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Power Plant Laborer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Plant Manager

Cobb, CA ยท On-site

$154K - $196K/yr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... Labor.

Plant Manager

Middletown, CA ยท On-site

$154K - $196K/yr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... Labor.

Plant Manager

Middletown, CA ยท On-site

$154K - $196K/yr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... Labor.

Plant Manager

Cobb, CA ยท On-site

$154K - $196K/yr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... Labor.

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Lead DC Power Installer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$1.1K - $1.6K/wk

Troubleshoot and resolve power plant issues onsite. Documentation: * Maintain detailed as-built records, redline drawings, and daily progress logs. * Complete material and labor usage reports.

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Lead DC Power Installer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$1.1K - $1.6K/wk

Troubleshoot and resolve power plant issues onsite. Documentation: * Maintain detailed as-built records, redline drawings, and daily progress logs. * Complete material and labor usage reports.

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Showing results 1-20

Power Plant Laborer information

See California salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do power plant laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant laborer in California is $17.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a power plant laborer?

Power Plant Laborers are workers responsible for supporting the operation and maintenance of power plants. Their duties typically include cleaning and organizing work areas, assisting skilled technicians or engineers, monitoring equipment, and performing basic maintenance tasks. They help ensure that the plant runs safely and efficiently by following safety protocols and reporting any issues to supervisors. This role often requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work in challenging environments.

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

To thrive as a Power Plant Laborer, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial safety protocols, hand and power tools, and possibly OSHA certification is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a commitment to following safety procedures help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining operational safety, efficiency, and reliability in a demanding industrial environment.

What are some typical safety protocols that power plant laborers are expected to follow on the job?

Power Plant Laborers must adhere to strict safety protocols to protect themselves and their coworkers from hazards like high-voltage equipment, moving machinery, and exposure to chemicals. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses, following lockout/tagout procedures, and participating in regular safety training sessions. Laborers are also responsible for reporting any unsafe conditions and assisting with routine plant inspections. Consistent communication with supervisors and team members is essential to maintain a safe work environment.

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

AspectPower Plant LaborerPower Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety certificationsHigh school diploma; additional certifications or licenses often required
Work EnvironmentPhysical, outdoor, and plant maintenance areasIndoor control rooms and monitoring stations
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with maintenance, cleaning, and basic repairsMonitoring equipment, controlling plant operations, troubleshooting

Power Plant Laborers typically perform physical tasks and assist with maintenance, while Power Plant Operators control and monitor plant systems. Both roles require safety certifications and work in the power plant environment, but their responsibilities and levels of technical expertise differ significantly.

How to get hired at a power plant laborer?

To become a power plant laborer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and the ability to perform manual labor in a demanding environment. Relevant skills include knowledge of safety procedures, basic mechanical skills, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA training; experience in construction or industrial settings can improve job prospects.

What does a power plant laborer do?

A power plant laborer performs manual tasks such as cleaning, maintaining, and assisting with equipment operation in a power plant environment. They often handle physical work, follow safety protocols, and may use tools or machinery under supervision to support plant operations.
Infographic showing various Power Plant Laborer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,547 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Power Plant Operations Assistant (AA-165-26E) PERG

Whittier, CA โ€ข On-site

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
Environmental Consulting Servicesย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$7.0K - $8.8K/mo

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

JOB POSTING NOTICE OF JOB OPPORTUNITY POSTING #AA-165-26E POWER PLANT OPERATIONS ASSISTANT This job posting may close at any time without prior notice. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as the initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of September 7, 2026. Build your career in power plant operations as a Power Plant Operations Assistant at the Puente Hills Gas-to-Energy Facility (PERG).

Work alongside experienced operators while gaining hands-on experience with high-pressure steam systems, turbine-generator equipment, plant control systems, and related auxiliary equipment. This assignment is anticipated to continue for approximately two (2) to four (4) years and offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, job stability, structured training, and valuable on-the-job development designed to build your technical skills and prepare you to compete for advancement to Power Plant Operator I and other higher-level positions in power plant operations. LOCATION: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, ENERGY RECOVERY SECTION, PUENTE HILLS GAS-TO-ENERGY FACILITY NOTES: This assignment is expected to last two (2) to four (4) years due to the impending closure of Puente Hills Gas-to-Energy Facility (PERG).

This recruitment is being conducted for both the Power Plant Operator I and Power Plant Operations Assistant classifications. Only one (1) vacancy currently exists, and it may be filled at either level. You must submit a separate application for Power Plant Operator I by clicking here to be considered.

Positions that become available may have specific shift assignments, respirator requirements and/or roving status. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To participate in routine power plant operations and maintenance duties at a high-pressure steam generating plant. JOB SUMMARY: The major job duties are listed below.

For a detailed list, please see the job description. Under the general supervision of the Energy Recovery Supervisor, and technical leadership of higher-level operators, incumbents will: Participate in the operation and maintenance of plant equipment under supervision Adjust load and voltage of equipment as needed Inspect and adjust boiler and plant equipment not fully controlled by the computer system Report abnormal conditions to higher-level operators for corrective action Monitor plant instrumentation and complete operational logs Perform routine water quality analyses Assist in operating, lighting, and securing boilers and flares Start and stop turbines, boilers, and other plant equipment Implement process changes as directed Perform minor emergency repairs and routine maintenance on hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical devices Clean mechanical equipment and apply protective coatings to surfaces Change lubricants, gaskets, and tighten or loosen joints Operate hand and power tools for maintenance tasks Assist mechanics with assembling and disassembling plant equipment Operate the plant computer on a relief basis during normal conditions MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must possess all of the following: A valid California Class C Driver License; AND One of the following: Two (2) years of experience in the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County performing duties as a Power Plant Attendant; OR Three (3) years of equivalent industrial or military experience at a power-generation, petro-chemical process or similar facility. EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The competitive selection process may cover: Knowledge of: Basic hand and power tools Basic functions of a steam generating power plant Safety considerations in an industrial plant setting Basic arithmetic Safe work practices Principles of operation and maintenance of boilers, turbines, generators and power plant equipment Principles of combustion Ability to: Read and comprehend apprentice-level training manuals, diagrams and technical instructions Learn the operation of all phases of a power plant Use basic hand tools Learn to read meters and gauges Perform manual labor Perform minor plant maintenance work Record and interpret readings of meters and gauges and maintain operating logs Recognize needed equipment repairs Guide others in operating and maintaining plant equipment Perform a wide variety of plant operations ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SELECTION PROCESS: All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.

The selection process will consist of a written test weighted at 50%, and an interview weighted at 50%. Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process. The initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of September 7, 2026.

TO APPLY: Please apply online at www.lacsd.org within the application period. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment application. Check your e-mail regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications are sent via e-mail

Please make sure that your registered e-mail address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list. NOTES: The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a reference check, background check, DMV report, and a drug test

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts convert waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources. For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Antonio Archuleta at antonioarchuleta@lacsd.org. As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.