Junior Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Posting End Date

06-09-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date

Job Summary

Perform semi-skilled manual work, maintenance and operating duties in connection with power plant operation, as assigned. Job duties may vary, depending on the line-of-progression (Operations, Maintenance or Coal Yard).

Job Description

Equipment Operator Jr. - Equipment Operator:

What You'll Do:

• Isolate, clean, open, replace, inspect, close and return to service strainers, heat exchangers and dust collectors.

• Operate, clean, service and lubricate portable power-driven tools and equipment.

• Maintain tools, equipment and work areas in a clean and orderly condition.

• Utilize portable meters, analyzers and equipment to conduct tests and monitoring.

• Lubricate and check lubrication equipment; adjust packing glands as necessary and perform necessary operative maintenance, using appropriate hand tools.

• Operate oil filtering equipment.

• Operate, regulate, adjust, clean and perform minor maintenance on bottom ash and flash handling equipment, including associated pumps, piping and valves.

• Monitor and inspect all plant equipment for normal operation.

• Identify and report abnormal conditions to the proper authority and write work orders.

• Perform simple disassembly and assembly work, clean and recondition parts, lubricate, bolt, unbolt, wire brush and open and close inspection doors.

• Prepare equipment work surfaces and areas by removing insulation guards and simple housings; remove pipe covering and insulation and prepare such surfaces for recovering.

• Erect and remove simple scaffolding and rigging.

• Perform minor maintenance work on heating and plumbing systems such as repair valves, repair and replace fittings and short sections of piping; clean and replace traps.

• Load, unload, move and handle materials, supplies and equipment, open boxes, barrels, bags and other materials.

• Operate material handling equipment including hoists, fork-lift trucks, skid steer loaders, small tractors and automotive equipment and their associated equipment and perform duties incidental to the operation of such equipment.

• Perform routine cleaning of plant areas and equipment, including outside areas, as assigned.

• Clean oil igniters and nozzles.

• Assist in preparing boilers and auxiliaries for operation and removal from service.

• Monitor coal feed to mills and burners and observe conditions of fires and furnaces.

• Hand lance slag in boilers, hand- operating soot blowers, unplugging ash lines, disposing of clinkers and other similar work.

• Use flow diagrams to identify system piping and equipment and revise these prints as required.

• Make required equipment checks and assist in performing tests and preparing related reports, graphs and curves.

• Perform duties in accordance with Company's safety rules, operating regulations and practices and report unsafe conditions and practices.

• Train for and carry out assignments in firefighting, first aid and other emergency response programs as required.

• Perform similar or less skilled work as assigned.

Equipment Operator - Jr:

Education/Experience requirements are listed below:

• Associate degree in engineering, industrial or energy technology;

• OR Associate degree in another discipline and two (2) years of related work experience;

• OR high school diploma with four (4) years of related work experience

• OR high school diploma with two (2) years of related military experience. Related experience is listed under Principal Accountabilities.

Required License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below:

• Possess a valid State driver's license.

Other Requirements:

• Able to stand or walk continuously for up to 12 hours.

• Successful completion of the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) and the Plant Maintenance Selection System (MASS) tests are required for this position. A review of Employment Testing Information, Test-Taking Tips, together with the POSS and MASS Practice Tests may be helpful. A link to these materials may be found at AEP.com Careers by selecting Employment testing.

• A physical abilities assessment is also required for this position.

• Must satisfactorily complete and exhibit competency, in such time frames as may be established by the Company, all required training to advance to the Equipment Operator, Maintenance Mechanic-Junior, Coal Handler (depending on the line-of-progression) or vacate the Equipment Operator-Junior classification. This includes the ability to gain a working knowledge of all applicable operating instructions and procedures.

• Must be able to learn the rules, safety practices and procedures applicable to the work.

• Must be able to learn the tools and equipment and their use as required in the work.

• Must be able to read, interpret and work from simple prints and specifications and have the ability to gain a working knowledge of OSHA and Environmental guidelines.

• Able to work rotating shifts.

Equipment Operator:

Education:

• Associate in Applied Sciences Degree (Associate degree in engineering, industrial or energy technology preferred);

• OR high school diploma with four (4) years of related work experience;

• OR high school diploma with two (2) years of related military experience. Related experience is listed under Principal Accountabilities.

Experience:

• See details listed under "Education".

• Must satisfactorily complete and exhibit competency, in such time frames as may be established by the Company, all required training to advance to the Equipment Operator in the Operations Line of Progression.

• Must satisfactorily complete and exhibit the ability to gain a working knowledge of all applicable operating instructions and procedures.

• Must be able to learn the rules, safety practices and procedures applicable to the work.

• Must be able to learn the tools and equipment and their use as required in the work.

• Must be able to read, interpret and work from simple prints and specifications and have the ability to gain a working knowledge of OSHA and Environmental guidelines.

• Must be able to work rotating shifts.

• Must hold a valid driver's license.

Other Requirements:

• Climb ladders & stairs a number of times each day.

• Use fine dexterity to move switches & controls to precise locations

• Detect color on alarms, equipment & other devices

• Hear announcements on the Plant PA system, and to hear abnormal sounds of plant equipment

• Communicate plant information by phone, in person or by radio

• Work on heights, grating, platforms and catwalks.

• Exert up to 50 lbs of pressure to manually turn off valves.

• Able to stand or walk continuously for up to 12 hours.

What You'll Get:

Equipment Operator - Jr.: $25.76 - $31.41

Equipment Operator - $38.12 - $47.14

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

At AEP, we're more than just an energy company - we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

#APCO

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

N005-575

Compensation Range:

$25.76 - $42.63

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: M - Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.