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Power Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

A little about Capital Power Capital Power (TSX: CPX) is dedicated to Powering Change by Changing ... Obtain Out-Plant Operator qualification for this plant * Improving technical and management ...

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Power Plant Operator Trainee information

See Renton, WA salary details

$22

$50

$71

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator trainee in Renton, WA is $50.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.80 and $65.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of an operator trainee?

A power plant operator trainee is responsible for learning how to monitor and control the equipment and systems that generate electricity. They assist experienced operators in maintaining safe and efficient plant operations, often under supervision, and may need to obtain certifications or licenses to operate specific machinery. The role involves gaining technical knowledge of plant processes, safety procedures, and operational protocols.

How hard is it to become a power plant operator?

Becoming a power plant operator typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, gaining on-the-job training, and obtaining relevant certifications or licenses. The process involves learning complex systems, safety protocols, and often passing written and practical exams, making it a challenging but achievable career path for those with technical aptitude and attention to detail.

What is a Power Plant Operator Trainee job?

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.

How much does it pay to work at a power plant?

Power plant operator trainees typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $70,000, depending on location, experience, and the specific power plant. Entry-level positions may start lower, but with training and certification, salaries can increase as skills and responsibilities grow.

How long is power plant operator school?

Power plant operator training programs typically last from several weeks to several months, depending on the facility and whether the trainee is enrolled in a formal apprenticeship or technical school. The training includes classroom instruction on plant systems, safety procedures, and hands-on experience operating equipment. Additional certification or licensing may be required before fully qualifying for the role.

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 Renton, WA? The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Renton, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Renton, WA? For Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Renton, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,613 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
Water Treatment Plant Operator

Water Treatment Plant Operator

City of Tacoma

Tacoma, WA

$59.38/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


City Of Tacoma rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 692 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description Tacoma Water is recruiting to establish an eligible list for the Water Treatment Plant Operator classification, which will be used to fill vacancies as they occur for one year unless the eligible list is extended or abolished. Operators are responsible for monitoring and controlling treatment processes, maintaining regulatory compliance, responding to changing source water conditions, and ensuring the continuous delivery of safe, reliable drinking water. Our Water Treatment Plant Operators work both independently and as part of a team and exercise independent judgment in making operational decisions that directly affect water quality, treatment performance, and system reliability.

In addition to day-to-day plant operations, operators actively participate in process optimization, operational improvements, and development of standard operating procedures. This position provides the opportunity to work with ozone treatment, conventional and direct filtration, chemical feed systems, laboratory analysis, SCADA, and large-scale transmission facilities. Tacoma Water provides direct service to more than 300,000 people in the City of Tacoma, Pierce and King counties, and several other municipal water suppliers.

We operate a 150 MGD conventional/direct filtration plant commissioned in 2015. Positions are located at the Green River Filtration Facility near Ravensdale, WA. Hourly wage depends on Water Treatment Plant Operator certification level: Level 3 certification: $59.38 hourly Level 4 certification: $62.35 hourly An additional 5% nightshift premium when applicable Primary Responsibilities: Coordinate, monitor and control water quality, and system integrity to assure public health protection and regulatory compliance

Start up, shut down, make periodic checks of plant equipment and make required adjustments. Collect water samples and perform water quality tests for regulatory compliance and system operation. Inspect various water facilities, stations, and systems to monitor status and assure proper operation.

Follow safety rules for plant operations; log and monitor confined space entries, lockout / tag-out and unsafe site conditions. Follow established guidelines and regulatory requirements to perform independent system changes to assure proper water treatment, quality and supply. Maintain plant records, logs, diaries and inventories for regulatory compliance and operational needs.

Prepare and maintain required reports and records in a clear, concise, complete, and accurate manner. Monitor and control access to water division facilities and watershed. Operate a wide variety of powered and non-powered equipment.

Perform routine and corrective maintenance on plant equipment, grounds and buildings. Communicate and work cooperatively and effectively with others to ensure safe and uninterrupted treatment plant operation. Safely load and unload potentially hazardous chemicals by hand or using chemical-handling equipment.

Perform other related incidental work. Monitor and operate water SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system. Qualifications Three years of experience working in the field of water treatment or water quality with a private or public water utility.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Possession of a valid Water Treatment Plant Operator Level III certificate (or higher) with the Washington State Department of Health or other state agencies granted reciprocity by WADOH. (The Green River Water Treatment Facility has a Level IV rating established by the Washington State Department of Health.) Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license with maintenance thereafter. Valid First Aid Certificate and CPR card prior to the completion of the probationary period with maintenance thereafter

Completion of Tacoma Water's Hazardous Chemical Training Class within six months of appointment. Selection Process & Supplemental Information City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.

Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all. The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you're passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table. Apply Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the supplemental questions scored.

Applicants will be scored based on the information provided in their responses only. It is the responsibility of the applicant to list all pertinent experience and training in their response to each supplemental question. Applicants must pass the evaluation of supplemental questions to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

Appointment is subject to passing a background check and a pre-employment medical exam. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and IBEW Local 483. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

Get Assistance For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement. For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m

and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes

Communication with the City of Tacoma We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.


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