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Power Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

The Plant Manager assures that the plant is operated in compliance with applicable safety ... Minimum of 5-7 years of full-time supervisory experience within a power plant. * Must have a valid ...

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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 Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator trainee in Riverside, CA is $46.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.35 and $61.20 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 Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,028 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Utility Plant Operator II

San Manuel Casino

Highland, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Under the direction of the Assistant Manager, Facilities, the Utility Plant Operator II, performs journeyman-level work related to the operation, installation, inspection, modification, remodeling and repair of boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, blowers and all ancillary equipment and property associated with all Central Plant Utility Operations. Collaborates, initiates, and supports opportunities with other functions by championing the goals and priorities of the Tribe in a manner that faithfully reflects and upholds the Tribe's vision, mission and values.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Oversees the operation of cooling towers, blowers, chillers, Cogen system, boilers, and other plant equipment.Ensuresguest comfort throughoperationof the building automation systems tomaintainbuilding climate controls. Communicateswork performed and/or updates andmaintainsdaily required log keeping. Participates in training programs to stay current on industry best practices and safety protocols.
2. Inspects and performs preventative maintenance to ensure clear milestones are set and followed, including mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and environmental management systems. Reviews and updates plant logs, develops preventive maintenance instructions, andassiststhe Assistant Manager in planning routine maintenance and shutdowns. Conductsrisk assessments of equipment failures, minimizing risk, andimplementsnew technologiesto improve equipment reliability and efficiency.Ensuresall maintenance activities are documented accurately and reportedin a timely mannertocomply withregulatory requirements.
3. Maintains clear andaccuratedocumentation of all operating data, inspections, testing, maintenance (corrective and/or preventative) performed andassistswith repairs, parts orders and communicating with leads and team leaders on any concerns. Updates equipment documentation,specificationsand drawings, as needed.Ensuresall maintenance activities are documented accurately and reportedin a timely mannertocomply withregulatory requirements.
4. Coordinates with HVAC and Electrical departments toassistinlocatingand troubleshooting issues in building systems. Partners with vendors and service providersregardingmaintenance and repair of equipment. Collaborates with contractors and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifications for new construction and retrofit/renovation projects according to building code requirements to createblueprints/drawings.
5. Responds to emergencysituations,that require quick thinking and decisive actionduring or after hours, to mitigate and/or resolve immediate plant operating concerns and/or safety issues/concerns. Ensures the safety of all plant personnel and prevents any potential damage to equipment or property.Strong communicationskills are essential incoordinating withemergency services and internal teams to effectively address the situation.
6. Assists with Central Plant Management to service all systems and related machinery to remain in compliance with all regulating bodies (OSHA, EPA) and minimize downtime in a safe and efficient manner.Coordinates with external vendors and contractors as needed for specialized repairs for maintenance tasks.
7. Performsotherdutiesasassignedtosupporttheecientoperationofthedepartment.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Diploma or GEDrequired.

  • Minimum of five (5) years of facility maintenance experience to include progressive cogeneration operation, power plant, diesel generator, central chilled water plant, central hydraulic system and/or boilerplant,operation experiencerequired.

  • Trade school (HVAC, electrical) or equivalent required.

  • Related,relevant,and/ordirectexperiencemaybeconsideredinlieuofminimumeducational requirementsindicatedabove.

KNOWLEDGE,SKILLSAND ABILITIES (KSA)

  • High School Diploma or GED required.

  • Minimum of five (5) years of facility maintenance experience to include progressive cogeneration operation, power plant, diesel generator, central chilled water plant, central hydraulic system and/or boilerplant,operation experiencerequired.

  • Trade school (HVAC, electrical) or equivalent required.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

  • At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you maybe requiredto obtain andmaintaina gaming license.

  • Universal EPA Certificate preferred.

  • Authorized Driver: Role requires operation or driving of Tribe-owned vehicles or driving patron vehicles. A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record as determined by the insurance carrier is required.

PHYSICALREQUIREMENTS/WORKINGCONDITIONS-ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Primaryworkenvironmentisinafacilitysetting.

  • Workmayrequiretraveltoattendmeetings,tradeshows,andconferences.

  • Incumbentsmayberequiredtoworkevening,weekendandholidayshifts.

  • Mustbeabletoworkinafast-paced,high-demandenvironment.

  • Strengthsufficienttoexertupto10poundsofforceoccasionallyand/oranegligibleamountof forcefrequentlyor constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.

  • Sedentarywork:very littlesitting.Able tooperateacomputerandother

  • officeproductivitymachinery,suchasacalculator,copymachine,andcomputerprinter.

  • Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling,crouching,reaching,pushing,pulling,lifting,grasping,talking,hearing,andrepetitivemotions.

  • Hearingsufficienttohearconversationallevelsinperson,viavideoconferenceandoverthe telephone.

  • Speechsufficienttomakeoneselfheardandunderstoodinperson,infrontofgroups,inmeetings,

  • viavideoconferenceandoverthetelephone.

  • Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visualacuitytoperformanactivitysuchaspreparingandanalyzingdataandfigures; transcribing;viewingacomputerterminal;expansivereadingandvisualinspectionofemployees, visitors or facility.

  • Mobilitysufficienttosafelymoveinanofficeenvironment,walk,stoop,bendandkneel,andenter,exitandoperatea motor vehiclein the course oftravel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, tradeshowsand San Manuel properties.

  • Endurancesufficienttosit,walkandstandforextendedperiods,andmaintainefficiencythroughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.

  • Theemployeemaybeexposedtofumesorairborneparticlesincludingsecondhandsmoke.

Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicablelaw.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!