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Power Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

IC&E Technician II

Fountain, CO ยท On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

Knowledge of equipment operating limits, parameters, operating procedures and systems. Performs corrective actions if limits are exceeded. * Working knowledge of combined cycle power plant system ...

Knowledge of equipment operating limits, parameters, operating procedures and systems. Performs corrective actions if limits are exceeded. * Working knowledge of combined cycle power plant system ...

IC&E Technician II

Fountain, CO ยท On-site

$50 - $62/hr

Knowledge of equipment operating limits, parameters, operating procedures and systems. Performs corrective actions if limits are exceeded. * Working knowledge of combined cycle power plant system ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Broomfield, CO ยท On-site

$100 - $125/hr

We help asset owners, operators and stakeholders benefit from the full value of their energy ... Designs, constructs, and integrates Power Plant Control (PPC) and Energy Management System (EMS ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Broomfield, CO ยท On-site

$100 - $125/hr

We help asset owners, operators and stakeholders benefit from the full value of their energy ... Designs, constructs, and integrates Power Plant Control (PPC) and Energy Management System (EMS ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Pueblo, CO ยท On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator in Pueblo, CO * Full-time position * Schedule: 4 on 4 off/rotate days and ... power plant. What You'll Be Doing * Operation of Heavy Industrial Equipment (D9, D10, 854K Rubber ...

Senior SCADA Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

About the Company Our client is a leading independent power platform owning and operating more than ... Partner with internal and third-party IT teams to support plant operations. * Provide guidance to ...

Showing results 41-60

Power Plant Operator Trainee information

See Colorado salary details

$21

$47

$66

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator trainee in Colorado is $47.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.59 and $61.68 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 Colorado?

The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Colorado?

For Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Colorado as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,795 per year, or $47 per hour.

IC&E Technician II

Fountain, CO โ€ข On-site

Onward Energy
Utilitiesย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$35K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Instrument & Control Technician II (Senior Technician)

Reports To: Operations & Maintenance Manager

Direct Reports: No Functional Unit: Operations

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Type: Full-Time

Plant Location: Fountain, Colorado

Onward Energy / Fountain Valley Power is proud to offer a highly competitive compensation package that includes a robust benefits program and a performance-based bonus plan. Our benefits are designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families, while our bonus structure rewards individual and team contributions that drive our mission forward.

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our employees, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Corporate Offices in Denver, New York and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

The Fountain Valley Facility is a 240 MW simple cycle, natural gas-fired, peaking facility with a PPA with PSCo to 2032. The plant is located in Fountain, Colorado. Adjacent to the Fountain Valley Facility is 145 vacant acres of land for future development.

THE CHALLENGE

Perform operations, testing, maintenance and administrative functions of a distributive control system (DCS) and all associated field devices including the Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) for a simple cycle gas power plant.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Administers processes and procedures as required by the O&M Manager, which includes:
    • Identify and implement On-condition tasks.
    • Evaluate recommended changes based on cost/benefit.
    • Specify instrument and electrical changes as required.
  • Required to complete the O&M Tech I qualification process. Qualification is required within 2 years of date of hire.
  • Work safely, following company and operator policies, procedures, and work practices in a positive, cooperative, and productive manner.
  • Computes and analyzes test data.
  • Use installed and portable test equipment and technical manuals to troubleshoot equipment and systems.
  • Monitor, maintain and review all system startup procedures to determine control and electrical personnel support requirements.
  • Coordinate job activities relating to job planning, work methods, job standards and job reporting for the work assigned.
  • Perform both routine and non-routine preventative and corrective maintenance on plant equipment.
  • Assist other plant personnel as needed.
  • Maintenance and upkeep of site buildings and grounds.
  • Maintain, calibrate and repair plant instrumentation and control devices.
  • Prepares, maintains and provides a variety of reports/documents as required or upon request.
  • Reviews P&I Drawings and logic diagrams.
  • Communicates condition of plant systems, equipment and pertinent information to others.
  • Coordinates job activities relating to job planning, work methods, job standards and job reporting for the work assigned.
  • Creates procedures related to instrumentation and electrical systems.
  • Directs and performs work in accordance with policies and procedures as established by the company and regulatory agencies.
  • Operate all plant mobile equipment, forklift, man lift, etc.
  • Maintain documentation records of calibration, tests and certification of electrical and instrument equipment.
  • May be required to support job responsibilities as needed outside of scheduled work hours.
  • Occasional travel may be required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

  • A two-year technical degree and a minimum of 5 years of power plant and/or industrial electrical, instrumentation or electronics experience is required.
  • In lieu of a degree, significant power plant and/or industrial electrical or electronics experience may also qualify an applicant for this position.
  • Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), GE Mark VI and ABB Bailey INFI 90, Various PLC Controllers, Teledyne Monitor Labs CEMS controls and equipment. Programming and configuration capabilities preferred.
  • Knowledge of equipment operating limits, parameters, operating procedures and systems. Performs corrective actions if limits are exceeded.
  • Working knowledge of combined cycle power plant system, power plant operations, and maintenance, electrical principles, work practices, procedures and materials.
  • Ability to interpret control drawings and P&ID’s.
  • Ability to make maintenance related decisions with minimum direct supervision.
  • Knowledge of instrumentation test equipment, signal generators, relay test sets, oscilloscopes and computers.
  • Knowledge of industry related CEM System hardware, software and reporting.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills and possess the ability to learn.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude with an advanced understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity and mathematics.
  • Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.
  • Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to demonstrate basic computer knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and various other programs.
  • Must be able to interact and communicate well with individuals in all areas of the company and outside vendors.
  • Valid U.S. Driver license with acceptable MVR history, if applicable.

THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation

  • Adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting. May be required to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, and pull objects, materials, controls and tools. Will occasionally work at heights, climb ladders, stairways, and work from platforms. Will use vision abilities to focus, see short and long distances, colors, depth perception and peripheral vision. Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves and steel-toe boots.
  • Able to hear (at some dB limit of loss) plant alarms, equipment condition, and to receive oral instructions.
  • Able to see to determine plant operating conditions and to avoid safety hazards.

THE TEAM

The Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace our values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Performing this job without full/focused attention may cause serious injury or even fatality. Work is generally performed inside the power plant but may work in all weather conditions ranging from warm/hot - cool/cold. Occasional rain and snow. Noise levels will be moderate to high. Job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling and talking. Bells, whistles and alarms.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First, and offers employees a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market-competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to Recruiting@onwardenergy.com.

EEO STATEMENT:

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.