectric Power Plant Personnel Training Program as prescribed by ER/EP 1130-2-510; which precedes assignment to a specific target occupation (Power Plant Operator, Power Plant Electrician, Power Plant Mechanic, or Power Plant Electronics Mechanic, Industrial Equipment Mechanic) and further training as prescribed by the Hydroelectric Power Plant Training Program Manual.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
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.
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Serves as a Power Plant Trainee completing the generalized portion of the formal Hydroelectric Power Plant Personnel Training Program as prescribed by ER/EP 1130-2-510; which precedes assignment to a specific target occupation (Power Plant Operator, Power Plant Electrician, Power Plant Mechanic, or Power Plant Electronics Mechanic, Industrial Equipment Mechanic) and further training as prescribed by the Hydroelectric Power Plant Training Program Manual.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): ability to do the work of a Power Plant Trainee I - without more than normal supervision. Candidates must have the ability to perform common tasks of a Power Plant Trainee, such as assist in basic welds, soldering, and reading precision tools like micrometers, blueprint drawings and calipers, assisting of journeymen mixing and pouring concrete. must have the ability to 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: Work requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs; and some stooping, bending, kneeling, and crawling. Work may be done in awkward and cramped positions which may require the physical endurance to work under poor conditions for prolonged periods of time. Requires lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and twisting objects frequently weighing up to and occasionally over 45 pounds. Required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches, and perform other tasks requiring up to 75 pounds of pulling or turning force. Must have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read fine calibrations; glasses permitted. Ability to distinguish basic colors is required. Ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, is required. An amputation of arm, hand, leg or foot will normally disqualify an applicant for appointment. Any physical condition which would cause the applicant to be a hazard to his/herself or to others is disqualifying.
  • Working Conditions: The principal assignment is to the powerhouse; however the work area may include intake structures, and spillway areas. Work is principally indoors in a well heated, lighted and ventilated environment, but occasional outdoor work exposes employee to usual climate extremes. Exposed to equipment and machinery noises, heights, oils, greases, confined areas, dust, dirt, water, heat and cold, odors, fumes, and moving and/or energized equipment. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Is subject to the discomfort of safety equipment required such as hard-hats and ear plugs. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements, including pulmonary capacity and other routine occupational and pre-employment medical examinations.
Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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

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Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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