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Power Plant Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vistra Energy

Power Plant Tech

Moss Landing, CA

Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a Natural Gas Power Plant. This includes water treatment systems, circulating water systems, condensate/feedwater systems, heat ...

Vst

Power Plant Tech

Moss Landing, CA

Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a Natural Gas Power Plant. This includes water treatment systems, circulating water systems, condensate/feedwater systems, heat ...

Luminant

Power Plant Technician

Pardeesville, PA · On-site

Job Summary Responsible for the overall operations to include operating, monitoring, and controlling the status of all power plant systems from the Control Room. Executes plant shut-down and start ...

New

NAES

Power Plant Attendant

New Castle, PA · On-site

$35.16/hr

Operates and performs operational maintenance on various plant equipment in compliance with ... Completes Power Plant Attendant job demonstrations within the required timeframe after entering the ...

TXU Energy

Power Plant Tech

Moss Landing, CA · On-site

Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a Natural Gas Power Plant. This includes water treatment systems, circulating water systems, condensate/feedwater systems, heat ...

TXU Energy

Power Plant Technician

Pardeesville, PA · On-site

Job Summary Responsible for the overall operations to include operating, monitoring, and controlling the status of all power plant systems from the Control Room. Executes plant shut-down and start ...

New

NAES Corporation

Power Plant Attendant

New Castle, PA · On-site

$35.16/hr

Operates and performs operational maintenance on various plant equipment in compliance with ... Completes Power Plant Attendant job demonstrations within the required timeframe after entering the ...

Entergy

Sr Mgr, Power Plant

Westwego, LA

Manages and oversees the operations of a power plants. Responsible for operations reliability, safety, compliance, and financial performance. Ensures plant is prepared to meet system load ...

Entergy

Sr Mgr, Power Plant

Westwego, LA · On-site

Manages and oversees the operations of a power plants. Responsible for operations reliability, safety, compliance, and financial performance. Ensures plant is prepared to meet system load ...

Vst

Power Plant Technician

Pardeesville, PA

Job Summary Responsible for the overall operations to include operating, monitoring, and controlling the status of all power plant systems from the Control Room. Executes plant shut-down and start ...

New

Vistra Corp.

Power Plant Technician

Pardeesville, PA · On-site

Job Summary Responsible for the overall operations to include operating, monitoring, and controlling the status of all power plant systems from the Control Room. Executes plant shut-down and start ...

Sprung Services, Inc.

Be Seen First

Power Plant Operator

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

This role is essential to the safe and efficient operation of key equipment in our facility ... power plant operations Key Responsibilities: Operate and maintain air compressors, turbines ...

Ameresco

Be Seen First

Power Plant Specialist

Half Moon Bay, CA · On-site

$33 - $48/hr

Ideal candidates could have knowledge with Power Plant Operations, Controls including PLC, HMI and SCADA, Automotive and Diesel mechanic, Power Production, and related fields. Responsibilities:

NAES Corporation

Power Plant Attendant

New Castle, PA

$35.16/hr

Operates and performs operational maintenance on various plant equipment in compliance with ... Completes Power Plant Attendant job demonstrations within the required timeframe after entering the ...

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All JobsPower Plant Operations Jobs

Power Plant Operations information

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$30K

$106.8K

$173K

How much do power plant operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for power plant operations 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 is the difference between Power Plant Operations vs Power Plant Maintenance?

AspectPower Plant OperationsPower Plant Maintenance
Primary FocusManaging daily plant functions, overseeing plant performance, and ensuring continuous power generationInspecting, repairing, and maintaining equipment to prevent failures and ensure optimal operation
Required CertificationsOperator licenses, technical certificationsTechnician or maintenance certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, plant floors, outdoor sitesWorkshops, equipment rooms, outdoor maintenance areas
Industry UsagePower generation facilities, utility companiesPower plants, industrial facilities, maintenance service providers

Power Plant Operations and Power Plant Maintenance are closely related roles within the energy industry. Operations focus on managing the plant's daily functions and ensuring continuous power output, while Maintenance involves repairing and maintaining equipment to prevent downtime. Both roles require technical certifications and work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ, making them complementary in power plant management.

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

To thrive in Power Plant Operations, candidates typically need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of electrical and thermal systems, and a high school diploma or associate degree, often supplemented by relevant industry certifications. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA software, and safety protocols is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for responding to issues and collaborating with team members. These skills are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of power generation equipment, minimizing downtime and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What qualifications do you need to be a power plant operator?

Power plant operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or an apprenticeship. Many employers prefer candidates with technical knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or industrial systems, and some roles require certification or licensing depending on the state or facility.

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

Professionals in Power Plant Operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and responding to unexpected operational issues. Staying current with technological updates and adhering to strict operational procedures are key to overcoming these challenges. Collaboration with maintenance teams, ongoing training, and clear communication help ensure the plant operates smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, developing problem-solving skills and a proactive approach can help operators handle emergencies and minimize downtime.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In power plant operations, high-level executive roles such as plant managers or chief engineers can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership skills in the energy sector.

What are Power Plant Operations?

Power Plant Operations refer to the activities involved in running and maintaining facilities that generate electricity, such as coal, gas, nuclear, or renewable energy plants. Operators monitor equipment, control power-generating machinery, adjust controls to regulate electricity flow, and ensure plants operate safely and efficiently. They also perform routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and follow strict safety and environmental regulations. The goal is to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of electricity while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.

What does an operator do at a power plant?

A power plant operator monitors and controls the equipment that generates electricity, ensuring safe and efficient operation of turbines, generators, and other systems. They perform routine inspections, respond to alarms, and follow safety protocols, often working in control rooms and requiring technical skills and certifications. Operators may work rotating shifts to maintain continuous plant operation.

How much does it pay to work at a power plant?

Power plant operators and technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $85,000, with wages varying based on experience, location, and certifications such as a boiler operator license or electrical certification. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced workers or those in supervisory roles can earn over $100,000 annually.
More about Power Plant Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Power Plant Operations jobs? Cities with the most Power Plant Operations job openings:
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What states have the most Power Plant Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Power Plant Operations jobs include:
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Power Plant Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,759 per year, or $51.3 per hour.
Power Plant Tech

Power Plant Tech

Vistra Energy

Moss Landing, CA

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Vistra rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

If you have what it takes to become part of the Vistra family and would like to start a promising career with a global leader, take a look at the exciting employment opportunities that are currently available and apply online.

Job Summary

Overview:
Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a Natural Gas Power Plant. This includes water treatment systems, circulating water systems, condensate/feedwater systems, heat recovery steam generator systems, turbine systems, gas turbine systems, generator systems, control systems, electrical systems, and various other plant systems.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

  • Operate and maintain the facility in the control room or field, optimizing Plant performance through established procedures.
  • Control all evolutions throughout the plant.
  • Demonstrate procedural compliance in all plant operation activities by operating plant equipment through established valve line-ups and system/component operating procedures.
  • Monitor water chemistry parameters in support of make-up water production, cooling water circulation and ASME guidelines for maintaining boiler and feed water within specification.
  • Master a shift turnover process to ensure a seamless transfer of information to the oncoming shift.
  • Actively participate in the behavior-based safety program and ensure every team member complies with all safety procedures and applicable task-oriented job safety analyses.
  • Perform other task as assigned

Requirements:

  • High School diploma, trade school, military service or technical school training
  • 2-4 years related experience in operations in a power plant or similar heavy industrial environment
  • Proven mechanical and trouble shooting skills
  • Ability to work constructively under minimum supervision
  • Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts, weekends, be on call and accept call-outs and over time work
  • Basic user PC skills for information processing and management
  • General knowledge of safety and environmental regulation
  • Ability to operate a fork lift and man-lifts as needed
  • Must pass POSS/MASS pre-employment test.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to hear and understand audible alarms, detect changes in noise levels of equipment, accurately read and interpret instruments and gauges.

Ability to respond to plant emergencies

Ability to perform demanding work at heights under adverse conditions and when participating in emergency activities

Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and enter confined spaces as required to complete assigned task

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Ability to pass a respirator physical and fit test

This position can be filled at a level I, II, III or IV depending on experience level

Job Family

Plant Operations

Company

Luminant Power LLC

Locations

Moss Landing, CaliforniaCalifornia
We are a company of people committed to: Exceeding Customer Expectations, Great People, Teamwork, Competitive Spirit and Effective Communication. If this describes you, then apply today!
If you currently work for Vistra or its subsidiaries, please apply via the internal career site.

It is the policy of the Company to comply with all employment laws and to afford equal employment opportunity to individuals in all aspects of employment, including in selection for job opportunities, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service, protected veteran status, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance submitting an application or would like to request an accommodation, please email usatassistance@vistraenergy.comtomake a request.

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