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Local Power Plant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Wind Turbine Technician - Power

Kensett, IA · On-site

$28.50 - $41.25/hr

Perform data collection and prepare reports to meet wind plant reporting requirements. Perform ... Qualified candidates living in or near the greater local area. All offers of employment are ...

Perform data collection and prepare reports to meet wind plant reporting requirements. Perform ... Qualified candidates living in or near the greater local area. All offers of employment are ...

Experience in the use of hand and power tools preferred. Need more reasons to work for a company ... local laws. Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an ...

Ensure all project activities comply with federal, state, and local prevailing wage requirements ... Experience with nuclear power plant projects or utility industry * Knowledge of DOE loan programs ...

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Local Power Plant information

What is the difference between Local Power Plant vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectLocal Power PlantPower Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at power generation facilitiesOn-site at power plants, monitoring equipment
Industry UsageCommonly used in local or small-scale facilitiesUsed across various power plants for operation and control
Job FocusManaging local power generationOperating and controlling power plant equipment

Both roles involve working in power generation environments with similar credentials and work settings. The main difference is that a Local Power Plant refers to a specific facility, while a Power Plant Operator is a job title for the individual responsible for running the plant's equipment. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles in the energy industry.

What are the typical responsibilities of an operator at a local power plant?

As an operator at a local power plant, you are responsible for monitoring and controlling equipment, performing routine inspections, and responding to any operational issues to ensure the safe and efficient generation of electricity. Your daily tasks often include checking gauges, recording data, and coordinating with maintenance and engineering teams to address any technical problems. This role is critical to maintaining consistent power output and minimizing downtime, directly impacting the reliability and success of the facility. Operators also follow strict safety and environmental protocols, working closely with team members to meet regulatory standards and performance goals.

What is a local power plant?

Local power plants are facilities that generate electricity for a specific geographic area, such as a city or region. They convert various forms of energy—like natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydro, wind, or solar—into electrical power, which is then distributed to homes and businesses. Local power plants play a crucial role in ensuring a stable and reliable supply of electricity to meet the community’s needs. Their size, capacity, and technology can vary based on local demand and available resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a local power plant operator?

To thrive as a Local Power Plant Operator, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering principles, typically supported by a high school diploma, technical training, or relevant certifications. Familiarity with SCADA systems, PLCs, and maintenance management software is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable power generation and distribution within the community.
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Power Plant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Local Power Plant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Local Power Plant job openings:
Infographic showing various Local Power Plant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Process Control Specialist/Sr Process Control Specialist/Principal Process Control Specialist

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Pleasant Hill, IA

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Berkshire Hathaway Energy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

This is a multi-level posting. Candidates may be considered for any of the posted levels, depending on education, years of experience and depth of expertise.

The senior plant technical specialist (senior process control specialist) provides technical work and directs others in technical work in the planning, designing, procurement and construction of additions, changes or maintenance to MidAmerican Energy Company's Combustion Turbine facilities (CT). Perform complex, large-scale DCS projects to improve plant performance and reliability. Participate in the direction of work and provide assistance to the personnel listed below.

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

Plant Technical Specialist/Process Control Specialist 

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a power plant appropriate science discipline. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.) Five or more years of experience in direct power plant or related utility industry experience with hands-on practical experience needed to fully understand the plant processes and ability to make modifications as needed to reduce equipment downtime and minimize costs. High level of technical knowledge, judgment and capability in controls and instrumentation. Effective communicator with technical and managerial personnel within and external to MidAmerican Energy Company. Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills. Advanced analytical skills. Advanced project management skills. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently. Ability to use Microsoft Office tools, Excel, Access, and Word. 

Sr Plant Technical Specialist/Sr.  Process Control Specialist 

Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical field with emphasis in a power plant appropriate science discipline. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.) Eight years of experience in direct power plant or utility industry experience and an expert in plant processes and ability to make modifications as needed to reduce equipment downtime and minimize costs. High level of technical knowledge, judgment and capability in the engineering discipline with the ability to take large scale DCS projects from beginning to end, with minimal assistance from the engineering department. Superior communicator with technical and managerial personnel within and external to MidAmerican Energy Company. Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills. Advanced analytical skills. Advanced project management skills. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently. 

Principal Plant Technical Specialist/Principal Process Control Specialist 

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a power plant appropriate science discipline. (Typically, six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.) Ten or more years of experience in direct power plant or related utility industry experience with hands-on practical experience needed to fully understand the plant processes and ability to make modifications as needed to reduce equipment downtime and minimize costs. High level of technical knowledge, judgment and capability in controls and instrumentation. Effective communicator with technical and managerial personnel within and external to MidAmerican Energy Company. Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills. Advanced analytical skills. Advanced project management skills. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently. Ability to use Microsoft Office tools, Excel, Access, and Word. 

Perform tuning of complex DCS systems to improve efficiency and other plant performance parameters and positively affect availability and/or reliability beyond the level of that expected from the plant technical specialist position. Provide advanced technical support for control system administrative functions including patches, upgrades, and troubleshooting. (30%) Provide technical services for the planning, design and construction of project additions or maintenance to MidAmerican Energy Company's CT systems. Lead large scale DCS projects from beginning to end with minimal assistance from the engineering department. (15%) Provide advanced technical support for remote equipment monitoring and data collection. (i.e. PI system). (10%) Assist in troubleshooting electrical and mechanical maintenance issues. (10%) Provide operational support. (10%) Conduct engineering studies and investigations and prepare oral and written reports. (10%) Attend and conduct training in designated high level technical areas comparable to those conducted or expected of an engineer II or senior engineer. (5%) Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (10%)


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