Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.
MUST BE AVAILIBLE TO START IN MAY OF 2027 OR SOONER.
Responsible for participating and completing Senior Reactor Operator training to obtain the skills required for ensuring safe operation of the plant by overseeing control room operations to comply with all licensing and regulatory requirements and company requirements for generation capacity; coordinating operations with other plant groups; and maintaining operations data and records.
Compensation & Benefits:
We offer a competitive compensation package designed to reward your progress and performance throughout the training program and beyond. An incentive program is also offered based on progress through the initial license training program. Individuals will be eligible for the following compensation benefits:

• Starting base pay: $46.60 - $70.00 per hour. Annualized total compensation based on full-time FTE (40 hours), $157,588 - $206,260 per year (depending on experience, previous license status, and performance) including, $15,000 one-time payment upon attaining unescorted nuclear access, $26,000 training bonus upon successful completion of class milestones (systems training & audit written exam), and a $20,000 qualification bonus upon obtaining SRO license.
• Eligible for annual merit increase
• Upon completion of ILT training and obtaining SRO License, the successful candidate will transition into an exempt licensed supervisor position. Employee will be eligible for additional compensation, including up to a 15% annual incentive target, license bonus, license premium, shift premium, annual requalification bonus, and extended hours paid as applicable.
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• PTO and paid holidays
• 401(k) company match
• Educational reimbursement

Essential Responsibilities

• Learn and obtain the necessary skills to ensure the nuclear generating plant operates safely and remains in compliance with plant requirements and governmental regulations. Trainees learn to verify the nuclear plant is operated in accordance with technical specifications and licensing basis.
• Learn and obtain the necessary skills to effectively oversee activities of Control Room Operators and Auxiliary Operators and to investigate Operational problems and evaluate for plant impact. Trainee will also learn to effectively coordinator shift activities with plant work schedule.
• Learn and obtain the necessary skills needed to perform administrative functions related to plant operational requirements. Trainees learn to issue Maintenance work requests and to maintain current plant logging requirements.
• Must complete all training required as evidenced by successfully passing any and all required licensing exams

Minimum Requirements
Must meet one of the following items per ACAD 10-01:

• Certified Instructor with greater than 4 years commercial nuclear experience
• Licensed reactor operator duties as an ACTIVE* RO for 12 Months or more at Monticello or Prairie Island
• 12 months or more as an ACTIVE* RO or SRO at a commercial power reactor facility of the same vendor and vintage
• 18 months or more as an ACTIVE* RO or SRO at a noncomparable commercial power reactor facility
• 18 months or more in a position equivalent to a reactor operator position at a military reactor? (qualified to manipulate or direct the manipulation of control rods)
  • reactor operator
  • engineering officer of the watch
  • propulsion plant watch officer
  • engineering watch supervisor
  • propulsion plant watch supervisor
• BS degree or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology or related sciences; or has a professional engineer license.
  • 18 months of experience at a comparable nuclear power facility or military reactor
  • 27 months of experience at a non-comparable power generation facility
• A non-traditional degree with the following: 36 months of nuclear experience for a nontraditional degree

Preferred Requirements

• Knowledgeable in reactor theory, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, title 10 code of Federal regulations as it applies to nuclear power operations and safety, ASME code section XI.
• Past leadership experience.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $46.60 to $70.00 per hour
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Spot On Bonus, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 05/13/27
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.