Power Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.
We anticipate the need for one or more General Plant Helper(s) to be located at the Black Dog Generating Plant. The Black Dog plant is located at: 1400 Black Dog Road, Burnsville, MN. The starting wage rate for this position will be $28.49 per hour according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. This position will be posted for 10 working days from August 3, 2026, to August 14, 2026.
Company will have the sole right of selectivity in filling this position.
The Company intends to train and promote the successful qualified candidate into a position within the Operations or Maintenance department at the plant. This training schedule and classification will depend on the skillset and ability of the individual hired and the needs of the Company.
Please verify that your education and/or experience meets the minimum requirements listed below. Please do not apply if you do not possess the minimum requirements, or if you are not interested or able to be trained and promoted into the Operations or Maintenance department. Note that promotion into the Operations department would require working rotating shifts.
Position Summary:
Entry level responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: cleaning and monitoring of power generating equipment throughout the plant; general plant clean up; general maintenance duties as trained and assigned; snow removal; grass cutting and grounds keeping.
Position will be required to perform/accomplish the following: complete training and qualification in general mechanical maintenance skills; be trained on and operate plant equipment; actively participate in required training programs, which may include state boiler license certification, as directed by plant management; and participate in other training as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have successfully passed the Edison Electric Institute Power Plant Maintenance and Plant Operator selection exams or be a grandfathered employee.
• Prefer post-secondary technical training in a related area.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Applicant is required to successfully pass the Xcel Energy screening requirements, which include a drug test and security clearance. Other exams may be required by federal regulations, such as OSHA and DOT.

Special Requirements:

• Able to lift up to 50 pounds safely.
• Work in inclement weather.
• Must be qualified to wear a respirator.
• Will be required to perform duties, when necessary, from scaffolds and catwalks in high and confined spaces.
• Must be able to work overtime and various shifts as required including rotating shift work.

Selection criteria may include testing and/or assessment
As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $28.49 per hour
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Vacation, Holidays, Additional days off, Sick Time, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 08/14/26
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