Entry Level Power Plant Operator Jobs in Illinois

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we’re all about propelling the next generation of leaders forward. We are driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. We deliver innovative solutions that make our customers’ lives easier—helping them power, protect, and intelligently manage their homes and businesses. To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company.

We offer a dynamic work environment and a unified and inclusive culture. NRG fosters a strong sense of belonging that leads to better collaboration and business performance. Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now and in the future. In everything we do, we aim to champion our employees and bring value to our customers, investors and society. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Job Purpose

Working together under general supervision coordinate, instruct, train, and check the work of employees responsible for coal handling activities; operate locomotives and railroad cars; operate, inspect and service coal handling equipment; operate car dumpers and their auxiliary equipment; operate ash handling cranes; shift barges and railroad cars; lubricate equipment; operate ash and slag handling equipment; is a member of the station’s fire brigade or acts as station fire guide for outside fire departments; perform all activities in accordance with applicable health, safety, and environmental standards; utilize computer and other technology based work management systems as may be required in performing work duties; perform all activities in a high quality manner to achieve best industry practice; perform general cleaning and housekeeping duties;  interact with station personnel, contractors, and others to perform coal plant operator functions; respond to overtime requests as needed; handle special assignments; and perform related work as required.

Essential Functions:

• Operate, inspect, maintain, and lubricate such coal handling equipment as conveyors, trippers, crushers, feeders, breakers, screens, stackers, and loaders, ash and slag handling equipment, dust control equipment and bag houses.
• Shift barges and railroad cars by operating pullers and manipulating cables; operate car heating equipment; inventory railroad cars; act as a weigh master; prepare locomotives for operation and standby, and other related railroad car activities.
• Read, interpret, and implement technical information found in manufacturers’ and OEM technical manuals, electrical and mechanical P &IDs, and operating and maintenance procedures.
• Operate, inspect, and lubricate ash handling cranes, car dumpers and auxiliary equipment, locomotive and gantry cranes, barge unloaders, fuel handling mobile equipment such as tractor-bulldozer-scraper combinations, vacuum trucks, street sweepers, water wagons, backhoes and other mobile equipment.
• Prepare work permits and administer the SAFE Access to Plant, or similar systems, as it applies to the equipment under the control of the Coal Operator.
• Inspect, repair, adjust, service, and troubleshoot equipment.
• Maintain records of coal cars, barge movements, and tonnages and input information into computerized system.
• Write work orders and input data into work history file.
• Maintain equipment and working area in a clean condition including shoveling, vacuuming, degreasing, washing, sweeping, and utilize other various cleaning methods.
• Perform electrical disconnect switching and grounding; perform electrical and mechanical operations to place equipment in and out of service safely, for permit work.
• Perform maintenance activity as required in support of the overall maintenance of the plant.
• Assist in the planning and layout of jobs including parts identification and ordering of equipment needed to complete the job.
• Conduct shift change by briefing the incoming Coal Plant Operators of current plant status and issues.
• Adjust belt scrapers, seals, and side skirting; align feeder belts.
• Perform routine equipment testing and maintain environmental logs.
• Monitor equipment condition utilizing control room indication, field devices, and portable test equipment.
• Utilize computer-based management systems as made available for operational and management requirements.
• Assist other job classifications as may be required.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:

Required:

• High School degree, or equivalent education
• Valid Drivers License

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Must have knowledge of job safety requirements, strong verbal and written communications skills, interpersonal skills and possess a demonstrated ability to learn. Three years of previous experience related to power plant operation, maintenance and operating coal handling equipment is strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

This position is exposed to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, cold and hot temperatures and moderate to high noise levels. The position requires a person to occasionally bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, walk, sit, stand and climb. 

(Management reserves the right to change, rescind, add, or delete the duties and responsibilities of positions within the job classification at any time.)

Please Note:  Salary offered will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s education and/or experience and in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement covering this position.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.  

Official description on file with Talent.

We support the use of AI tools to help you prepare for your interview (e.g., practicing responses, researching the role, or refining your resume). However, during interviews and assessments, we expect responses to reflect your own thinking, experience, and communication. Use of AI to generate or read answers in real time, complete assessments, or misrepresent your qualifications is not permitted and may impact your candidacy.