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Hourly Power Plant Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Assembly OPERATORS

Arab, AL

$14.75 - $18/hr

Will Have Plant Tour To See YOURSELF Full Time 40 HOURS **OT is Volunteer **More Details: CALL ... Powered by ApplicantStack Hiring Automation Software Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

PUaN49H Department Resin Utility FLSA Hourly Non-exempt Shift 12 hour Swing/Rotate Pay Rates ... film plant for resin conveying Coordination with filter cleaning agency for filter readiness.

Injection MOLD Operators

Arab, AL

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Visit Plant Before Accepting Position * *NO Rotating *NO Uniforms *NO Steel Toes * Paid Weekly ... Powered by ApplicantStack Hiring Automation Software Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

INJECTION MOLD Operators

Arab, AL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Visit Plant Before Accepting Position * *NO Rotating *NO Uniforms *NO Steel Toes * Paid Weekly ... Powered by ApplicantStack Hiring Automation Software Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Resin Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$20.50/hr

PUaN49H Department Resin Utility FLSA Hourly Non-exempt Shift 12 hour Swing/Rotate Pay Rates ... film plant for resin conveying Coordination with filter cleaning agency for filter readiness.

Equipment Operator

Huntsville, AL

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

This is an entry level position that provides the opportunity to advance into Plant Operations ... For hourly roles, this is the annualized salary. To calculate the hourly rate, divide by 2080. Our ...

Equipment Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

This is an entry level position that provides the opportunity to advance into Plant Operations ... For hourly roles, this is the annualized salary. To calculate the hourly rate, divide by 2080. Our ...

RTC - Aircraft Mechanic III

Redstone Arsenal, AL · On-site

$29.25 - $38.50/hr

... power plant systems in diagnosing equipment malfunctions and applies required expertise in ... Experience performing periodic, and other hourly, special or calendar inspections. * Individual ...

... power plant systems in diagnosing equipment malfunctions and applies required expertise in ... Experience performing periodic, and other hourly, special or calendar inspections. * Individual ...

General Worker/Operator

Athens, AL · On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

General Worker/Operator Full Time- Hourly Pay Start your career here at Consolidated Pipe and ... This is our entry level position in which you will work in many areas of the plant. A great ...

Forklift Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$20.29 - $21.20/hr

Participates in the safety and good housekeeping programs as established within the plant ... The hourly range for this position starting pay is $21.20 hourly. The specific hourly rate offered ...

Molding Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$24.11/hr

Follow all plant safety policies and perform assigned housekeeping and 5S duties. * Maintain ... The hourly range for this position starting pay is $24.11 hourly. The specific hourly rate offered ...

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Hourly Power Plant Operator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$18

$41

$59

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

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly power plant operator in Decatur, AL is $41.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.17 and $55.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hourly Power Plant Operator vs Power Plant Technician?

AspectHourly Power Plant OperatorPower Plant Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; licensing may be requiredHigh school diploma; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentPower plants, control rooms, outdoor facilitiesPower plants, maintenance areas, control rooms
Job FocusOperating and monitoring plant equipmentMaintaining and repairing plant machinery

Hourly Power Plant Operators primarily focus on operating and monitoring power plant equipment, ensuring smooth plant operations. Power Plant Technicians concentrate on maintaining and repairing machinery. While both roles work in similar environments and may require comparable certifications, their core responsibilities differ, with operators managing daily operations and technicians handling technical repairs.

Is being a Power Plant Operator worth it?

A Power Plant Operator is responsible for controlling and maintaining the operation of power generation equipment, often working in shifts and requiring technical skills and certifications. The job offers stable employment and competitive wages, with opportunities for advancement based on experience and additional training.

What is the highest salary for a plant operator?

Hourly power plant operators can earn up to $40 to $50 per hour, with top earners in specialized facilities or with extensive experience and certifications. Salaries vary based on location, shift differentials, and the complexity of the plant's operations.

How many hours does a Power Plant Operator work?

Power Plant Operators typically work full-time hours, often around 40 hours per week, but may be required to work overtime, night shifts, weekends, or holidays depending on the plant's operational needs. Shift work is common to ensure continuous power generation and safety.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Hourly power plant operators typically do not earn $2,000 a day; their wages are usually based on hourly rates, which are significantly lower. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2,000 daily often include specialized roles such as senior executives, certain medical specialists, or highly experienced technical consultants, but these are not typical for power plant operators. Achieving such earnings generally requires advanced skills, certifications, or managerial responsibilities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, AL are:
Power Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Chemistry and Water Treatment

Power Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Chemistry and Water Treatment

International Paper Company

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$125K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


International Paper rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 290 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

310th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description


Position Title:
Power Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Chemistry and Water Treatment
Pay Rate:
$125,900 - $167,800
Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.
Category/Shift:
Salaried Full-Time
Location:
Remote - Ability to travel up to ~60%
The Job You Will Perform:
  • This position is in the Power Manufacturing Solutions Group, and provides technical guidance and direction to our mill teams in the water treatment areas. Specific areas of support and expertise includes raw water clarification, corrosion inhibition, filtration, demineralization, condensate treatment, boiler water controls, and specialty chemicals. This support will be a combination of remote and also travel to mill locations. Expected travel is 40-60%. You will be expected to learn all the specific types of treatment equipment and processes in our IP mill system, and provide technical support for planned work and troubleshooting for problems encountered.
  • Develop relationships at each mill in utilities areas to better understand the needs of the mill processes and equipment. This position requires someone that will be a good communicator, both in mentoring and listening to the operators and managers to understand potential issues and desires for each mill.
  • Understand the water quality specifications and chemical treatment programs for each pressure range for the operating boilers. The candidate will know and ensure the IP policies and specifications that guide proper water quality are being applied. The candidate will gain understanding of the different types of boilers and the circulation of water for each. The candidate should recognize potential water quality excursions, and be able to guide others on steps to identify contamination sources, eliminate the problem, and correct trends in water chemistry to resume operation within specification.
  • A considerable part of the role includes communication and execution of the boiler acid cleaning policy. This includes assisting mill teams with inspections and data acquisition plans to complete annual acid cleaning condition based scorecards. These scorecards are submitted to Power Technology for review and determination of when the boilers should be cleaned based on internal conditions, chemistry control and monitoring, and deposition data. When these cleanings are executed, this role includes onsite support for the plans, recipes, logistics, execution of steps, validation of the cleaning process, flushing, inspections, and startup procedures.
  • This position requires someone who will develop relationships with specialty chemical suppliers, and will maintain a neutral position with each supplier to benefit IP. This person will participate in the Specialty Chemical Global Sourcing events annually that award new business to mills with renewing contracts. This participation involves reviewing specifications for each mill and review of the bids from participating suppliers to ensure comparable products are being bid for the utility area chemistries.

The Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge You Will Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry required.
  • Work experience in water chemistry related field, preferably in chemical sales and treatment programs supporting the pulp/paper industry, or work experience in mill power plant process water and boiler water treatment areas. Must have a core knowledge of chemical safety and industrial process safety management.
  • 10+ years' experience in pulp and paper industry is a must, including knowledge of specific criticality of recovery boilers in addition to power boilers and other auxiliary water and condensate processes.
  • Understanding each unit process is important to know the quality of water one can expect from each process. An in depth knowledge of clarifiers, filters (sand, Multimedia), demineralizers (cation, anion, WBA, Mixed Bed, packed beds, etc), and Reverse Osmosis skids are just a few of the unit processes found in IP mills.
  • Troubleshooting skills and technical understanding of all aspects of water chemistry, treatment, control, and testing.

COMPETENCIES:
  • Organization • Interpersonal Savvy
  • Time management • Technical Learning
  • Customer Service • Presentation and Communication Skills

About Us
The Benefits You Will Enjoy:
International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets
The Career You Will Build:
Leadership training, promotional opportunities
The Impact You Will Make:
We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you'll see why our team members say they're Proud to be IP.
The Culture You Will Experience:
International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.
The Company You Will Join:
International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) creates sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers, teammates and shareowners to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are a leader in corrugated packaging, partnering with customers across industries to protect what matters most, strengthen supply chains and create lasting value. Learn more at internationalpaper.com.
International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact reasonable.accommodations@ipaper.com or (877) 973-3919.

What International Paper employees say

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About International Paper

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

International Paper is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion.

Industry

Paper manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Memphis, TN, US

Year founded

1898