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Fossil Fuel Power Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St Anthony Hospital

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO

$26.82 - $44.26/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

$26.82 - $44.26/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 ...

4pconsultinginc

Chemical Technician 1

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$19.25 - $25.75/hr

Experience in a fossil fuel power plant or water treatment facility. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities * Strong knowledge of inorganic, oil, environmental, and water chemistries. * Ability to ...

City of Pasadena, CA

Power Plant Operator

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$101K - $120K/yr

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 ...

City of Pasadena

Power Plant Operator

Pasadena, CA

$101K - $120K/yr

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 ...

mkecounty

Power Plant Operator - CRC

Franklin, WI · On-site

$32.01 - $48.01/hr

Power Plant Operator Department: Community Reintegration Center Full-time, Hourly Hourly Range $32.01 - $48.01/hr Job Summary: The Power Plant Operator ensures an efficient and safe operation of the ...

Nex-Tech Classifieds

Power Plant Operator

Russell, KS · On-site

The City of Russell is seeking a reliable, detail-oriented full-time Power Plant Operator to join ... Start, operate, and shut down massive dual-fuel internal combustion engines ranging from 3,600 HP ...

mkecounty

Power Plant Operator - CRC

Franklin, WI · On-site

$32.01 - $48.01/hr

Power Plant Operator Department: Community Reintegration Center Full-time, Hourly Hourly Range $32.01 - $48.01/hr Job Summary: The Power Plant Operator ensures an efficient and safe operation of the ...

Boeing

Power Plant Operator A

Puyallup, WA

$60.92/hr

Power Plant Operator A Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer ... Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels. * Activate valves to change the amount of water ...

Boeing

Power Plant Operator A

Seattle, WA · On-site

$60.92/hr

Power Plant Operator A Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer ... Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels. * Activate valves to change the amount of water ...

Boeing

Power Plant Operator A

Renton, WA · On-site

$60.92/hr

Power Plant Operator A Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer ... Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels. * Activate valves to change the amount of water ...

Boeing

Power Plant Operator A

Everett, WA · On-site

$60.92/hr

Power Plant Operator A Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer ... Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels. * Activate valves to change the amount of water ...

Boeing

Power Plant Operator A

Kent, WA · On-site

$60.92/hr

Power Plant Operator A Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplanes is excited to offer ... Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels. * Activate valves to change the amount of water ...

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Fossil Fuel Power Plant Operator information

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$39

How much do fossil fuel power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for fossil fuel 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 does a fossil fuel power plant operator do?

A Fossil Fuel Power Plant Operator is responsible for controlling, monitoring, and maintaining the equipment that generates electricity from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas. They manage boilers, turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment to ensure efficient and safe operation. Operators also monitor gauges, meters, and computer systems, perform routine inspections, and respond to abnormalities or emergencies. Their work is crucial for providing reliable energy while following safety and environmental regulations.

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

To thrive as a Fossil Fuel Power Plant Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, technical knowledge of power generation, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA systems, and safety regulations, as well as certifications like EPA or state boiler operator licenses, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing complex operations and responding to emergencies. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable production of electricity while minimizing operational risks and complying with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by fossil fuel power plant operators, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Fossil fuel power plant operators often face challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, responding rapidly to system alarms, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols. Operators must be able to stay focused and calm under pressure, especially during shifts that require monitoring multiple control panels and coordinating with maintenance teams. Applicants can prepare by gaining hands-on experience with industrial control systems, familiarizing themselves with safety regulations, and developing strong problem-solving skills to handle real-time operational issues.

What are popular job titles related to Fossil Fuel Power Plant Operator jobs?

For Fossil Fuel Power Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fossil Fuel Power Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Power Plant Technician/Control Room Operator

Blackstone, MA • On-site

Orion Talent
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Orion Talentexternal

$38/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description
The Power Plant Technician / Control Room Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining power plant systems to ensure reliable electricity generation. This role supports plant start-ups, shutdowns, preventive maintenance, emergency response, environmental compliance, and equipment reliability while working in a fast-paced combined-cycle power generation environment.
This position is ideal for experienced power plant operators, military power generation specialists, nuclear operators, boiler operators, or industrial maintenance professionals who thrive in highly technical environments and enjoy operating critical infrastructure.
Must-Have Skills, Experience, and Education:
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Minimum 6 years of related power generation or industrial operations experience.
  • Massachusetts 2nd Class Engineer's License preferred (or equivalent state-recognized operating license where applicable).
  • Experience operating steam vessels rated at 150 HP or greater.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Power plant operations
    • Mechanical systems
    • Electrical systems
    • Plant instrumentation and controls
  • Experience performing equipment startup, shutdown, and normal operating procedures.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to successfully complete the POSS/MASS (Plant Operator Selection System / Power Plant Operations & Maintenance) assessment.
  • Ability to read instrumentation, gauges, control systems, and computer-generated operating data.

Requirements:
  • Operate, monitor, and maintain power plant equipment and systems during normal and abnormal operating conditions.
  • Perform startup, shutdown, and routine operating procedures.
  • Respond to alarms and abnormal operating conditions using established operating procedures.
  • Perform electrical switching, tagging, and lockout/tagout activities.
  • Conduct preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on mechanical and electrical equipment.
  • Perform routine cycle chemistry testing and adjust operating parameters as necessary.
  • Maintain operating logs, environmental records, and maintenance documentation.
  • Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document maintenance activities.
  • Support plant housekeeping and maintain a safe work environment.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental permits and all safety regulations.
  • Support continuous improvement and complete additional duties as assigned.

Nice-to-Have Skills, Experience, and Education:
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2nd Class Engineer's License.
  • Military experience in:
    • Navy Nuclear Power
    • Army Prime Power
    • Power Generation
    • Utilities
    • Stationary Engineer
  • Combined-cycle or fossil power plant experience.
  • Experience with CMMS systems.
  • Knowledge of plant chemistry programs.
  • Experience with electrical switching and lockout/tagout procedures.

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