1

Power Plant Operation Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Reactor Operator

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... reactor (i.e., Power Plant Watch Engineer, Engineering Watch Supervisor, Reactor Operator ... operations, engineering, outage management, maintenance, radiation protection, chemistry, or ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Buffalo, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... reactor (i.e., Power Plant Watch Engineer, Engineering Watch Supervisor, Reactor Operator ... operations, engineering, outage management, maintenance, radiation protection, chemistry, or ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Sherman, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... reactor (i.e., Power Plant Watch Engineer, Engineering Watch Supervisor, Reactor Operator ... operations, engineering, outage management, maintenance, radiation protection, chemistry, or ...

Showing results 21-40

Power Plant Operation information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$20

$44

$62

How much do power plant operation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operation in Springfield, IL is $44.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.76 and $58.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Power Plant Operator, you need a solid background in mechanical and electrical systems, strong problem-solving abilities, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring technical training or certifications. Operators must be proficient with distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA systems, and safety protocols relevant to power generation. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of power generation facilities, which is essential for maintaining consistent energy supply.

What is a power plant operator?

Power plant operators are professionals responsible for controlling, monitoring, and maintaining the equipment that generates electric power in facilities such as nuclear, coal, natural gas, or renewable energy plants. They ensure that the plant runs efficiently, safely, and within regulatory guidelines by adjusting controls, reading gauges, and performing routine checks. Operators may also respond to emergencies, perform minor repairs, and keep detailed records of plant operations. Their work is essential for providing consistent and reliable electricity to homes and businesses.

What are some common challenges faced by power plant operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Power plant operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, adapting to rapidly changing energy demands, and adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations. Effective management of these challenges involves thorough training, regular maintenance schedules, and strong communication within the operations team. Operators typically participate in ongoing learning and safety drills to stay prepared for emergencies and work closely with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot issues quickly, ensuring reliable and efficient plant performance.

What is the difference between Power Plant Operation vs Power Plant Maintenance?

AspectPower Plant OperationPower Plant Maintenance
Primary FocusMonitoring and controlling plant processes to ensure efficient power generationInspecting, repairing, and maintaining equipment to prevent failures
Required SkillsOperational procedures, control systems, safety protocolsMechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting skills
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, plant floors, outdoor sitesWorkshops, equipment rooms, on-site maintenance areas
CertificationsPower plant operation licenses, safety certificationsMechanical or electrical trade certifications, safety training

Power Plant Operation involves managing the daily functions of a power plant to ensure continuous and efficient power production, while Power Plant Maintenance focuses on keeping equipment in optimal condition through repairs and inspections. Both roles are essential for reliable power generation and often work closely together within the same industry environment.

What job categories do people searching Power Plant Operation jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Power Plant Operation jobs in Springfield, IL are:
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operation job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,177 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Senior Reactor Operator

Constellation Energy

Springfield, IL • On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Constellation Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 86 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Who We Are

As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest producer of clean and reliable energy, Constellation is focused on our purpose: lighting the way to a brilliant tomorrow for all. We have been the leader in clean energy production for more than a decade, and we are cultivating a workplace where our employees can grow, thrive, and contribute. Now integrated with Calpine, our portfolio includes 55 gigawatts of capacity from nuclear, natural gas, geothermal, hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 million homes.
Our culture and employee experience make it clear: We are powered by passion and purpose. Together, we're creating healthier communities and a cleaner planet, and our people are the driving force behind our success. At Constellation, you can build a fulfilling career with opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact. By doing our best work and meeting new challenges, we can accomplish great things. Join us in meeting the country's energy needs today and tomorrow.

Total Rewards

Constellation offers an extensive selection of benefits and rewards to help our employees thrive professionally and personally. We provide competitive compensation and a wide-range of benefits that support both employees and their families, helping them prepare for the future. In addition to highly competitive salaries, eligible employees are offered a bonus program, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase program comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, including robust wellbeing programs disability and life insurance benefits paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick days and much more.

  • During initial license training, Total compensation earnings eligibility ranging from $159,000.00 to $182,000.00 per year (depending on experience and past license status) including a 15% annual incentive bonus, an initial sign-on bonus, $10,000 bonus spread through training milestones, a comprehensive benefits package, and a 401k with employer matching on contributions.
  • After obtaining SRO license, Total compensation earnings eligibility from $191,000.00 per year, including a target 15% annual bonus, License Premium, as well as, extended hours pay at 1.5 times the base salary (expressed on hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage. 

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be offered to those who meet the conditions in the Company&rsquos policy.

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Clinton Nuclear Power Sation in Clinton, IL.

Primary Purpose of Position

The primary purpose of this position is to train and prepare to perform the duties of an Operations Shift Supervisor who holds a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO)License. Upon completion of training the candidate will be fully licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to supervise the licensed activities of licensed reactor operators in the reactor control room. They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally.

Primary Duties and Accountabilities

  • Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which includes classroom training and examination, along with on-the-job training and evaluation.
  • Successfully complete all phases of training to obtain an SRO license in order to perform the duties of an Operations Shift Supervisor.
  • Perform other job assignments and duties as directed by management or pursuant to company policy, including but not limited to emergency response, departmental coverage, call outs, and support of outage activities in positions outside the department.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma/GED
  • Meet or exceed one of the following:
    • 1 year Reactor Operator license at a comparable facility or 1.5 years at a noncomparable facility. Comparable is PWR to PWR or BWR to BWR and noncomparable is PWR to BWR or BWR to PWR.
    • 1.5 years or more in a position equivalent to Reactor Operator (or Supervisor) at a military reactor (i.e., Power Plant Watch Engineer, Engineering Watch Supervisor, Reactor Operator, Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor). Must have 1.5 years after qualification.
    • Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical sciences, or professional engineer license, and more than 1.5 years as a qualified non-licensed operator or Staff member, Supervisor or Manager in work control, operations, engineering, outage management, maintenance, radiation protection, chemistry, or accredited training at a comparable (BWR or PWR) facility. Managerial, staff engineer, or supervisor experience at a noncomparable plant may be credited on a 1.5:1.0 basis (i.e., over 2.25 years required for noncomparable facility), and 3 years required for a nontraditional degree.
    • Current or previous SRO Instructor certification and 4 years experience at a comparable facility or 6 years experience at a non-comparable facility.
  • Maintain minimum access or unescorted access requirements, as applicable, and favorable medical examination and/or testing in accordance with position duties

What Constellation Energy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom