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Power Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Blueknight Energy Partners

Plant Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Use a variety of manual and power tools in a safe manner. * Operate forklift, tractor, or man-lift ... Perform general plant cleaning. * Perform maintenance tasks and mechanical duties (pumps, valves ...

Lebanon

Waste Water Treatment Plant- Trainee Operator

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$21.32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... plant operator. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes, but is not limited to, the ... power outages, or other emergency conditions, employees in this position must be available to work ...

Johnson Service Group

Be Seen First

Shift Operations Supervisor (COAL POWER)

Cumberland City, TN · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Minimum 5 years of Coal Power Plant operations experience. * Minimum 2 years in a supervisory or team-lead role. * Practical background as a Unit Operator . * Certifications & Clearances: * * Must ...

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Power Plant Operator Trainee information

See Tennessee salary details

$18

$40

$57

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

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator trainee in Tennessee is $40.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.26 and $53.22 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings:

Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,412 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Senior Power Plant Operator-Boiler Maintenance

The University of Tennessee

Memphis, TN

$28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Market Range: 09

Hiring Salary: $27.00/Hourly (Non-licensed)

                       $28.00/Hourly (Licensed First-Class Steam Operating)

JOB SUMMARY/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

The Senior Power Plant Operator tests and maintains all treated water systems, and operates the high-pressure boiler, power plant, and cooling plant for the Health Science Center. This position is classified as an Essential Services Employee. Essential Services Employees maintain business operations for UT Health Science Center and support the physical operations and safety of the campus. This role involves performing various operations and services essential to maintain critical infrastructure and ensuring continuous operations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  

EDUCATION: 

High School Diploma or GED. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

EXPERIENCE: 

Four (4) years of experience assisting in the operation of high-pressure boilers in excess of 15 PSI, operating boilers greater than 5HP and monitor refrigeration equipment greater than 40 tons. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a background check and drug screening. 

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: 

Candidate must have Shelby County Third Class Steam Operating license. Candidate must have Shelby County First Class Steam Operating license OR obtain within one year of employment. Must have a valid Driver's License. (Shelby County First Class Refrigeration Operating license is preferred.). (COPY OF LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)        

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS: 

Must ability to lift 75 lbs. and to climb and work from ladders for an extended period. This position requires successful background check and drug screening as a part of the employee screening process. 

WORK SCHEDULE: 

May frequently work weekends and evenings. This position is required to report to designated work location to ensure the operation of essential campus functions or departments during an emergency, or when the University has suspended or delayed operations.

  1. Operates heating and cooling plant equipment that includes boilers that generate pressure in excess of 15 PSI and centrifugal chillers ranging in size up to 1500 tons.
  2. Logs entries daily as to the functions of the equipment daily check sheet.
  3. Repairs equipment as necessary. 
  4. Performs routine maintenance tasks associated with the boilers and chillers, including the sump pumps, fan and cooling tower repairs.
  5. Performs daily water sample readings from the condensate, condenser and chill water loops.
  6. Generates and maintains electronic and paper records. 
  7. Orders parts through the supervisor. 
  8. Cleans and maintains all mechanical rooms that houses a boiler.
  9. Performs other related duties as required.

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