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Power Plant Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain and adjust boilers, furnaces, engines, pumps ...

Overview The Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain and adjust boilers, furnaces, engines ...

Working Relationships The Power Attendant reports to the Operations Manager and responds to directions from the Operations Manager and Plant Manager. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions ...

Working Relationships The Power Attendant reports to the Operations Manager and responds to directions from the Operations Manager and Plant Manager. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions ...

Manage and oversee the daily operations of a power plant within area of responsibility Job duties/responsibilities: * Foster the importance of a safety-oriented culture. * Champion strategic vision ...

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Power Plant Operations Manager information

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$30K

$106.8K

$173K

How much do power plant operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for power plant operations manager in the United States is $106,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $133,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Power Plant Operations Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Power Plant Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining equipment reliability, and managing a diverse team of engineers and technicians. Staying up-to-date with changing environmental regulations and implementing preventive maintenance schedules are critical to minimizing downtime. Effective communication and leadership skills are also essential for coordinating operations across shifts and responding to unexpected issues quickly. Embracing ongoing training and fostering a culture of safety can help address these challenges and ensure smooth plant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power Plant Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Operations Manager, you need a solid background in engineering or a related field, experience in plant operations, and often a relevant degree or industry certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, maintenance management software, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for managing teams and ensuring efficient plant performance. These competencies are essential to maintain safety, optimize operations, and meet regulatory and production targets within the power generation industry.

What does a Power Plant Operations Manager do?

A Power Plant Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of a power generation facility, ensuring that systems run efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations. They supervise staff, manage maintenance schedules, monitor equipment performance, and implement operational procedures. Additionally, they are responsible for coordinating with other departments, handling emergencies, and optimizing plant output to meet energy demands. Their role is crucial in maintaining the reliability and safety of electricity production.

What is the difference between Power Plant Operations Manager vs Power Plant Engineer?

AspectPower Plant Operations ManagerPower Plant Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, with management experienceRequires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, often with specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees plant operations, manages staff, and ensures safety and efficiencyFocuses on designing, maintaining, and improving plant systems and equipment
Industry UsageCommonly found in power generation companies managing daily operationsFound in engineering departments, focusing on technical and system development

The Power Plant Operations Manager primarily oversees daily plant operations, staff, and safety protocols, ensuring efficient power generation. In contrast, the Power Plant Engineer concentrates on technical system design, maintenance, and improvements. Both roles require engineering knowledge, but their focus and responsibilities differ significantly within the power industry.

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What states have the most Power Plant Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Power Plant Operations Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Power Plant Operations Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Power Plant Operations Manager jobs are:
Power Plant Operations Shift Supervisor

Power Plant Operations Shift Supervisor

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Power Plant Operations Shift Supervisor

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536549
Work type: Staff
Senior management: VP Facilities
Department: Energy and Utilities
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Facilities / Skilled Trades

Job Description

Shares responsibility for all aspects of the daily operation of cogeneration power plant. Directs employees in the operation of coal, gas and oil-fired boilers. Responsible for overall steam turbine generator operation and all plant auxiliary equipment. Performs all water analysis and treatment and insures that plant is safe, reliable and clean.

Required Qualifications

Considerable previous power plant experience.
Demonstrated ability to direct the work of others.
Strong decision-making ability.
Strong mechanical experience.
Ability to perform and interpret water analysis and softener regeneration procedures.
Ability to interpret instructions and complete assignments as part of a team.
Ability to work shift work.
Ability to report to work within one hour in emergency situations.

Preferred Qualifications

Boiler and turbine operation experience.
American Society of Power Engineers 1st Class license or higher.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$65,000 - $75,000 commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

June 16, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at opshr-g@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: June 2, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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