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Power Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Summary APS is looking for a BA Operator Trainee to join their ECC team! The Balancing Authority is ... High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations ...

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Summary APS is looking for a BA Operator Trainee to join their ECC team! The Balancing Authority is ... High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations ...

Power Block Operator

Gila Bend, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Assists in plant start-ups, shut-downs, normal and emergency plant operations as required ... Power Block Operator Working Conditions Works in a remote power plant environment. Potential ...

ECC Transmission Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

Summary The ECC Transmission Operator Trainee is expected to complete qualifications within ... High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations ...

... Trainee (OST) duties are: Satisfactory completion of all training objectives to develop the skills ... Seeking experienced Combined Cycle power plant Control Room Operator. Preferably with GE 7FA ...

Power Plant Mechanic III Summary Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Power Plant Maintenance ... The primary objective is to ensure the plants are operated and maintained with regard to the ...

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Power Plant Operator Trainee information

See Arizona salary details

$18

$41

$59

How much do power plant operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator trainee in Arizona is $41.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.98 and $54.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a power plant operator trainee?

A Power Plant Operator Trainee is an entry-level position where individuals learn how to monitor and control power-generating equipment under the supervision of experienced operators. Trainees receive hands-on training in operating turbines, boilers, generators, and other systems to ensure safe and efficient power production. Responsibilities typically include reading gauges, recording data, and responding to system alerts. Over time, trainees gain the knowledge and skills needed to become fully qualified power plant operators.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a power plant operator trainee?

As a Power Plant Operator Trainee, your daily tasks typically involve shadowing experienced operators, monitoring equipment gauges and control panels, recording operational data, and assisting with routine maintenance. You may also learn to adjust controls to regulate output, respond to alarms or abnormal indicators, and participate in safety drills. Over time, you'll gain experience analyzing system performance and troubleshooting issues under supervision. The role offers hands-on training in a highly structured team setting, preparing you for increased responsibility and possible advancement to full operator roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the power plant operator trainee position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring technical training or coursework. Familiarity with control systems, monitoring equipment, and safety protocols is crucial, and completion of relevant safety training or industry certifications can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to follow instructions make a candidate stand out in this position. These competencies ensure safe and efficient plant operations while supporting learning and advancement in a highly regulated environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,669 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Arizona Public Service

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Arizona Public Service rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.
Summary
APS is looking for a BA Operator Trainee to join their ECC team! The Balancing Authority is responsible for maintaining generation-load-frequency control, ensuring accurate transmission scheduling and participating in the Energy Imbalance Market.
We would like to speak with you if you have :
  • Experience operating a Balancing Authority and making real-time control decisions to maintain system reliability within design limits.
  • Knowledge of FERC, NERC, and WECC policies, and a proven track record of adhering to regulatory procedures in power system operations.
  • Authority and confidence to initiate emergency load reduction when energy resources fall short of demand, ensuring grid stability under pressure.
  • Expertise in monitoring generation and reserves, and ensuring compliance with interconnected system agreements and power pool criteria.
  • Strong communication and coordination skills with system marketers, especially around unit commitment, plant status, and Energy Imbalance Market operations.

The ECC BA Operator Trainee is expected to complete qualifications within assigned time frames.
* This position works on rotating 12 hours shifts
Minimum Requirements
  • High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations, system electric field work or other electric operations work OR BS/BA/AA in related technical field or operations/business management and two (2) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations, system electric field work or other electric operations work management
  • Ability to obtain the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) certification within six (6) months of hire and to complete all continuing education as required by NERC and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC).
  • Continue educational and professional development beyond the level of basis (entry level) training.
  • Ability to work rotating shifts.

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:
  • Two years' experience as a NERC certified operator within the WECC.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of basic algebra and trigonometry; demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills; PC literate.

Major Accountabilities
1) Analyze conditions; take control action to operate the APS Balancing Authority within design limits.
2) To follow all FERC, NERC and WECC operating policies and procedures.
3) Exercise full authority to implement emergency load reduction when energy resources cannot meet load requirements.
4) Continually monitor on-line generation to ensure required system operating reserves; and ensure the interconnected system and associated power pool operating agreements, criteria and guidelines are met.
5) Interface with system marketers to ensure proper communications with regard to power plant status and generating unit commitment, and Energy Imbalance Market activities.
6) Provide complete and accurate documentation of all system events, problems, transactions, commitments, and communications relating to real time system operations, generation and scheduling of APS and interconnected system energy resources. Documentation is for management, state and federal regulatory review.
7) Update available transmission postings, process requests for transmission service, and implement transmission and energy interchange schedules in computer.
Export Compliance / EEO Statement
This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.
For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job-related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.
CIP Requirement:
This position requires Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) access consistent with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. The applicant considered for this role will be required to obtain and maintain CIP access for the duration of employment in this position. A full seven (7) year criminal history will be obtained through the pre-employment background check process (or, for current employees, through supplemental background check process) to fulfill the CIP access requirements. In addition, this position requires an additional background check every seven years to maintain access.
Location-Based Role:
This position requires employees to work at the (Location), with some flexibility. Flexibility will be determined with the hires employee and leadership, but the ultimate decision is the company's.
Testing Information
Tests are only administered to referred candidates. More information about our tests and the testing process can be found HERE.
A written [paper and pencil] test will be administered.
A test using a computer with keyboard will be administered.
E-mail will be the method of contact with job applicants for test scheduling. Please be sure to check your e-mail regularly so that you receive scheduling notifications for testing and updated job information.

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