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Power Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Facilities / Skilled Trades Reporting to a Power Plant Operator Shift Supervisor, the Plant Operator Lead will assist the supervisor in setting work priorities, assigning work, and overseeing daily ...

Prepare monthly plant activity, operating plan, and budget variance reports. * Communicate ... Strong understanding of power plant operations and O&M functions. * Knowledge of plant chemistry ...

Prepare monthly plant activity, operating plan, and budget variance reports. * Communicate ... Strong understanding of power plant operations and O&M functions. * Knowledge of plant chemistry ...

Provides skills for maintaining equipment at the plant Perform clearances in LOTOV under the direction of a senior operator or supervisor Utilizes/operates various types of hand, power, precision or ...

Find out! We're looking for hard-working plant operators to join our growing team. Competitive pay ... Proficiency with hand and power tools * Ability to work effectively in adverse environmental ...

Provides skills for maintaining equipment at the plant Perform clearances in LOTOV under the direction of a senior operator or supervisor Utilizes/operates various types of hand, power, precision or ...

Provides skills for maintaining equipment at the plant Perform clearances in LOTOV under the direction of a senior operator or supervisor Utilizes/operates various types of hand, power, precision or ...

Plant Operator - Suffolk, Virginia Company Overview ENERGYneering Solutions Inc. ® (ESI) provides ... Power; Waste Management; Environmental Air Quality Control Systems. · Instrumentation and Controls ...

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Power Plant Operator Trainee information

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

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator trainee in Virginia is $44.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.81 and $58.17 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,206 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Water Treatment Plant Operator: Trainee, I or II

Town of Leesburg, VA

Leesburg, VA • On-site

$53K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Salary: $53,570.00 - $116,738.00 Annually
Location : 43234 Edwards Ferry Road Leesburg, VA
Job Type: RFT
Job Number: 01303
Department: Utilities Department
Division: Water Supply Facility
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
About the Town of Leesburg and Nature of Work
Do you want to apply your expertise for a cause you can feel good about? Do you want to work for an organization that wants you to grow with it and offers tuition reimbursement, certification training, and a chance to learn about multiple industries? Come work for the Town of Leesburg, hometown of the 21st century! Located 35 miles west of the nation's capital in the heart of DC's Wine Country, you'll enjoy a vibrant and authentic community with "big city" amenities. The Town of Leesburg strongly encourages innovation, promotes career development, and offers excellent benefits to employees. Benefits include membership to the Town's full-service recreation center, enrollment into the Virginia Retirement System, excellent healthcare insurance, and other fringe benefits.
What You'll Be Doing
This position involves entry level through journey-level technical work opportunities in the Water Supply Division in the operation; and maintenance of a water treatment plant, associated facilities and plant grounds. Work involves responsibility for the operation, monitoring, and control of the facility on a shift under the close guidance of senior operations personnel. Work involves conducting tests in a microbiology lab; adjusting treatment processes to ensure conformance with applicable standards; operating wells, storage tanks and booster stations; participating in the maintenance of equipment and facilities; performing data entry on a computer; and preparing operating reports and records. The Water Supply Division is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Town's Kenneth B. Rollins Water Treatment Plant (WTP), one well, five water storage tanks, and four water booster stations.
Schedule
This position requires working rotating shifts (days/nights), including weekends and holidays.
Career Development Program
The Town's Water Supply Division offers a career development program. The purpose of this program is to recognize and compensate those individuals who have acquired additional or advanced work-related knowledge, skills and abilities during their career with the Town's Utilities Department. This program provides a career development plan based on an employee's performance, training, licensure and length of service.
For more detailed job descriptions, please visit the Town's
Required Qualifications
Utility Plant Operator Trainee ($53,570-$116,738 DOQ): HS/GED. Ability to obtain a Class IV Water Works Operator License for Water Supply within 18 months. Ability to obtain a Class III Water Works Operators License for Water Supply. Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Certifications in CPR/AED and First Aid or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Knowledge in MS Suite applications and computer program applications appropriate to the position. Available and able to work shifts (nights, weekends and holidays).
Utility Plant Operator I ($54,601-$118,938 DOQ): High school diploma (or GED) and one year of experience operating a water or wastewater treatment
plant facility. Possession of a current Class III Water Works Operator License for Water Supply as issued by Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Water or environmental laboratory experience. Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. CPR / AED First Aid certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Knowledge and familiarity with Virginia Waterworks Regulations. Knowledge in MS Suite applications and computer program applications appropriate to the position. Available to work shifts (nights, weekends and holidays).
Utility Plant Operator II ($57,331-$127,295 DOQ): HS/GED and two years of progressively responsible work in water treatment. Water or environmental laboratory experience. Possession of a Class II Water Works Operator License as issued by the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR). CPR/AED First Aid certification or within one year of hire. Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Experience with industrial computer control systems (SCDA) and process control system. Available to work shifts ( nights, weekends and holidays).
Preferred Qualifications
Utility Plant Operator Trainee: Class IV License Water Works Operator License issued by the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Water or environmental laboratory experience.
Utility Plant Operator I: Backflow device certification. Experience with SCADA and Process Control Systems. Completion of VDH/VWEA Operators Short School - Virginia Tech.
Utility Plant Operator II: Backflow device certification. Associates or Bachelors degree in Biology, Chemistry or other related science. Bacteriology Laboratory Experience.
Employee BenefitsThe Town offers competitive compensation, affordable health insurance coverage, participation in the Virginia Retirement System, an optional 457(b) retirement plan with a Town matching contribution, flexible spending accounts, voluntary benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), membership to the Town's full-service recreation center, an optional payroll Roth IRA, and generous paid time off. For more information on the Town's robust benefits package, please visit the Town'sEmployee Benefits page.
EOE/ADA
Please click on "Employee Benefits" to review detailed information regarding employee benefits for regular full-time and regular part-time employees.